Harvey Elliott delivered a decisive performance reminiscent of Ollie Watkins` heroics, scoring twice to defeat the Netherlands and propel England into the European Championship final. His brace ensured he stole the spotlight, even after Noah Ohio, a close friend of Jude Bellingham, scored a spectacular equaliser, setting up a final clash against Germany.
The 22-year-old Elliott opened the scoring in the intense heat at the Narodny Futbalovy Stadion in Bratislava during the second half.
Shortly after, Ohio, with his very first touch, shocked the Young Lions by unleashing a stunning 40-yard strike.
However, Elliott, one of just two players remaining from the team that won the tournament in 2023, conjured his own moment of brilliance to secure the win. This victory repeated the semi-final disappointment for the Dutch, echoing their loss to Ollie Watkins at Euro 2024 a year earlier.
Manager Lee Carsley made only one alteration to the lineup that had impressively defeated highly-rated Spain in the previous round.
Elliot Anderson returned to the midfield to replace the suspended Tyler Morton, playing alongside Alex Scott, with James McAtee and Jay Stansfield positioned further forward.
Omari Hutchinson and Liverpool`s creative player Elliott were responsible for providing attacking support from the wings.
The defensive line, consisting of Tino Livramento, Charlie Cresswell, Jarell Quansah, and Jack Hinshelwood, formed a solid barrier in front of goalkeeper James Beadle.
Despite the sweltering heat, England`s Young Lions started brightly, creating an early opportunity within the first three minutes.
Anderson advanced with the ball and passed to Hutchinson on the left flank. Hutchinson drove into the box, and his cross reached Elliott at the far post, but Robin Roefs made a save with his left leg.
Dutch full-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo seemed destined for a difficult match early on, as Hutchinson caused him significant problems with sustained English pressure.
Roefs was forced into another save, diverting a powerful Elliott shot wide, and then did well to block captain McAtee`s attempt to deceive him with a backheel.
By the mid-half cooling break, the Netherlands had not managed a single shot on target, yet they seemed to benefit more from the pause.
England`s players, who used ice-cold towels during the break, appeared to lose some of their rhythm as the Netherlands gained control of possession.
However, despite their increased possession, the Dutch only had a weak penalty appeal from Thom Van Bergen, which was dismissed by the referee, to show for their efforts.
The tempo remained low, although England created one final chance just before halftime, but Scott`s shot was deflected wide, leaving the score level at the break.
Kasanwirjo, who had a difficult time against Hutchinson, was replaced by Wouter Goes at halftime in the only substitution, ending the afternoon for the player on loan from Feyenoord to Rangers last season.
Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa, who was an unused substitute for the senior team when Watkins defeated the Netherlands at Euro 2024, finally tested James Beadle with a powerful 25-yard shot that the keeper pushed wide.
But before the Dutch could build any momentum, England launched a counter-attack to score the opening goal.
Elliot Anderson, nicknamed the ‘Geordie Maradona’, was central to this move.
He surged forward from midfield, causing the Dutch defence to drop back, which allowed him to pass the ball wide right to Elliott.
The 22-year-old took a touch and then, perhaps channeling his earlier misses, unleashed a fierce shot past Roefs from a narrow angle.
Hutchinson displayed good dribbling skill before shooting into the side-netting, but moments later, everyone on the England team was left astonished.
Charlie Cresswell failed to control the ball on the left, allowing it to run past him towards the touchline.
Ohio, who had only just come on the pitch and had previously played with Bellingham in the England U16 setup, reacted quickly. He struck the ball first-time with his left foot from 40 yards out, finding the net at the near post and catching Beadle off guard.
But Elliott was determined not to be overshadowed; his quick feet allowed him to bypass Thom van Bergen on the edge of the box before he fired a left-footed shot past Roefs to restore England`s lead.
Anderson nearly added a third goal with a curled effort, but the loudest cheer came deep in stoppage time.
A desperate Netherlands team won a corner and sent everyone forward, including goalkeeper Roefs.
But Beadle confidently came out to claim the corner, ensuring England`s progress to another major final as they aim to defend their European title.
England will now face Germany in the final on Saturday, after Germany defeated France 3-0.
