England Under-21 national team eliminated prematurely in the Under-21 European Cup

DBasia.news –  Two consecutive defeats at the Under-21 European Cup ended the Under-21 England national team trip prematurely.

After losing 2-1 to France Under-21s, England direction Aidy Boothroyd was beaten 2-4 by Mirei Radoi’s Romania Under-21 side at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi on Friday night Western Indonesian Time (21/6). England had twice equalized in the match.

Demarai Gray (79′) and Tammy Abraham (86′) equalized to 2-2 when revenging George Puscas goals (76’penalty) and Ianis Hagi (85′). However, the poor England defense fostered by Fikayo Tomori and Jake Clarke-Salter brought havoc.

The midfielder who played at FCSB, Florinel Coman, scored two goals in the 88 and 90+3 minutes. Romania won 4-2 and won six points from two matches, equal to France, and topped the table on goal difference.

While England and Croatia both won no points and were ranked three-four in the standings. Boothroyd was made a scapegoat for England’s poor performances at the Under-21 European Cup. Despite having signed a new contract for two years, fans want Boothroyd to be fired.

“I was surprised by the question. I will not go anywhere. They have to drag me out. This is not a reflection of me having to stay or go, but a reflection of what we have achieved and what we can do better,” said Boothroyd, quoted from the Mirror.

“It is important to review it (European Under-21 Cup). We must realize my shortcomings. If we want to win a tournament like this, there are things we must improve.”

What upset Boothroyd was the fact that England’s Under-21 two-year preparation time was destroyed instantly – in a matter of weeks.

“I was upset. Two years of preparation in qualifying and we were eliminated in a very disappointing way. The opponents were stronger. Very disappointing at this level we made a mistake. We conceded three penalty goals in two games,” regretted Boothroyd.

England Under-21s did not qualify for the knockout phase along with Croatia Under-21s, Serbian Under-21s (strengthened by Luka Jovic), and Belgium Under-21s.