The Liverpool star turned in a performance of the highest quality, scoring two fine goals, as Lee Carsley's side reached the final
England will have the chance to win back-to-back European Under-21 Championships this weekend after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in their semi-final in Slovakia. Harvey Elliott was the hero in the blistering heat, netting a wonderful late winner having earlier opened the scoring.
Elliott had the Young Lions' first chance, collecting a fine ball from Omari Hutchinson and shooting at the bottom corner, but Robin Roefs made a fantastic save with his feet to deny the Liverpool ace, and he followed that up with a similarly excellent stop from the midfielder before the 15-minute mark.
England dominated the territory in the first half but were unable to turn it into anything tangible. In the second period, however, they had the lead just after the hour, as Elliott slammed an effort beyond Roefs after a fine pass from Elliot Anderson.
But the Dutch hit back quickly, as substitute Noah Ohio – who has played for England at youth level – scored with his first touch from way, way out after capitalising on a loose touch from Charlie Cresswell.
Elliott had the last word, however, as he drove through the Dutch defence and fired a brilliant strike past Roefs in the 85th minute to book the Young Lions' spot in this weekend's final, where they will meet France or Germany.
GOAL rates England's players from Tehelne Pole…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
James Beadle (7/10):
Made an excellent second-half save to deny Ian Maatsen from range but was caught out of position when Ohio equalised. He so nearly saved it, but he will owe Elliott a steak dinner after this.
Tino Livramento (6/10):
Strong down his flank. Didn't get forward as much as he would perhaps have liked but he was barely beaten.
Charlie Cresswell (5/10):
A physical, solid presence in the heart of the back four but his loose touch gave Ohio the chance to score from range, even if his goalkeeper's position hardly helped.
Jarell Quansah (7/10):
Never troubled. You can tell that he has been schooled at Anfield, in a Liverpool defence that rarely, if ever, loses composure.
Jack Hinshelwood (7/10):
Stepped into midfield when he could and put his body on the line. A good passer of the ball, too.
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James McAtee (7/10):
Takes the responsibility of captaining the side very seriously. A lung-busting display, getting up and down, with a few flicks thrown in. Disciplined and professional.
Elliot Anderson (7/10):
Got the assist for Elliott's goal, bravely driving at the Dutch and riding a tackle. Nearly scored in injury time, whipping a shot just over the bar.
Alex Scott (7/10):
Blazed an effort over before half-time after some fine interplay. Exceptional ability to play box to box and had moments in both areas, including a brilliant, lunging block.
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Harvey Elliott (9/10):
Went close twice early, forcing two good saves, and scored just after the hour, slamming an effort into the roof of the net after a lovely touch to control Anderson's excellent pass. His winner was even better, slicing through the Dutch defence and finishing brilliantly. What a tournament. What a player.
Jay Stansfield (6/10):
Pressed urgently and eagerly throughout, even receiving a boot to the ankle from Roefs as a badge of honour. Couldn't score, but occupied the Dutch well.
Omari Hutchinson (8/10):
Twinkle-toed down the left flank, always looking to drive at his marker, to the point that the Dutch made a substitution at right-back at half-time. Faded in the heat and was subbed for Jonathan Rowe but a terrific display.
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Jonathan Rowe (6/10):
On for Hutchinson. A couple of runs but nothing more.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy (6/10):
A late introduction for McAtee. Powerful and purposeful in his running.
Ethan Nwaneri (N/A):
Replaced Scott.
Hayden Hackney (N/A):
On for Stansfield.
Archie Gray (N/A):
An injury-time sub.
Lee Carsley (8/10):
England will go for glory again this weekend after a dominant semi-final display. This group knows how to win, and so does Carsley at this level, with his tactics spot on; his side only conceded due to a mistake, and could easily have had three or four.
