Germany Adopts England’s Success Strategy as Young Lions Search for Their Way Forward

Two years back, a rejuvenated England squad triumphed over Germany with a 2-0 scoreline in Georgia, paving their path to clinch the Under-21 European Championships.

Fast forward to 2025, and the tables turned. Germany opted to rest their starting eleven, yet still emerged victorious, defeating the Young Lions 2-1, thanks to goals from Ansgar Knauff and Nelson Weiper, with Alex Scott netting a late consolation.

The contrasts don’t end there. In 2023, Germany exited at the group stage, but this time they advanced in style as group winners. England, having mostly secured their qualification prior to kick-off, managed to qualify as runners-up and now face Spain in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Germany, benefiting from a fully rested side, will take on Italy in Dunajska Streda on Sunday.

Charlie Cresswell and Harvey Elliott were the only two survivors from that previous England victory in Georgia, and it was Cresswell who rallied his teammates after a lacklustre first half.

Cresswell drives England as they falter

With just five minutes remaining in the first half, the centre-back’s rallying cry of ‘Show some fire!’ echoed around the stadium in Nitra, which shortly thereafter experienced a floodlight failure—an apt metaphor for an England side that struggled to create chances.

Manager Lee Carsley’s decision to stick with his strikerless formation, despite the goalless draw against Slovenia, was abandoned at half-time. Jay Stansfield was introduced after the break in an attempt to ignite England’s attack, yet he failed to make an impact, registering three attempts on goal in the second half but unable to find the target.

However, the tactical switch allowed England’s midfield duo to apply pressure higher up the pitch, ultimately leading to Scott tapping in a late goal that offered some glimmer of hope.

In a near miss, Cresswell came close to equalising late on, but his header was expertly saved by Tjark Ernst.

Spain awaits England

For England, the primary aim in Slovakia was to ensure qualification, which they have now achieved. They will now prepare for the upcoming clash with a Spain side that, similar to Germany, made several changes during their recent draw against Italy on Tuesday.

Carsley opted for only three changes for Wednesday’s match, and given the packed schedule of three matches in six days, that lack of rotation may be crucial against Spain.

More critically, England’s management faces the challenge of unleashing the potential of standout player Elliott, who has yet to find his form during this tournament, while also devising effective strategies to breach opponents’ defences.