England Under-21’s lost to Germany on penalties on Tuesday night.
England’s hopes of winning the Under-21 European Championships ended on Tuesday night as they were beaten on penalties by Germany.
The Three Lions had finished top of Group A to book their place in the semi-finals, and Thursday’s 3-0 win over Poland had many hoping for an England win in Tychy.
Davie Selke gave Germany the lead though, and England hit back through Demarai Gray and Tammy Abraham, giving Aidy Boothroyd’s side a 2-1 lead in the 50th minute.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman with Mason Holgate
However, Germany dominated the ball as England sat deeper and deeper, with Felix Platte powering home a header from a corner to make it 2-2 – and that’s how it stayed even at the end of extra time.
Yannick Gerhardt and Tammy Abraham traded failed spot kicks in the penalty shoot-out before Nathan Redmon’s effort was saved by Julian Pollersbeck to give Germany yet another win over England on penalties.
Whilst England took it all the way to the end, their performance was somewhat shaky, and defender Mason Holgate was criticised for his display, having shown slack marking for Platte’s equaliser.
Everton youngster Holgate has struggled throughout the tournament, as he was at fault for Slovakia’s goal in England’s 2-1 win before being substituted at half time, and he failed to impress against Germany too.
Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic in action with Everton’s Mason Holgate
England fans took to Twitter to question just how Holgate manages to feature in the England Under-21 side ahead of Arsenal’s Rob Holding, with many supporters blasting the youngster for his displays in Poland.
Everton fans were also concerned about Holgate’s display against Germany, suggesting that Jonjoe Kenny should start at right back for the Toffees whilst Seamus Coleman is out injured.
What did you think of Holgate’s performance for England Under-21?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
