England U21s brush aside Israel and book spot in Euro 2023 final as they look to end 39-year drought

    The Young Lions are just one win away from making history.

    Cameron Archer. Cameron Archer.

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    England Under-21s breezed into the Euro 2023 final to move to the brink of ending their 39-year wait for a win in the tournament.&nbsp; </p>

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    The Young Lions last won the competition in 1984 but eased past Israel 3-0 to reach Saturday's final, where they will play Spain or Ukraine. </p>

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    Morgan Gibbs-White - after he missed a penalty - Cole Palmer and Cameron Archer netted to secure a final spot, England's first since 2009, with Lee Carsley's side yet to concede in Georgia. </p>

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    Having already beaten Israel 2-0 in the group stage, the Young Lions were confident with Levi Colwill nodding over Gibbs-White's early free-kick. </p>

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    But they should have taken the lead when Gibbs-White missed from the spot after 17 minutes. </p>

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    It took four minutes for VAR to rule Anthony Gordon was fouled by Karm Jaber - after Emile Smith Rowe had a shot cleared off the line before hitting the post - only for Gibbs-White to fire wide. </p>

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    It boosted Israel's belief with England frustrated but Carsley's men maintained their composure and Gibbs-White atoned for his miss three minutes before the break. </p>

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    The Nottingham Forest midfielder ghosted in late to reach Palmer's delivery and rose between two Israel defenders to nod the ball into the top corner from 12 yards. </p>

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    The half ended with Israel refusing to press and England keeping the ball, barely moving, and they remained in control after the restart. </p>

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    Smith Rowe scuffed a shot and Gordon saw an effort deflect wide but Palmer finally doubled the lead after 64 minutes. </p>

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    Gibbs-White found Smith Rowe, who crossed for Manchester City forward Palmer to convert - only for the goal to initially be ruled out for offside. </p>

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    Another long VAR check again went in England's favour as Smith Rowe was adjudged to be onside and the goal stood. </p>

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    There was still time for substitute Archer to add a third in stoppage time when he smashed in Palmer's pass. </p>

    <p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/england-u21s-brush-aside-israel-book-spot-euro-2023-final-look-end-39-year-drought">England U21s brush aside Israel and book spot in Euro 2023 final as they look to end 39-year drought </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>