England produced a scintillating first-half performance before being taken to extra time by Germany in the European Under-21 Championship final in Slovakia on Saturday evening. Lee Carsley’s side blew away their opponents early on as they went 2-0 up, but were pegged back by the Germans. The Young Lions eventually added a third goal to retain the trophy they won two years ago as Carsley and his team celebrated back-to-back successes.

England took the lead five minutes into the encounter as Harvey Elliott followed in a shot from Omari Hutchinson and fired in the rebound. And the Young Lions doubled their advantage midway through the first half as Hutchinson thumped the ball past Germany keeper Noah Atubolu. England should have killed the game off before the break as they squandered a host of chances. And they were made to pay as Germany hit back through a Nelson Weiper header in stoppage time at the end of the opening period, before Paul Nebel drew his team level just after the hour mark. But after Germany hit the woodwork at the end of the 90, substitute Jonathan Rowe headed in the winner at the start of extra-time.

And Express Sport takes you through the England player ratings after a memorable game in Bratislava.

England player ratings vs Germany (4-4-1-1)

James Beadle: 6

Gave the ball away in a dangerous area after a lapse of concentration just before the break and was lucky to get away with it as Germany fluffed their lines. Wasn’t able to reach Weiper’s header for Germany’s first goal, however, and could do nothing to stop Nebel’s effort.

Tino Livramento: 7

Raced forward with the ball when the opportunity arose 10 minutes before the break as England carved out yet another chance to score. Supported the attack well in possession.

Charlie Cresswell: 9

Put in a sensational performance at the heart of the backline to repel the Germany attack. Had an exchange with Nebel after putting in a big challenge on the German star and frustrated his rival time and time again, but the Mainz attacker eventually got his name on the scoresheet. Was England’s best defender and was superb from start to finish.

Jarell Quansah: 8

Gave the ball away early on as England invited pressure but showed his confidence in possession when bursting forward with the ball later in the first half. Was solid throughout and has a big future at the top of the game.

Jack Hinshelwood: 6

Played a lovely ball across the penalty area just before the break, but none of his team-mates were able to get on the end of it. Defended well and worked hard.

Harvey Elliott: 7

Was in the right place at the right time to nudge his side into the lead following his brace in the semi-finals. Started well but lost his way as the match wore on. Scored five goals in the tournament and will surely have clubs queuing for his signature when he returns to Liverpool.

Elliot Anderson: 9

Was part of a dominant England midfield that had the Germans in their pocket in the opening period. Was the victim of a heavy challenge in the first half but battled on. Won his headers in midfield and was on the front foot throughout. Even pulled out a cheeky backheel to find Tino Livramento at one stage.

Alex Scott: 7

Great on the ball and was aggressive in the tackle. Put it about and let the Germany players feel his presence, but was forced off with an injury just before half time.

Omari Hutchinson: 8

Was denied an opening goal after a good save from the German keeper, but Elliott scored the rebound. Kept his cool when teed up for his goal as he struck the ball hard and low. Had a chance to make it 3-0 after cutting into the box but couldn’t find the back of the net for a second time.

James McAtee: 9

Captained the side and pulled out an incredible Cruyff turn midway through the first half before drilling the ball across goal. Could have pulled the trigger after a fine counter attack from England midway through the first half but tried to pick out Jay Stansfield instead. Lost the ball in a dangerous area just before the break but was bailed out. Had an effort saved at the other end moments later and almost found the back of the net in the early stages of the second period. Ran the show for much of the game.

Jay Stansfield: 6

Wasn’t able to get on the end of a ball from James McAtee in the first half as he appeared to slow down when the ball came across. Would have been a tap in for the Birmingham striker. Was quiet before being taken off.

Substitutions

Tyler Morton: 7

Wasn’t able to get England out of trouble as he was beaten to the ball by Weiper for the first Germany goal. Was sloppy on the ball as he gave the ball away at the start of the second half, but whipped in a sensational ball which found its way onto Jonathan Rowe’s head for England’s winner.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy: 6

Replaced Stansfield with the scores level when England’s opponents had the upper hand.

Jonathan Rowe: 8

Came on for Elliott at the start of extra-time and scored with a diving header seconds later to send the England fans wild.

Ethan Nwaneri: 6

Replaced McAtee at the end of the 90 minutes as the England captain was surprisingly sacrificed.

Samuel Iling-Junior: 6

Was brought on for Hutchinson to offer his side fresh legs in extra-time.

CJ Egan-Riley: 6

Was England’s sixth change of the night as all outfield players apart from the back four were replaced.