England crashed out of the European Under-21 Championships at the semi-final stage as Germany got the better of the Three Lions in a tense penalty shootout on Tuesday night.
Davie Selke scored the opener for Germany in the 35th minute before Demarai Gray brought the sides level just before half-time with a composed volley from close-range to set up an intriguing second-half.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side looked set for a place in the final in Poland, after Tammy Abraham made it 2-1 to England with 40 minutes remaining, but Stefan Kuntz’s men responded well and piled on the pressure.
The semi-final clash was taken to extra time as Felix Platte’s bullet header beat Jordan Pickford – and a goalless period meant the match had to be decided with the dreaded penalty shootout.
England took an early advantage, with Pickford saving Yannick Gerhardt’s spot-kick but Germany’s goalkeeper, Julian Pollersbeck, produced two saves of his own after sneakily referring to some trusty notes he had come prepared with in his socks.
The young shot-stopper had obviously done his homework as both Tammy Abraham and Nathan Redmond were denied from the spot.
After the defeat, England boss Boothroyd joked: ‘We had an iPad. At least we won that battle. We had some technology. We’re disappointed.’
Germany will face either Spain or Italy in the final at the Stadion Cracovia in Krakow on Friday evening.
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