Germany's 'Mega Rotation' Stuns England in U21 Euro Quarter-Final
Youngster lacking in skills proves detrimental to England's under-21 squad
This tournament is all about the Germans, baby! Germany's U21 squad cruised into the Euro quarter-finals as group winners after taking down England 2-1. And here's the kicker: They did it with a roster shakeup that left fans scratching their heads.
Nick Woltemade wasn't needed on this day. With a complete lineup overhaul, Germany kept their winning streak alive at the Euro and solidified their title aspirations. The DFB team convincingly beat European champions England and became the first to finish the preliminary round undefeated. Next up? A clash with Italy on Sunday (either 6 or 9 PM, Sat.1).
Ansgar Knauff of Eintracht Frankfurt (3') and Nelson Weiper from 1. FSV Mainz 05 (33') found the back of the net for the dominant German side in Slovakia's Nitra. England managed a consolation goal through Alex Scott (76'), but it wasn't enough to prevent their elimination. "We've got a powerhouse squad from one to 23," said Knauff on Sat.1. "I'm grateful to have helped the team - now it's all about the quarter-finals."
After victories against Slovenia (3-0) and the Czech Republic (4-2), DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo drastically reshuffled the playing field, even benching Woltemade, who has scored four goals at the finals. During halftime, he was even spotted signing autographs.
Football Frenzy: Germany Turns Tide in 'Crazy' Wake-Up Call vs. England
With 5624 spectators in attendance, including approximately 500 German fans, the German B-team seized the initiative with the opening attack. Knauff skillfully slid the ball into the far corner to bring the score to 1-0. "I trust the team completely," Di Salvo declared before the match. "These are equally talented players," he added, hinting at the unprecedented lineup changes.
With the lead, the Germans allowed England to control possession but maintained a solid defensive stance. Knauff and Weiper showcased their clinical finishing skills again when Weiper coolly headed in a Knauff cross (33') – his first U21 goal. England reacted with urgency but could not penetrate the German backline.
The Three Lions managed a few brief sparks in the second half but struggled to find openings against the sturdy German defense, as the German goalkeeper Tjark Ernst made crucial saves to preserve the victory.
Up Next: Germany Takes on Italy in Quarter-Finals with Di Salvo and Tresoldi Chasing Personal Glory
In a special twist, the upcoming match against Italy is significant for Di Salvo and striker Nicolo Tresoldi, who both have Italian heritage. "That's where my family's from – I'm pumped for this one!" Di Salvo said with a smile. The duo has met only twice in an EP before, with Germany winning both encounters (2009 – 1:0 in the semi-finals, 2017 – 0:1 in the group stage). Let's see if history repeats itself!
[1] ntv.de
[2] SID
[3] Germany U21 squad composition, player statistics and tournament information (source: UEFA)
[4] England U21 squad composition, player statistics and tournament information (source: UEFA)
[5] Brief historical overview of Germany U21 team performances in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship (source: UEFA)
The junior football teams of Germany and England clash in the Champions League and other European leagues, showcasing their exceptional skills in the sports realm. Germany's B-team displayed their dominance in the U21 Euro, stunning England in the quarter-finals and securing their position as title contenders.
