Euro U21: England out after stoppage-time Croatia goal

England missed out on qualification to the European Under-21 Championships quarter-finals after a stoppage-time goal put Croatia through on goal difference.

The Young Lions needed to win by two goals, and an Eberechi Eze penalty and Curtis Jones goal put them in good shape to progress going into the final stages of the match.

Domagoj Bradaric’s 91st-minute strike ended England’s chances though and secured Croatia’s place in the last eight.

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Croatia, Switzerland and England all finished on three points but England finished bottom of the group due to their goal difference on the three-way head-to-head.

England have now failed to advance from the group stage on two successive occasions and the result could put an end to Aidy Boothroyd’s time as Under-21 manager

Boothroyd’s contract expires this summer but the former Watford boss still thinks he is the right man for the job.

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“I think so – the amount of players that have come through this season would suggest there is a pathway working. Our youngest players know they have a chance to play in the first team because of the way we’re structured,” Boothroyd told reporters.

“Of course it’s important and we want to win but to produce players and win tournaments at the same time is very difficult. I love being involved with these players, I enjoy it and it makes it more difficult to deal with this and answer questions. I will keep going and we’ll see what happens.”

The knockout stages are due to take place between May 31 and June 6.

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