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As widely expected, Germany and England are through to the quarter-finals of the U21 Euros from Group B.

Germany had already booked their place in the quarter-final, but they had to avoid defeat to finish top of the group. Meanwhile, England could still need a draw to enter the knockout stage round if Slovenia managed to offset the three-point and goal difference gap.

Taking this into account, Antonio Di Salvo changed the entire starting XI, from the goalkeeper Noah Atubolu to top-scorer Nick Woltemade. Only Atubolu (ill) and center-back Max Rosenfelder (suspended) were unavailable for selection.

Germany U21 veteran Ansgar Knauff and Bayern’s sought-after attacking midfielder Paul Wanner are among those who started their first game of the tournament. Freiburg’s Merlin Röhl wears the captain’s armband on his first appearance in over nine months.

England also made four changes from the XI that drew with Slovenia as Lee Carsley dropped Premier League regular Tino Livramento and the captain James McAtee to the bench. Following yesterday’s eventful 5-5 draw in the U19 Euros, there was more anticipation in the game.

Germany took a two-goal lead into half-time, which had to be rushed by referee Sander van der Eijk after a power outage at Štadión Pod Zoborom. Knauff, who was a key player in the qualifiers, showed his worth once again by contributing to both goals.

The Eintracht Frankfurt winger scored the opener in the third minute, and he set up Nelson Weiper’s goal with a precise delivery. The Mainz striker netted a brilliant header that reminds us of the tournament’s marksman, Woltemade.

Despite the deficit, England enjoyed the majority of possession and created few scoring chances of their own in the first-half. However, Carsley made triple changes at the half-time break in hopes of repeating England U19’s heroics.

Yet, their qualification hopes were in little danger as Czechia held Slovenia to a goalless draw at the break. And, less than five minutes after the restart, the Czech Republic even took the lead courtesy of a half-time substitute, Daniel Fila.

Back to Germany’s game, the first 20 minutes of the second-half had little to write about as Germany looked to settle for the 2-0 win. And, at the hour mark, Czechia doubled their lead through Václav Sejk to all but confirm finishing third in the group.

Meanwhile, England continued to push for a comeback route, and their effort was rewarded when Omari Hutchinson’s mazy run created an opening. Alex Scott, who was wearing a different-looking mask to guard his chin, scored his first England U21 goal to breathe life into the game.

Many expected a Wotlemade introduction when Weiper goes off injured ten minutes from time, but Di Salvo decided to go more defensive as the center-back Bright Arrey-Mbi comes on in his place. In the end, they held on to their slender lead to win the game 2-1.

Germany failed to progress from a group that had the Czech Republic and England back in 2023, but they’ve now topped this group by winning maximum points. It’s a first defeat for the defending champions since the 2021 edition of the U21 Euros.

Germany will face Italy in the quarter-finals, while England play against Spain in a repeat of the 2023 final. Portugal vs. the Netherlands and Denmark vs. France complete the set with the four games set to be played on Saturday and Sunday.