England Under-21s are one match away from winning back-to-back Euros as Harvey Elliott’s brilliant double sent them into the final.

The defending champions set up a showdown against either France or Germany on Saturday in Bratislava by overcoming the Netherlands.

England won the tournament for the first time in 39 years in 2023, and Lee Carsley’s side could now match the feat of successive triumphs in 1982 and 1984.

Elliott was twice denied by Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs in the first half, but the Young Lions were unable to maintain their tempo in the blistering heat of Slovakia.

Elliott’s opener

They remained comfortable during a low-key opening period, but the Netherlands grew in confidence, with left-back Ian Maatsen denied by James Beadle before Elliott’s 62nd-minute opener.

The Liverpool attacker rifled in from an angle after Elliot Anderson’s pass for his third goal of the tournament.

Noah Ohio leveled 10 minutes later for the Dutch, capitalising on defender Charlie Cresswell’s error and catching Beadle out with a superb curling low finish from 30 yards – the former Hull City loanee’s first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Drilled home

But Elliott had the final say when he drilled into the corner from the edge of the box with five minutes left.

In the immediate aftermath of the game there was only one talking point. Can England retain their title?

France or Germany – who play later on Wednesday – await in Bratislava, but the Young Lions’ grit, determination, and quality have seen them through.

They have gained momentum during the tournament—crucial for any winning side—but have done so with unity and class.

They lost to Germany in their final group game, so they could be going for revenge should they meet in the showpiece, but were also beaten 5-3 by France in a friendly in March.