HARVEY ELLIOTT sent a classy message to rival Nick Woltemade as he pipped the forward to the Under-21 European Championships as England beat Germany in extra time to lift the trophy.
Liverpool star Elliott was instrumental as Lee Carsley‘s side retained the gong – the last time the Young Three Lions managed to do this was in 1982 and 1984.
GettyHarvey Elliott shared a classy message with Nick Woltemade after England beat Germany in the U21 Euros final[/caption]
Channel 4Elliott was heard praising his opponent’s technical ability and saying he should be proud[/caption]
GettyElliott also won the Player of the Tournament award ahead of Woltemade, who was top scorer and creator[/caption]
The 22-year-old scored five goals en route to the final, including a brace in the semi-final against the Netherlands and the opener in the final.
After going 2-0 down, Germany had clawed it back to 2-2 to send it to extra time, but not before hitting the crossbar at the end of regulation time.
But Elliott’s replacement on the pitch, Jonathan Rowe had a huge impact off the bench as he scored the winner.
The victory ultimately helped Elliott win the Player of the Tournament award, just ahead of Woltemade, who was the competition’s top scorer with six and joint top for assists with three.
After the match, as the players exchanged handshakes, Elliott made his feelings about his rival clear.
As the pair embraced in a hug, the Three Lions ace was heard saying to the forward: “Technical ability, incredible,” with Woltemade then showing off a coy smile.
Woltemade plays for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, but has been linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich this summer to star as Harry Kane‘s long-term successor in Bavaria.
The 6ft 6in striker – dubbed the Two Metre Messi – reportedly already has a five-year contract on the table, following a season where he scored 17 goals and added three assists in 33 games in all competitions.
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The 23-year-old is said to have already agreed personal terms over the move, though Stuttgart are reluctant to let him leave for any less than £85million – though Bayern value him at around £43m.
Elliott later added: “You should be proud of yourself, well done.”
Woltemade’s impressive season saw him make his full debut for Germany’s senior team earlier this month.
He started the Uefa Nations League semi-final against Portugal and the third-place playoff against France.
Speaking after the game, boss Carsley – who is contracted to the Young Lions until 2027 – said: “I’m so proud, not of myself but of the players and the commitment that they have shown the last 28 days.
“All the instruction we have tried to give to them, they have taken in on board so quickly.
“They have so much belief, this squad believe that they can win. And that is the kind of players we need.
“To be European champions for a second time is a great achievement and I suppose the challenge now is to do it again in two years.”
The Three Lions can only hope this winning feeling can be repeated by the senior men’s and women’s teams as well, with the latter kicking off their own European championship defence against France next Saturday.
Sarina Wiegman’s side was rocked by three senior stars pulling out of the provisional squad in Millie Bright, Fran Kirby and Mary Earps.
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