Carsley pleased with players' second half response

England men’s under-21s head coach Lee Carsley reflected on last night’s result as the Young Lions qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA U21 EURO Finals.

Carsley’s team were beaten 2-1 by Germany in their final game in Group B, paving the way to the knockout stages, placing second in the group with four points on the board following victory over Czechia and a draw with Slovenia earlier in the tournament.

“I'm disappointed to lose the game because we knew how important it was,” reiterated Carsley.

“The first half wasn't good enough, and we let ourselves down in terms of the way we played and the goals we conceded. But we responded well in the second half, and that's more the kind of team I want to see.”

Despite being unable to rescue a point, the England boss was pleased with his players’ fightback in the second half as the Young Lions tested Germany’s resolve as they pushed for a leveller.

“You just want a reaction from the players, and ultimately we want them to take responsibility and take ownership of the game,” added Carsley.

“We made a few adjustments, but ultimately, it's down to the players, and it's good that they've reacted. Having these types of experiences as young players can only help for the future.”

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Germany opened the scoring inside three minutes before adding a second half-an-hour later. England midfielder Alex Scott halved the deficit in the second period but the Young Lions ran out of time to find an equaliser.

“Good to score a goal but disappointed with the result,” said Scott. “We didn't start well enough and it has cost us in the end. Thankfully we have qualified in second so that's a positive and we will look to the quarter-finals.

“I think the second half completely changed. We changed shape a little bit and freed up Macca in the number ten and that's something we can build on in the quarter-finals.

“We work on it every day in training. The lads score goals every single day but it's not quite clicked yet in the games. The quality we have in this team, it's a matter of time before the goals start flying in.”

Carsley’s side will come up against Spain in the quarter-finals, the team England beat in the final of the 2023 edition of the tournament two years ago when the Young Lions were crowned European champions.

And when asked what it will take for England to reach the semi-finals, Scott asserted it won’t be an easy test.

“Replicate what the lads did two years ago,” replied the 21 year old. “It is going to be a tough team. Every Spain team is very good on the ball, very calm and composed.”