Lee Carsley has challenged England players to go on and dominate for years to come after winning back-to-back Under-21 Euros on a famous night in Bratislava.
Jonathan Rowe nodded in a winner in extra-time to down a Germany side that had rallied back from 2-0 to 2-2.
A delighted Carsley, who has equalled the achievement of Dave Sexton who won it twice in 1982 and 1984, is already targeting glory again in two years time.
‘I’m really proud of the players, the commitment they have shown,’ he said.
‘They have so much belief. This squad believes that they can win.
‘To be European champions for the second time is a great achievement, and the challenge is to do it again in two years.’
Lee Carsley pictured holding the trophy after guiding his England side to Euro U21 glory again
Carsley’s Young Lions side beat Germany 3-2 after extra time in Saturday’s final in Bratislava
England have been U21 champions in 2023 and 2025 — now Carsley wants to win it in 2027
England could have crumbled when back at 2-2 but they rallied and dragged themselves over the line, a trait that is becoming more common through the age groups at the FA.
‘Any setback that we have had, the players have got together,’ Carsley said.
‘I didn’t think we played great tonight; we sat too deep and didn’t have as much control as I wanted. But we won’t remember that.’
England hero Rowe hailed the ‘exceptional’ winning culture Carsley has bred after a group missing so many key players crowned themselves the kings of Europe.
‘Everyone is exceptional, man,’ he said. ‘Everyone has the same mindset; we all wanted to win. The job is finally done, we can all celebrate.’
