England beat Spain to qualify for U21 Euro semi-final | OneFootball

England U21s beat Spain 3-1 in the U21 European Championship quarter-final on Saturday evening at Anton Malatinsky Stadium.The game got off to a dramatic start as Spain could have been awarded a penalty when Diego Lopez struck the ball on Charlie Cresswell’s arm in the third minute.However, after consulting with the VAR, the referee turned down the penalty call.On 10 minutes, England scored their first goal as captain James McAtee tucked the ball home, pouncing on a corner-kick delivered into the penalty area.Five minutes later, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott gave the Young Lions a two-goal cushion.

He tapped the ball into the net after goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbespilled Jarell Quansah’s shot.In the 30th minute, Valencia defender Cesar Tarrega missed a chance to reduce Spain’s deficit, heading a well-delivered cross wide.Spain were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute following Quansah’s foul on Alberto Moleiro. Valencia’s Javi Guerra stepped up to convert it with composure.Spain pushed for the equaliser, but England were resolute enough to hold on to their lead until the end of the first half.The Young Lions started the second half on the front foot with Cresswell and Jay Stansfield coming close to finding the back of the net before the hour mark.On 63 minutes, goalkeeper James Beadle kept out Mateo Joseph’s shot before Jonathan Rowe’s effort at the other end was deflected out for a corner.Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jack Hinshelwood should have extended England’s lead in the 78th minute, heading the ball over the bar from five yards out.Deep into stoppage time, the defending champions were awarded a penalty after Rowe was brought down by Iturbe. Anderson converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.England have now qualified for the semi-final. They will face the Netherlands who beat Portugal, on Wednesday