Tempers flare after England beat Spain to reach Under-21 Euros semi-final

Players from both sides had words for each other after the final whistle - AP/Petr David Josek

England U21 3 Spain U21 1

England’s Under-21 European Championship quarter-final triumph over Spain resulted in a full-time brawl. It almost perfectly personified the Young Lions’ battling performance as they kept their title defence alive.

An excessive and chopping challenge on Tino Livramento as England killed the tie saw tempers rise, with the scenes that followed more suited to WWE’s Royal Rumble than the Under-21 Euros.

Spain’s back-up goalkeeper had Harvey Elliott by his neck. Ashley Cole was needed to drag Jonathan Rowe away. Charlie Cresswell was front and centre, battling for his side as he did all evening. The tie was not short of passion.

England survived an early scare when VAR reversed a penalty against Charlie Cresswell after Diego López’s shot hit his arm. A welcome lifeline. There had been a wait for defending champions England to burst into life at this tournament. The overturned penalty served as the much-needed catalyst.

The introduction of Jay Stansfield, who was making his first start, provided the focal point England had longed for. His intelligent runs offered balance. The Young Lions had found fluidity in attack when they needed it most.

After thriftlessness in the groups, it finally clicked in front of goal for Lee Carsley’s side. Alex Scott’s 10th-minute corner was inadvertently flicked on by a Spanish defender and into the penalty area. James McAtee roamed onto the ball and slotted away. England had arrived.

James McAtee scored from close-range after slack Spain defending at a corner - Getty Images/Tullio Puglia

Five minutes later, that punishing instinct was on show again. An England turnover saw Jarell Quansah maraud forward before unleashing a long-range strike. His attempt, spilt by Alejandro Iturbe, fell directly into the path of Elliott, who tapped home with ease.

England had transformed into an incisive attacking force. While Carsley had targeted his side to control the ball against the Spanish, they found joy on the break with Omari Hutchinson, Elliott and Livramento impairing Spain in wide areas.

Spain, however, were not going out without a fight. They upped the ante shortly after falling two behind. Their perseverance was soon rewarded when Alberto Moleiro profited off Scott’s loose pass and ventured into the England box. Quansah, caught in two minds, was drawn into dangling his leg, and Spain were awarded a penalty. Javi Guerra stood over it and calmly rolled the spot-kick to James Beadle’s left, the keeper diving in the opposite direction.

Jarell Quansah trips Alberto Moleiro to concede a penalty - Getty Images/Tullio Puglia

In a rematch of the 2023 final, where England ran out 1-0 victors, the focus shifted to survival for the Young Lions. Spain had worked through the gears and looked an attractive side.

Cresswell was frequently called into action for England. His committed blocks were crucial. Beadle was required to maintain England’s advantage when a speedy double save denied Guerra a leveller. It was all a bit too close for England’s liking. Spain had found space. Their inquisition into the wide areas was akin to the Young Lions’ expeditious start.

Despite the Spanish improvement, England continued to craft clear-cut chances. Stansfield, who had run himself into the ground with his dirty work, had a brilliant attempt blocked after he took Hutchinson’s backheel in his stride. The forward’s contributions validated Carsley’s decision to opt for a conventional No 9.

England rallied and dug deep. Cresswell was heroic at the back. Their persistence in defence offered one final break. Substitute Rowe nipped ahead of the goalkeeper and won a late penalty before Anderson dispatched to book England’s spot in the semi-final.

Elliot Anderson seals victory for England from the penalty spot - Getty Images/Christian Hofer

Although the scenes were unsavoury at the end, they demonstrated England’s passion. Every player went to bat for the team. It was a defence against the Spanish that Sir Francis Drake would have been proud of.

“I saw the boys start going into it,” said captain McAtee. “I was always going in to help. It’s part of football; you must stick together as a team.

“It’s a big game, we know that. It’s two big teams in the tournament, so with them kicking off, we can’t sit back and just let them do it, we must give them a bit back. I am happy with the boys.”

Knocking out tournament favourites Spain, the Young Lions have set up a semi-final against the Netherlands on Thursday evening, where they will bid to reach the final of consecutive tournaments.

England (4-2-2-2): Beadle; Livramento, Cresswell, Quansah, Hinshelwood; Scott (Anderson 51), Morton; Elliott (Norton-Cuffy 71), Hutchinson (Rowe 52); McAtee (Hackney 72), Stansfield (Nwaneri 81).

Booked: Morton, McAtee.

Goals: McAtee 10, Elliott 15, Anderson 90+4 pen.

Spain (4-2-3-1): Iturbe; Pubill, Tárrega, Mosquera, Bueno; Turrientes (Moro 57), Guerra; Sánchez (Jauregizar 57), Moleiro (Rodríguez 78), López (Fernández 71); Joseph (Torre 71).

Red card: Marin.

Goal: Guerra 39 pen.

Referee: Simone Sozza

10:20 PM BST

Lee Carsley speaking

We talked about getting a fast start and to give a penalty away after a minute... the lads showed a lot of character.

First half we were so good. I said before the longer the game went on the more fluid we will become.

We talk about attacking so much you forget the other side of the game and I felt the whole back four and goalkeeper were excellent defending the box.

Jay [Stansfield] has been outstanding all camp, I talk about managing minutes because a game every three days is a big ask. With our situation in the group we could not rest players, which is the reason Elliott [Anderson] could not start. He’ll be big for us in the semi-final.

This can’t be our final, this can’t be our highlight of the competition, there are better nights to come.

Lee Carsley on the touchline - Getty Images/Christian Hofer

10:12 PM BST

James McAtee speaking

It wasn’t good enough [the group stages]. We knew we had to step it up and from the start you saw that, we started on fire. The boys are delighted, over the moon with the win. You know what it is like now, it is all about stats, so I’m trying to add goals.

10:07 PM BST

Charlie Creswell in the thick of things

Well… that was all a bit frantic. First of all, a stunning performance by England. Punishing going forward, spirited at the back. A very special display against a well-rounded Spain. Are England peaking at the perfect moment?

Unnecessary scenes at the end. A massive brawl when the final whistle went. Ashley Cole was needed to drag Jonathan Rowe away. Charlie Cresswell seemed right at the centre of it. It was very difficult to see what the catalyst was. Sour grapes from the Spanish, perhaps.

Charlie Cresswell in the thick of the melee - AP/Petr David Josek

09:56 PM BST

FT: Spain 1 England 3

England have beaten the tournament favourites and will face Netherlands in the semi-finals.

There is lots of aggravation between both players, and the respective coaching teams at the end. It is not quite a brawl, more of a fracas, but there looked some venom behind the exchanges.

Spain’s and England’s players clash after the full-time whistle - AP/Petr David Josek

09:54 PM BST

GOOOOALLL! Anderson converts and England are going through

Lee Carsley’s team are surely through to the semi-finals. Cool penalty from Anderson, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. 

Netherlands await, surely.

09:53 PM BST

PENALTY ENGLAND!

Spain’s goalkeeper Iturbe was rash, trying to sweep up behind his defence and Rowe put his foot on the gas to win the race to the loose ball before he was clattered by the ‘keeper. Certain penalty.

Anderson to take the penalty; for a place in the semi-finals.

09:51 PM BST

91 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Tyer Morton puts his head where it hurts, and Spain are penalised for a high boot. A chance for England to shift up the pitch.

09:51 PM BST

90 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Creswell with a big defensive header, his strength in that area helps compensate for Quansah’s lack of aerial dominance. 

There are just four minutes of stoppage time for England to see out. Spain not happy with that.

09:49 PM BST

89 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Nice touch inside from Nwaneri to release Norton-Cuffy on a foray forward, but he whacked his shot over the bar. Better than putting it in the goalkeeper’s gloves at this stage.

09:48 PM BST

88 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Fernandez wins a header against Quansah in the box, but there was not enough power behind it to trouble Beadle. Anderson then does well to win a foul in midfield.

09:47 PM BST

86 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Nwaneri with the chance to carry the ball into space, but he took it a little too wide and his shot was blocked. Now Rowe has been booked for kicking the ball away, with the England man claiming he did not hear the whistle. England are almost there.

09:44 PM BST

83 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Just what England needed: Rowe wins a foul in the Spanish half and they can kill some time. Morton’s delivery was poor, however, but England keep the ball.

Jesus Rodriguez then has a run at Norton-Cuffy, but the former Arsenal player defends soundly in his box and wins a goal kick.

England’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy defends - AP/Petr David Josek

09:41 PM BST

80 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

It looked like Stansfield was through on a goal after a slip from Tarrega, but he did not have the legs to capitalise and Mosquera recovered well to bail out his mate. Spain continue to probe around the box, but England are looking solid.

Carsley is making his final change: Ethan Nwaneri is on for Stansfield.

09:39 PM BST

78 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Jack Hinshelwood is not known for his aerial prowess but he should have booked England’s place in the semi-final there. Wicked delivery from Anderson found the Brighton man completely unmarked, but from seven yards out he headed over the bar.

09:37 PM BST

76 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

England continue to look potent from corners and it allows them to gain some territory. Morton then rides a couple of challenges and there are tentative appeals for a penalty but he was looking for it. The referee tells him to get up.

09:35 PM BST

74 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Moleiro with a strike from 25 yards that deflects behind for a Spain corner. Guerra impressing again in midfield, he looks a classic Spanish No 6 in the mould of Rodri or Busquets. England can see the finish line now.

09:32 PM BST

72 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

That would have been a brilliant England goal: they dragged Spain to one side before playing through the press from right-to-left, finding space in the middle. Morton carried the ball forward and his shot from the edge of the box was curled not far wide.

Norton-Cuffy and Hackney are coming on for England, replacing Elliott and McAtee. Cresswell takes the armband.

Spain also make two changes: Torre and Fernandez on for Lopez and Joseph.

09:30 PM BST

69 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Brilliant defending from Cresswell, and it could so easily have been an own goal. It was a wicked cross across the six-yard line from Spain, and the England defender stretched out a leg and turned the ball behind. Stansfield then jumps into a sliding tackle in his own box, but won the ball cleanly. Spain turning the screw now.

09:27 PM BST

67 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Moro is causing Hinshelwood all sorts of problems and Guerra is running the game at the moment for Spain in the middle of the park. Mosquera then shows his turn of foot to defend well against Stansfield.

09:25 PM BST

65 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

England continue to press Spain and force them to kick long. Enterprising play from Rowe, driving into the box from the left flank and his shot deflects behind for a corner. Cresswell looks a big threat from these set-pieces. Spain are scrambling to deal with him and Quansah but they just about do enough.

09:22 PM BST

62 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Big double save from Beadle! Spain picked England apart from the right, with Guerra free at the edge of the box from the cut-back. His shot was tame and straight at the goalkeeper, who parried into danger, but his second stop from Guerra again was sharp. Joseph with an early shot after Elliott loses possession but Beadle was behind it.

09:20 PM BST

60 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Spain enjoying plenty of possession in the England half now but Hinshelwood and Anderson defend well to close off an avenue through the centre of the pitch. Anderson is then penalised for a foul on Lopez; a yellow card and the Forest man would miss a potential semi-final.

09:17 PM BST

56 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Excellent block from Livramento to deny Joseph when Spain were in a promising position just inside the box. Spain are now making that double change: Juanlu and Turrientes the captain off, replaced by Jauregizar and Moro.

Away from the football, there has been an invasion of moths as the night sets in. It’s 10.20pm here and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of moths surrounding the lights in the main stand here. They are huge too.

09:14 PM BST

53 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Rowe and Anderson quickly involved, it is such a luxury from England to bring on such speed and quality against tiring opponents. Spain are also about to make a double change.

09:12 PM BST

51 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

England go close again! Cresswell was too strong for Spain at the back post from Elliott’s corner, but his header was planted into the side-netting. Half the stadium thought that was in. 

England are making a double change: Scott and Hutchinson replaced by Rowe and Anderson. Fresh legs, though Hutchinson can feel unfortunate to come off.

09:09 PM BST

49 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Chance for Stansfield, set up brilliant but a backheel from Hutchinson. The striker was free in the box but his first touch did not push the ball out in front of him, meaning he had to dig the shot out. Deflected behind for a corner which Spain clear.

Jonathan Rowe is stripped and ready to come on for England.

09:07 PM BST

47 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Livramento proving a valuable outlet for England again, but McAtee’s cross was too close to the goalkeeper. Spain not afraid to be direct and hit Joseph early. Livramento then jockeys and defends well against Lopez.

09:05 PM BST

We’re back under way!

England get the second half started after a false start. No changes from either coach.

09:02 PM BST

The view from Trnava

Slip up aside, England will be relatively pleased with that half of football.

The considerable positive has been their efficiency in front of goal. Three shots on target, two goals. Clinical.

Hutchinson, Elliott and Livramento have stretched the pitch well. Stansfield’s first start has offered England something fresh. His hold-up play and intelligent runs create space for the attacking players around him, which is what the frontline have been deprived of throughout the tournament.

Carsley’s half time message seems a simple one: more of the same going forward, tighten it up at the back.

08:51 PM BST

HT: Spain 1 England 2

An entertaining half of football but one that is difficult to parse. England could have fallen behind in a nervy start, they scored twice in a purple patch of flowing football, before Spain turned the tide closer to half-time. Both teams look better in the opponent’s half than in their own, which is good news for the viewer.

James McAtee celebrates scoring England’s first goal - Getty Images/Tullio Puglia

08:48 PM BST

45 minutes+2: Spain 1 England 2

We have a game on our hands. Spain had been growing back into the affair after the shock of conceding two quick-fire goals. Despite England’s incision in attack, they have been a little sloppy in midfield. Alex Scott losing the ball on the edge of the box in the build-up to the penalty was not the first time they have been loose with possession.

Beadle dived the wrong way as Javi Guerra got Spain back into it from the spot. Little reaction from the England bench, Carsley mainly sending positive messages to his players. They need to weather this storm now the Spanish have got a taste.

08:46 PM BST

45 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Good goalkeeping from Beadle to claim a cross through bodies. There will be five minutes of added time to play.

08:45 PM BST

44 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

Spain in the ascendancy now, and they keep looking to test England aerially on crosses. Clearly a weakness they have identified.

Lovely pass over the top from Pubill into Joseph, and then Turrientes shot is blocked by Cresswell. Brave defending.

08:42 PM BST

40 minutes: Spain 1 England 2

England were looking comfortable after a rocky start, but it is very much game on now. The game has stopped after Hutchinson receives a whack on the back of the head. The England winger is still down and receiving treatment. Was on the turf when he was caught by a boot.

08:40 PM BST

Guerra scores!

After a long wait while the referee checks the ball has been placed correctly on the spot, Spain’s No 6 sends Beadle the wrong way, rolling the ball to the goalkeeper’s left. Beaten by the stutter.

08:38 PM BST

SPAIN PENALTY!

Spain thought they had a penalty early in the game, and this one will surely stand. Alex Scott lost possession on the edge of the defensive third, and Quansah clearly tripped Moleiro with an outstretched left leg. No complaints from England.

08:36 PM BST

35 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

It was unclear how Carsley would deploy his full-backs tonight, they can play on both flanks, but the combination is working well so far. The versatile Jack Hinshelwood is at left-back with Livramento on the right.

08:32 PM BST

31 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

Spain applying a bit more pressure not but Beadle has not been tested. Lopez whips in a low cross which Cresswell slices over his crossbar in ugly fashion. England deal with the corner, though. So far, so good.

08:29 PM BST

28 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

Stansfield gets his team-mates out of a hole by holding the ball up with his back to goal and buying a foul. Good centre-forward play which is exactly what England were missing in the group stages. It looks a good call by Carsley to brigng the Birmingham City forward in tonight.

08:26 PM BST

25 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

Livramento’s deep runs are proving untraceable, Spain cannot match his athleticism. Mosquera is in the right place again to clear his cross at the near post.

08:23 PM BST

23 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

Spain look keen to test England’s defence with early crosses, but the latest from Wolves’ Bueno sails harmlessly behind for a goal kick. Slightly strange to see a Spain team whipping the ball into the box from deep.

08:21 PM BST

21 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

Hutchinson looking lively, dribbling down the left. England are controlling the game now, moving the ball with authority. Spain just sitting off an consolidating at the moment. 

Tarrega robs Stansfield on the halfway line though, and Spain come forward. Cresswell heads clear for England.

08:17 PM BST

17 minutes: Spain 0 England 2

Confidence is coursing through England now, some really good football down the right, one-touch play to free Livramento in the box. The Spain goalkeeper Iturbe stretched out a right leg to block Livramento’s low cross.

08:16 PM BST

GOOOOALLL! Elliott scores but Quansah creates it

A second England goal made in Liverpool. Quansah carried the ball into space with Spain backing off and inviting him to shoot, and his strike from 25 yards was clean. Too much power for Spain goalkeeper Iturbe to handle, and after he spilt the shot Elliott was there to convert a simple tap-in. Poor goalkeeping, in truth.

Blur’s Song 2 has blared twice here in 15 minutes. England in dreamland. Ashley Cole goes mental on the bench. Lee Carsley is the coolest man in the house. We’ve been calling for England to take their chances, and what a night to find their shooting boots.

Harvey Elliott scores England’s second goal - Getty Images/Christian Hofer

08:14 PM BST

14 minutes: Spain 0 England 1

That opening goal is a tonic for England after such a nervy start. Based on what we have seen so far, you would expect goals at both ends.

08:11 PM BST

GOOOALL! McAtee gives England the lead

From the corner won by Hutchinson, the ball dropped at the edge of the six-yard box where the captain McAtee was on hand to poke home. Spain failed to win the header at the near-post. Slightly against the run of play, but England lead.

England’s James McAtee scores - AP/Petr David Josek

08:09 PM BST

10 minutes: Spain 0 England 0

Omari Hutchinson is playing from the left tonight, and wins England a corner.

08:08 PM BST

8 minutes: Spain 0 England 0

Better from England with Livramento raiding forward from right-back, but Mosquera craned his neck to win an important defensive header. England were then threadbare when defending the Spanish counter-attack but the move slowed down.

08:07 PM BST

6 minutes: Spain 0 England 0

England have been very loose in possession so far, Harvey Elliott the latest player to give the ball away. Spain are funnelling back behind the ball into a 4-4-2 shape.

08:05 PM BST

NO PENALTY!

The referee watches the replays on the monitor and judges that Cresswell’s arm was in a natural position.

08:04 PM BST

The referee is going across the monitor

When this happens, the decision is usually overturned. England could be reprieved.

08:03 PM BST

PENALTY SPAIN!

Cresswell has been penalised for handball, adjudged to have leaned towards Lopez’s strike at goal with his right arm. The arm was not high or outstretched but he moved his body towards the ball ever so slightly.

VAR are checking.

08:02 PM BST

2 minutes: Spain 0 England 0

James McAtee looking to set the tone by pressing high in the early minutes, but Spain find a way through and are attacking open space. The cross comes in from the left, Hinshelwood loses his header at the back post but Lopez glanced over from just six yards out. That was a chance. A let off for England.

08:00 PM BST

KICK OFF!

Spain get this European Championship quarter-final under way.

07:57 PM BST

The players are out

Time for the the anthems. Centre-back Charlie Cresswell the loudest singer. He came through the ranks at Leeds United but joined Ligue 1 club Toulouse last summer. Another promising English player going to Europe in search of first-team opportunities.

07:47 PM BST

This is not Scott and Quansah’s first visit to Trnava

England have form in the quirky City Arena, which is situated around a shopping centre in Trnava, after the Under-19s claimed European gold here in 2022. Six of tonight’s squad were involved in that 3-1 win over Israel, with Alex Scott and Jarell Quansah keeping their starting spots. A good omen, perhaps.

07:37 PM BST

Spain’s team

Spain starting XI: Iturbe, Pubill, Tarrega, Mosquera, Bueno, Guerra, Turrientes, Juanlu, Moleiro, Lopez, Mateo Joseph

Subs: Rafa Marin, Torre, Moro, Garcia, Jaureguizar, Herzog, Rodriguez, Fernandez, Marin, Fraga, Cunat

07:17 PM BST

Carsley switches to a more orthodox No 9

A big night awaits Jay Stansfield, as Lee Carsley gives the nod to the striker for the first time.

For all of England’s troubles in their underwhelming group stage display, they have been creating chances but lacked a focal point to find the back of the net. Carsley’s side are the second-lowest scorers in the tournament and will need to be clinical against Spain, who have the firepower to take the game away from England.

England have required a finisher; Stansfield’s record of 24 goals at Birmingham City last season might provide the all-important final touch.

06:57 PM BST

England team news

Four changes from Carsley following the Germany defeat: in come Livramento, Morton, Stansfield and McAtee with Iling Jr, Nwaneri, Anderson and Rowe missing out.

06:55 PM BST

Carsley on this being a chance to showcase British coaching

We talk about British coaches getting more opportunities and, at this stage, if a British coach can go against a Spanish coach and the team can really perform well it helps not just myself but British coaches in general.

I’m not sure I’m flying the flag, but it’s important when people watch the under-21s at home they’re excited by the way they’re playing.

We want to see real attacking football, aggressive football, because you know what we’ve done in the past has got us to this position.

If we’re going to win major tournaments, these are the moments where we have to step up.

06:35 PM BST

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06:34 PM BST

Square pegs in round holes

Carsley took personal responsibility for analysing Germany, but his side were caught cold. Defensive lapses and a lack of organisation against a predictable German delivery exposed a vulnerability in the air. The inability to enact a plan to neutralise an opponent’s most significant weapon was a worry. The players must address their defensive attentiveness urgently ahead of facing Spain.

06:32 PM BST

In the night’s other quarter-final

It is still goalless after 73 minutes between Portugal and Netherlands, but Mark van Bommel’s son Ruben has been sent off. What’s the Dutch for the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?

Ruben Van Bommel after being shown a red card - Getty Images/Boris Streubel

06:29 PM BST

Lee Carsley and England still searching for the right balance

Spain were the beaten finalists when England won the Under-21 European Championship three years ago, and the two nations meet again in the quarter-finals of this summer’s tournament.

Despite those happy memories, Lee Carsley’s team are considered slight underdogs after a group stage that saw England win one, draw one and lose one. The defeat came in the final group game against Germany.

Performances left something to be desired too, with too many attackers wanting to occupy central spaces and the lack of a focal point in the absence of Liam Delap. Carsley has so far played without a recognised centre-forward, preferring Jonathan Rowe to Birmingham City’s Jay Stansfield.

“I believe Spain are a top team and anyone who was with us in the last few Euros knows you have to beat all of the top teams,” Carsley said.

“Spain are another team I’ve got a lot of respect for, the final we had a couple of years ago was so close. It could have gone either way. We scored a fortunate goal and played OK in the game but there’s definitely a lot more to come from us if we’re going to progress.

“Obviously the most difficult thing is to score a goal and maybe we just need that little bit of luck, we need a scruffy one.

“The main thing is we keep creating the chances, we keep running to the areas, we have that belief that it’s going to drop and I think we can do that.”

The youngest player in the Spain squad is pacey Real Betis forward Jesus Rodríguez, who made an appearance from the bench against Chelsea in the Uefa Conference League forward and is well regarded. Valencia defender Cristian Mosquera is a name on the radar of Premier League clubs.

Full team news on the way shortly.

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