Home of football statistics and historyThe road to glory narrows as the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship reaches the semi-final stage.
Four of Europe’s top youth teams remain in contention, each chasing a place in the showpiece event.
In addition to defending champions England, Germany, France and the Netherlands are in the race for the trophy.
Fans around the world can catch all the action live via official streaming platforms.
Supporters in the United Kingdom can watch the matches live on Channel 4, while others can choose UEFA.tv depending on your territory or various other regional UEFA broadcast partners.
If you don’t have the games being broadcast in your region, using a VPN can help bypass such issues and allow you to watch the games from anywhere securely.
England vs Netherlands
England’s title defence was off to a dream start as the Young Lions demolished the Czech Republic 3-1 in their curtain-raising fixture.
Little did head coach Lee Carsley know it would be England’s only victory in a fiercely contested Group B.
After a scoreless draw against Slovakia and a 2-1 defeat to group winners Germany, they were lucky to progress as runners-up.
However, England hit their stride when it mattered the most, beating a more heavily fancied Spain 3-1 in the first knockout round.
James McAtee and Harvey Elliott set the tone for the Young Lions’ emphatic triumph in Trnava, perhaps signalling a timely return to form.
Now is not the time for overconfidence, especially given their infamous record in this fixture over the years.
Whether it was qualifying or the final tournament, England have failed to beat the Netherlands in all three Euro encounters this century.
Though each game ended level in regulation, the Oranje came out on top in the 2007 semi-finals on penalties en route to their last Euro victory.
Speaking to BBC, Carlsey admitted England ‘have lost the fear factor’ in spot-kick deciders heading into this showdown.
Needless to say, both teams will hope to avoid another dreaded shoot-out.
Despite becoming the first nation to qualify for the Euros, the Dutch have also blown hot and cold in Slovakia.
After a two-game winless start to their Group D journey, they comfortably overcame Ukraine 2-0 on matchday three to seal a second-place finish behind Denmark.
Yet, Michael Reiziger’s side proved vulnerable at the back against Finland and the Danes, conceding precisely two goals in both matches.
No such thing happened in the quarter-finals as Ernest Poku’s second-half winner inspired them to a nerve-wracking 1-0 win over Portugal.
It’s still worth noting that the Selecao squandered a penalty before half-time, helping the Netherlands reach their seventh Euro U21 semis.
Germany vs France
Košická futbalová aréna sets the stage for another mouth-watering semi-final as Germany and France battle it out for the remaining place in the grand final.
Germany’s quarter-final tie against Italy was arguably the most thrilling contest at the tournament, considering it produced five goals, two red cards and plenty of extra-time drama.
Antonio Di Salvo’s side eked out a 3-2 win to book the final date against France, a side they’ve only beaten twice at U21 level (D5, L7), perhaps underscoring the mental pressure on the Germans.
However, motivation shouldn’t be lacking, with Die Mannschaft vying for their fourth final appearance in the last five Euro U21 editions and potentially their fourth-ever title.
Before the aforementioned thriller against Italy, the tournament had been plain sailing for Germany as they strolled to the top of Group B with all three wins.
Similarly to their opposition, Les Bleus have yet to taste defeat in Slovakia.
Following a scoreless draw against Portugal in their Group C opener, they’ve won three consecutive matches, including a dramatic 3-2 win over Denmark in the quarter-finals.
Potentially 90 minutes away from advancing into the Euro final for the first time since 2002, Gerald Baticle’s charges must snap Germany’s formidable 19-game unbeaten run.
Though the task is nothing short of Herculean, the French boast an impressive undefeated record of their own, having gone nine straight internationals without losing.
With the likes of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert leading the line, France look well-positioned to secure a chance to lift this coveted trophy for the first time since 1988.
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