England vs Netherlands - U21 Euros semi-final: Live score, team news and updates as Lee Carsley's men look to book their place in final

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Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates from the U21 Euros semi-final between England and the Netherlands at the Stadion Tehelne Pole.

More on that 2007 classic

I echo Nathan's hope that tonight's game does not end in heartbreak like it did back in 2007. But I would be happy to see the same level of drama.

That match is only remembered for the mammoth penalty shootout that saw 32 attempts on goal and was eventually decided by Zuiverloon's strike.

Stuart Pearce's side contained some bonafide Barclaysmen - are we still using that term?

Ashley Young, James Milner, Mark Noble, Anton Ferdinand, Scott Carson... I could go on. The Netherlands also had their fair share of memorable names; Ryan Babel and Royston Drenthe chief among them.

  Gianni Zuiverloon of the Netherlands scores the winner in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-final match between the Netherlands U21 and England U21 at the Abe Lenstra on June 20, 2007 in Heerenveen, Netherlands.  (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Scott Carson;Gianni ZuiverloonEOS1DMkII-207118

England players show their disappointment following their defeat after penalties by the Netherlands during their soccer semi final match against The Netherlands at the U-21 Soccer European Championship in Heerenveen, the Netherlands.  EPA/KOREN SUYKepa01043832

'There's lots of optimism in the camp'

Just found a slither of shade here in 33 degree temperature to chat to some of the player families. Lots of optimism in the camp that’s for sure, even if the heat is a worry for Lee Carsley and his staff.
When these two sides met in the 2007 U21 final it ended in the Dutch edging a 13-12 penalty shootout… so hopefully no repeat of that tonight.

All eyes on you

The prospect of winning a major prize is motivation enough, but a lot of these players will be acutely aware of the attention they're getting out in Slovakia. A great performance has the chance to put you at the front of mind for recruitment departments across Europe - the proverbial shop window.

Jarell Quansah, for example, has already sealed a move to Bayer Leverkusen, while Harvey Elliot and Tyler Morton could join him out of Anfield.

Omari Hutchinson is attracting interest from across the top flight, while Jorrel Hato is being eyed by Arsenal and Liverpool on the Netherlands side.

It's a big day for so many of these youngsters.

 Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah of England inspect the pitch prior to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Semi-Final match between England and Netherlands at National Football stadium on June 25, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 Photo by Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock (15373680l) England U21 players inspect the pitch ahead of kickoff England U21 v Netherlands U21, UEFA U21 Championship, Semi-Final, National Football Stadium, Bratislava, Slovakia - 25 Jun 2025

 Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah of England inspect the pitch prior to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Semi-Final match between England and Netherlands at National Football stadium on June 25, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Netherlands team news: TWO changes

Netherlands boss Michael Reiziger has been forced into one change with the suspension for Van Bommel, who was sent off against Portugal. The match winner that day, Poku, gets a start, while Kasanwirjo comes in for Rensch.

England team news: Anderson STARTS

Plenty of familiar faces for the Premier League watchers among you. Lee Carsley has a very strong squad to choose from despite the absentees. The England boss has made one change to the side that beat Spain in the last round, bringing in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson for Liverpool's Tyler Morton.

Can the Young Lions do it again?

With all this winning, I'm starting to see why Lee Carsley wasn't too keen to step up to the senior squad. The Under 21 boss is 90 minutes away from making his second European Championship final.

But this passage this time around has been less serene and he's been without a few players currently playing in the Club World Cup. But we shouldn't go too far - this England roster is still filled with players with plenty of Premier League experience.

Today's opponents are the Netherlands, who put up a heroic effort to make it to the semis. They'll be no pushovers but England are certainly the favourites to progress to another final.

It's set to be a crazy hot evening in Slovakia and let's hope the action matches the temperature. The action gets underway at 5pm and before that we'll be bringing you all the team news, updates from on the ground and then the drama when it kicks off.

Let's get to it.

 Photo by Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock (15373680h) England Under 21 manager Lee Carsley ahead of kick off England U21 v Netherlands U21, UEFA U21 Championship, Semi-Final, National Football Stadium, Bratislava, Slovakia - 25 Jun 2025

 The England national team badge is seen on the team dug out prior to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Semi-Final match between England and Netherlands at National Football stadium on June 25, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Key Updates

  • 'There's lots of optimism in the camp'

  • Netherlands team news: TWO changes

  • England team news: Anderson STARTS

  • Can the Young Lions do it again?

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