England suffered a heart attack late when a 92-minute goal dropped them out of the European Championships under 21 despite their 2-1 victory over Croatia.
The Young Lions had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead, as Eddie Nketiah broke through on the right, leaving the entire defense trailing in his wake. Eze got up and hit the resulting spot kick.
??????? England are nasty in their must-win Group D battle
?? Eberechi Eze from the place # U21EURO | #CROENG pic.twitter.com/OPr2Wjlojw
– UEFA U21 EURO (@ UEFAUnder21) 31 March 2021
Both sides had their chances in an entertaining competition, with Aaron Ramsdale forced to make a number of fine saves and Dwight McNeil beat the woodwork twice.
With Croatia starting to apply pressure late, Curtis Jones produced a fantastic strike to give England a 2-0 lead, although Aidy Boothroyd’s side would be late in the heart when Domagoj Bradaric struck home an extended effort in injury time to ensure Croatia develop in England. expense through its superior goal difference.
These are the highlights of the match out of the way, now to all the important players in England …
Max Aarons on the ball | JURE MAKOVEC / Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 7/10 – Produced a superb save just after half an hour to maintain England’s lead. Fixed all the time and made some important stops at important moments.
Max Aarons (RB) – 7/10 – Worked the channel brilliantly and was constantly looking to stretch Croatia’s back line by playing the ball over the top.
Ben Wilmot (CB) – 6/10 – Looked to go into midfield whenever he could and then helped open the game and beat Croatia’s pressure.
Japhet Tanganga (CB) – 5/10 – The Tottenham man was moved into a central role after starting at right-back against Portugal last time. Looked a bit stiff and found himself hurrying back on a couple of occasions after being beaten too easily.
Lloyd Kelly (LB) – 5/10 – Got out on the back post during the first half and was happy Croatia’s reluctant finish meant he was not penalized.
Curtis Jones impressed Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
Curtis Jones (CM) – 8/10 – A first start of the competition for the Liverpool man. Offered some driving from midfield and was unlucky not to get in on the points side. Fantastic strike to give England an advantage with two goals.
Oliver Skipp (CM) – 7/10 – The only midfielder to start all three England matches in the tournament, and it’s clear why. Nicely and nicely in possession and won the ball back with a few quick interceptions.
Conor Gallagher (AM) – 5/10 – Caught overplay in his own half and had to be rescued by Ramsdale on a few occasions. Recalled with 20 minutes to play.
Eberechi Eze gave England the lead early | Marcio Machado / Getty Images
Eberechi Eze (RW) – 9/10 – One of the coolest penalties you will probably see when he gave England the lead. The liveliest player on the pitch constantly runs against the Croatian defenders and makes them ruthlessly dive into challenges. Could have had another hateful day.
Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 7/10 – Good work from the Arsenal man to win England’s penalty when he pressed Croatia’s backline to a mistake. Kept the opposition busy and made a good shift for the team.
Dwight McNeil (LW) – 6/10 – Struggled to influence the game as much as his frontline partners and sometimes found himself a bit isolated. Yet his left foot was always a danger and he struck twice in the woodwork.
Rhian Brewster came in with 20 minutes to play | Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Todd Cantwell (CM) – 6/10
Rhian Brewster (ST) – 7/10
Steven Sessegnon (LB) – N / A
