England draw with Croatia, but exit U21 Euros

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:22 am

Croatia came from behind three times against England to earn a 3-3 draw in the teams Group C finale at the Under-21 European Championship on Monday night.

An 11th minute penalty from Reiss Nelson put England ahead early on, but Croatia pegged the Young Lions back before the break through Josip Brekalo.

Leicester striker James Maddison restored England's lead early in the second half, but a fine, curling, first-time shot from Nikola Vlasic levelled the score at 2-2 in the 62nd minute with the latter being withdrawn after being injured on the scoring play.

England players celebrate after scoring a goal against Croatia at the 2019 Under-21 European Championship.
England players celebrate after scoring a goal against Croatia at the 2019 Under-21 European Championship.
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However, England would retake the lead yet again, this time through a Jonjoe Kenny cracker from 20 yards out that left Croatia keeper Ivo Grbic no chance and saw his team fall behind 3-2.

For the third and final time, though, Croatia got back on level terms as Brekalo was played into the England penalty area and nutmegged Dean Henderson after the keeper was drawn off his line.

The result means Croatia and England will miss out on the knockout rounds with both sides managing just a single point in Group C play.