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

England beat Spain 3-1 in the European U21 Championship quarter-final at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium on Saturday.

Spain could have been awarded an early penalty when Diego Lopez struck the ball on Charlie Cresswell’s arm in the third minute.

However, after consulting with the VAR, the referee rejected the penalty call.

England scored their first goal in the 20th minute when captain James McAtee tucked the ball home, pouncing on a corner-kick delivered into the penalty area.

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott gave the Young Lions a two-goal cushion five minutes later, tapping the ball into the net after goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe spilt Jarell Quansah’s shot.

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.

They 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.

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, but headed the ball over the bar from five yards out.

Deep into stoppage time, the defending champions were awarded a penalty after Iturbe brought down Rowe. Anderson converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

England will face the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday.