The England U21 team faces the Netherlands U21 squad in a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the European Championship in Bratislava today, June 25, 2025. Kick-off is set for 5pm BST.
England enters the match as the defending champions, aiming to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since 1984. After a somewhat underwhelming group stage, where they won only one of their three games and finished second to Germany, the Young Lions found their stride in the quarter-finals with an impressive 3-1 victory over tournament favorites Spain. Goals from James McAtee, Harvey Elliott, and Elliot Anderson secured the win and sent a strong message to the rest of the competition. Coach Lee Carsley has emphasized the importance of squad rotation and tactical flexibility, which could prove crucial in the hot conditions.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, had a more dramatic route to the semi-finals. They edged past Portugal 1-0 in a quarter-final match that saw them reduced to 10 men in the first half after Ruben van Bommel's red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage and a missed penalty by Portugal, the Dutch team showed resilience and determination, with Ernest Poku scoring the decisive goal late in the game. However, the Netherlands will be without key players Ruben van Bommel, Devyne Rensch, and Kenneth Taylor due to suspension. Luciano Valente has been called up as a replacement in midfield, while Jorrel Hato and Kian Fitz-Jim are likely to start.
The match promises to be a close encounter, with both teams demonstrating different kinds of resilience throughout the tournament. England has proven their ability to compete with top nations, while the Netherlands has shown they can overcome adversity. In their most recent meeting, a friendly in November 2024, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw.
Lee Carsley has expressed confidence in his team, stating that there are "better nights to come" after the win against Spain. He also acknowledged the importance of having an extra day to recover before the semi-final. The winner of this match will face either Germany or France in the final.
For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Channel 4, with coverage starting at 4:40pm BST. Streaming will also be available via Channel 4 On Demand.
The stakes are high as both teams vie for a place in the final and a chance to lift the trophy. England will look to capitalize on their strong performance against Spain, while the Netherlands will aim to replicate their resilience and determination from the quarter-final.
