Israel 0-3 England U21: Morgan Gibbs-White shines as Young Lions cruise into Euro 2023 final

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Evening Standard

·5 July 2023

Israel 0-3 England U21: Morgan Gibbs-White shines as Young Lions cruise into Euro 2023 final

E

ngland Under-21s cruised into the Euro 2023 final thanks to another comfortable win over Israel as they look to win the competition for the first time in 39 years.

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Morgan Gibbs-White missed a penalty in the first half but soon made amends with a glorious header to break the deadlock. Cole Palmer, who was superb throughout, added a second after the break before Cameron Archer’s last-minute settler.

The Young Lions are now in their first Euros final since 2009, with Lee Carsley's side yet to concede in Georgia, where they will face either Spain or Ukraine.

Having already beaten Israel 2-0 in the group stage, the Young Lions were confident with Levi Colwill nodding over Gibbs-White's early free-kick. But they should have taken the lead when Gibbs-White missed from the spot after 17 minutes. It took four minutes for VAR to rule Anthony Gordon was fouled by Karm Jaber - after Emile Smith Rowe had a shot cleared off the line before hitting the post - only for Gibbs-White to fire wide. It boosted Israel's belief with England frustrated but Carsley's men maintained their composure and Gibbs-White atoned for his miss three minutes before the break. The Nottingham Forest midfielder ghosted in late to reach Palmer's delivery and rose between two Israel defenders to nod the ball into the top corner from 12 yards. The half ended with Israel refusing to press and England keeping the ball, barely moving, and they remained in control after the restart. Smith Rowe scuffed a shot and Gordon saw an effort deflect wide but Palmer finally doubled the lead after 64 minutes. Gibbs-White found Smith Rowe, who crossed for Manchester City forward Palmer to convert - only for the goal to initially be ruled out for offside. Another long VAR check again went in England's favour as Smith Rowe was adjudged to be onside and the goal stood. There was still time for substitute Archer to add a third in stoppage time when he smashed in Palmer's pass.