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Review: Saints players at the Euro Under-21’s Championships

By Ben King

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Nathan Redmond (C) of England U21 during a training session at St Georges Park on June 7, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Nathan Redmond (C) of England U21 during a training session at St Georges Park on June 7, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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England suffered heartbreak once again as Germany booked their place in the final winning on penalties after a 2-2 scoreline at the end of extra-time.

The squad led by captain James Ward-Prowse as well as Nathan Redmond, Matt Targett and Jack Stephens jetted off to Poland for the tournament.

Although Targett and Stephens didn’t get the chance to make an impression on England U-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd, there were positives to bring from the performances of Ward-Prowse and Redmond.

The pair started all of England’s group-stage matches after topping their group despite the early set back of drawing 0-0 with Sweden.

Redmond’s goal against Slovakia turned out to be the winner on matchday 2, as the winger cut inside and guided the ball in the top right hand corner.

The 23-year-old’s individual campaign took a turn for the worst after picking up a knock in the 3-0 win against Poland in the first half which resulted in him being taken off at half-time and not being risked to start in the semi-finals against Germany.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 20: James Ward-Prowse of England talks during a press conference at St Georges Park on March 20, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 20: James Ward-Prowse of England talks during a press conference at St Georges Park on March 20, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

Ward-Prowse’s role in the team was essential being part of the midfield area accompanied mainly by Nathaniel Chalobah and Lewis Baker.

Ward-Prowse’s set-piece threat was of great use to the team, especially in the opening 20 minutes against Germany in which England should have been ahead after missed chances from Abraham and Chalobah.

Redmond joined his teammate in the 72nd minute when Boothroyd wanted an attacking spark, taking off first half goalscorer Demarai Gray.

But with Germany in control of possession for the final stages of the 90 minutes and extra-time, England’s fait would once again be decided by penalties.

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Despite Ward-Prowse converting from the spot, it was Redmond’s missed penalty that sent the Young Lions crashing out of the tournament.

Ward-Prowse finished the tournament with just an assist to his name and probably should have had more if England were more clinical in front of goal.

Redmond had just the goal against Slovakia to his name but showed glimpses of what he can do and showed his experience being one of the older players in the squad.

The Saints quartet will rest before starting pre-season training as they join up with their teammates and meet new manager Mauricio Pellegrino.