Harvey Elliott Magic Sends England to Euro Final After 2-1 Win Over Netherlands
Harvey Elliott once again proved he thrives under the biggest spotlight, scoring twice to lead England to a thrilling 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the Euro semi-final in Bratislava. The victory sends the Young Lions to Saturday’s final, where they will aim to defend their European crown and clinch back-to-back titles.
The Liverpool forward, who has quickly become the heartbeat of this England team, delivered another standout performance on the international stage. Having played a key role in the quarter-final, Elliott stepped up again, scoring two brilliant goals — one in each half — to secure England’s place in the final.
It was a warm summer evening, and all eyes in the National Football Stadium were on Elliott. A fan even held up a sign asking for his shirt in exchange for sweets — a testament to his growing popularity beyond just England. But while the crowd came to see the star, the early minutes suggested he needed time to settle into the game.
Elliott began the match on the right wing, linking up with Tino Livramento as he had throughout the tournament. But in the first half, the Dutch kept him relatively quiet. Despite two early chances, both shots were saved by Robin Roefs, as Elliott looked slightly off rhythm.
The Netherlands, missing their captain Devyne Rensch through suspension, fielded Naraysho Kasanwirjo in defense. Kasanwirjo, who had barely featured for Rangers this season, struggled early against Omari Hutchinson, who regularly found Elliott in the box. Still, the breakthrough wouldn’t come until after the break.
The second half saw England increase the tempo, and it paid off just after the hour mark. Midfielder Anderson did the hard work in breaking down the Dutch midfield before releasing Elliott on a counter-attack. With perfect timing and space to operate, Elliott latched onto the pass and slotted home coolly to make it 1-0 — his second goal in as many knockout games.
But the lead didn’t last long. Dutch substitute Noah Ohio, a former England youth international, scored with his very first touch just minutes after coming on. After a misplaced touch from Charlie Cresswell, Ohio pounced and fired a low shot past James Beadle from distance to level the match at 1-1.
The tension rose as both sides looked for a winner, but it was Elliott — once again — who delivered when it mattered most.
With just four minutes left on the clock, he burst from deep in midfield, gliding through the Dutch defense untouched. As he approached the box, he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to restore England’s lead. The goal was not only technically brilliant, but also symbolically powerful — a player taking responsibility, rising to the moment, and dragging his team to the final.
Elliott’s celebration was one of both passion and pain. He later revealed in a post-match interview that he injured his knee during the celebration of his first goal. Despite the discomfort, he carried on and delivered a performance that could be remembered as a defining moment in his young career.
He received a standing ovation when substituted in stoppage time — a fitting send-off for a player who had just put in a match-winning display. His name echoed around the stadium, and fans from all backgrounds showed appreciation for a talent whose star is rising far beyond England.
At just 23, Elliott has already been to a final before, having helped the Young Lions lift the trophy two years ago in Georgia. But this time, the stage feels even bigger, and his role even more central. He’s no longer just part of the team — he’s leading it.
Another two goals!
Well played, Harvey Elliott! pic.twitter.com/z6vZqLC0IX
— England (@England) June 25, 2025
Supported by strong performances from James McAtee, Jay Stansfield, and Hutchinson, Elliott’s ability to read space and time his runs made the difference. England’s midfield looked sharp, and their defense held firm in the closing stages, showing the team’s maturity under pressure.
England now march into the final looking to become back-to-back European champions, and if Harvey Elliott continues at this level, it’s hard to bet against them. His leadership, vision, and finishing touch have been unmatched in the tournament so far, and Saturday’s final offers one more chance for him to shine on the biggest stage.
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