England Under-21s end disappointing Euro tournament with draw against Croatia despite leading three times

ENGLAND Under-21s finished their disappointing Euro 2019 campaign in typical fashion: being punished for their errors. The Young Lions led three times but were pegged back each time by Croatia in San Marino. Reiss Nelson earned a penalty and stepped up to slot it home with 11 minutes played but Josip Brekalo outdid Jonjoe Kenny […]

ENGLAND Under-21s finished their disappointing Euro 2019 campaign in typical fashion: being punished for their errors.

The Young Lions led three times but were pegged back each time by Croatia in San Marino.

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

Reiss Nelson earned a penalty and stepped up to slot it home with 11 minutes played but Josip Brekalo outdid Jonjoe Kenny to equalise before the break.

Leicester’s James Maddison pounced on a poor headed clearance to fire Aidy Boothroyd’s side back in front immediately after the break.

But then left-back Lloyd Kelly – who signed for Bournemouth before the tournament started – needlessly gave away possession on the corner of England’s box.

And just like against France and Romania, the Young Lions were punished as Nikola Vlasic found the corner but was injured in the process.

Right-back Jonjoe Kenny made amends for his earlier troubles by lashing in a brilliant strike from 25 yards to put England in front for the third time – it was his first goal for the U21s and clearly surprised a few of his team-mates.

But with eight minutes to go, Brekalo found space in the area and slotted under Dean Henderson as both teams ended the tournament without a win.

PA:Press Association

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PA:Press Association

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