England U21s march into Euros final as Harvey Elliott heroics down the Netherlands

Harvey Elliott was the match-winner as England's Under-21s booked their place in Saturday's European Championship final with another stunning victory. The Liverpool midfielder scored twice, including a stunning winner five minutes from time, to keep Lee Carsley's side on course for a successful defence of their title.

In a tightly-contested semi-final, Elliott proved the difference, giving the Young Lions the lead, then stepping up to restore it after the Dutch equalised and with extra-time looming. Elliott's double took his tournament tally to four in five games and underlined his status as one of the stand-out players in Carsley's talented and resilient squad.

In the searing and debilitating 33C heat of Bratislava's National Stadium, England were forced to dig deep, physically and mentally, before progressing to reach back-to-back finals.

Carsley's side, who have grown into the tournament, ensuring they peaked at the right time, will return to the same area on Saturday where they can create fresh history,

England conjured the first chance after three minutes, Omari Hutchinson crossing for Elliott, whose low effort was blocked by the outstretched left leg of Holland keeper Robin Roefs.

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England again came close to opening the scoring after 12 minutes, but Roefs once more thwarted Elliot, who produced a fine first touch and fierce shot on target following a cutback from Hutchinson.

The Young Lions continued their enterprising start, with impressive link-up play between James McAtee and Tino Livramento on the right midway through the first-half, the move breaking down when Roefs came out to clear danger

England lost their early impetus, perhaps as a result of their explosive start in such taxing conditions, allied to the discipline and organisation of their opponents, who began to impose themselves at the other end.

The Dutch continued to probe at the start of the second-half, England keeper James Beadle needing a strong left arm to divert a Luciano Valente cross behind for a corner.

Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen forced a save from a full-stretch Beadle moments later, but the breakthrough for England came in the 63rd minute through Elliott.

Elliot Anderson showed impressive tenacity and technique, surging forwards then passing to Elliott, who did the rest, racing on to the ball before crashing an unstoppable shot past Roefs.

It was a deserved lead for Carsley's team, who were the better side, despite losing their way at the start of the second-half, then regrouping to make the breakthrough.

But they were undone by a stunning opportunistic strike from sub Noah Ohio in the 72nd minute with his first touch.

Ohio spotted Beadle off his line and hit the ball first-time, beating him at his near post with an outrageous effort from 40 yards.

But Elliott had the final say, executing a smart turn before racing forwards, creating space as the Dutch defence stood off him, before dispatching a low left-foot finish beyond Roefs.

England held out for a further 10 minutes – including five frenetic minutes of added time – to seal their place in the final and stand on the cusp of another memorable triumph.

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