Harvey Elliott Optimistic About England’s Front Line Firing Against Germany at U21 Euros

Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott acknowledged that England’s attacking unit still has room for improvement ahead of their crucial final Group B match against Germany at the Under-21 European Championships on Wednesday. However, he is optimistic that his team will continue to grow stronger as the tournament unfolds.

Elliott squandered several opportunities during the 0-0 stalemate with Slovenia on Sunday, including a volley that struck the post in the first half and a late header that went astray, leaving him frustrated as he hit the post in exasperation after missing the chance.

Despite receiving the player of the match award, Elliott felt his contributions could have been more impactful leading up to the important encounter with their long-standing rivals.

In the post-match press conference, he remarked, “I believe I should make the most of every chance I get. I’ve hit the post and had a few attempts, but with my quality and what I can do, I should have done better with that header.”

“It’s vital that we rest, recover, and assess what we can enhance before facing Germany, which will undoubtedly be another challenging test.”

“All the lads should be buzzing; it’s always an honour to don the national colours and battle against tough competitors.”

In their match, England operated without a recognised striker for a significant period, opting for a dynamic front four. This was the same setup that led to their 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the opening game, but it appeared disorganised in Nitra—something Elliott noted.

The 23-year-old emphasised: “It’s about developing a better understanding among the players. We all come from various clubs with different playing styles, and we’re still getting accustomed to each other.”

“While it may not look flawless, we’re striving to make it as effective as possible. The understanding is improving, and as we build relationships on the pitch, we’ll know where each other will be when the ball comes to us.”

“As the tournament progresses, I believe we can become a significant threat.”

“We need to regroup and ensure we deliver a strong performance against Germany.”

Jay Stansfield entered the fray with 18 minutes remaining against Slovenia, attempting to stretch the opponents’ defence but found little success.

Following the match, England manager Lee Carsley noted that Stansfield, who netted 24 goals for Birmingham last season on their path to promotion from League One, had given him something to think about, suggesting that Stansfield might start against Germany.

If selected, the forward affirmed his readiness: “Throughout my youth career, I’ve played as a central striker, so I know the role well. Coming off the bench, I aim to add something different, but if I get my first start, that would be fantastic. I’m proud to represent England.”

“I have to have faith in myself, and if I get the chance to score, it’s something I relish. Finding the back of the net for my club is a fantastic feeling, but doing so for England would be even more special.”