England Under 21s Thrash Serbia 9-1 in Euro 2025 Qualifying
2 min readOn the 12th of October 2023, the England Under 21s football team delivered an astonishing performance, thrashing the Serbian Under 21s 9-1 in a Euro 2025 qualifying match. This victory came as their first home game since their triumph in the European Championships during the summer, and it showcased the remarkable talent and potential of the next generation of English footballers.
In this remarkable display of skill and teamwork, three standout players made a significant impact on the game. Debutant Jaden Philogene, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot, and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke all scored twice, contributing significantly to their team’s resounding victory.
The match began with a surprise as Aljosa Vasic of Serbia scored an early goal from the edge of the box, giving the visitors a temporary lead. However, England’s response was swift, with Hull City’s Philogene marking his debut with a curling equalizer. Manchester City’s Liam Delap then put the hosts ahead, converting a precise cross from Philogene from close range. Liverpool’s Elliot extended the lead with a powerful shot into the top corner from 18 yards, solidifying England’s dominance.
Chelsea’s Madueke showcased his talent by scoring a double, first by drilling in a goal after dribbling past three defenders and then by slotting into the net from Rico Lewis’s backheel. Philogene secured his second goal, making it six for the hosts, when Delap raced past the defense and squared the ball for the winger to tap into an empty net. The Serbian team faced further frustration as Luka Subotic deflected the ball into his own net.
Norwich’s Jonathan Rowe joined the scoring spree by heading in Elliot’s cross from close range, taking England’s tally to eight. Elliot himself completed the scoring with a calm finish, sealing a remarkable 9-1 victory for England’s Under 21 team.
Lee Carsley’s side, despite having only seven members of the squad who lifted the European Championships trophy in Georgia, demonstrated their capabilities and potential for the future. Their performance in this match underscored the bright prospects that await English football.
The next challenge for Carsley’s men will be a match against Ukraine in Slovakia on Monday. They displayed a 4-3-3 formation throughout the game, showcasing their versatility and adaptability on the field.
This remarkable victory not only establishes England’s dominance in the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign but also highlights the depth of talent and potential in the country’s youth football development. The England Under 21s have set the bar high for their future performances, and fans can eagerly anticipate what the future holds for these promising young football stars.