England U21 vs Germany U21 Player Ratings: Germany Edge Past England in Clash of Titans to Finish as Group Topper

A much-changed Germany U21 continued their undefeated run in the tournament courtesy of a 2-1 victory over England U21. England entered the Euro U21 game knowing that a draw would be enough to take them to the quarters. However, they had the worst possible start as they went behind with barely three minutes on the clock. A long ball from Ullrich found Ansgar Knauff, who took a touch and then rifled one into the far corner. The goal left England in a daze as they found it very difficult to break a disciplined German backline. With England unable to muster anything of note, Germany doubled their lead, with Knauff turning provider courtesy of a lovely cross that saw Nelson Weiper rise highest in the box to nod home and double his side's lead.

With time ticking and their place in the quarters under threat, England dialled up the urgency and went for broke. They pulled a goal back when some great work by Hutchinson saw him cut back from the byline for Alex Scott, who bundled home from close range. England huffed and puffed from thereon, but the equalizer did not come as Germany held on for the win.

Here are the England U21 vs Germany U21 Player Ratings:

England U21 Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

James Beadle- 4.5/10

Could not do much about either goal. Was alright otherwise with his distribution and handling.

Defenders

Jack Hinshelwood- 5/10

The Brighton full-back used his industry and running to good effect. Defending could have been a bit better as he could not match his German counterpart for pace.

Jarell Quansah- 4.5/10

Had to do much better than allowing Weiper to bury a header from close range to double Germany's lead.

Charlie Cresswell- 4.5/10

Was caught napping for the second goal along with Quansah as Weiper scored from between the two. Ground passing was solid and made use of the long diagonal well.

Samuel Illing Junior- 4/10

Was the chief culprit for the opening goal as he completely lost sight of Knauff behind him. That had an effect on his game as his crossing lefta lot to be desired.

Midfielders

Omari Hutchinson- 6/10

Time and again looked like the bright spot in England's attack. However, in his haste to do too much by himself, he constantly gave the ball away or overran the ball in key areas. Redeemed himself with a brilliant assist to halve the deficit.

Alex Scott- 6/10

The Bournemouth youngster was assured on the ball, but was unable to do much after being well-shackled by the German press. Did deliver a couple of tempting corners that should have been attacked better. Was on hand to poke the ball in the back of the net late in the second half.

Elliott Anderson- 5/10

It was the Forest man's dilly-dallying in possession in the middle of the park that gave away the possession, which led to the opening goal. He did pick up from there as he made multiple runs with the ball and should have probably had a penalty as well.

Strikers

Jonathan Rowe- 5/10

Tried gamely to run the channels and make the most of scraps, given he barely received any service. Far often than not was on the periphery. Subbed at half-time

Harvey Elliott- 4.5/10

The stand-in skipper did not have a good game tonight. Was not involved in his side's attacking play and was mostly in the wilderness of the game.

Ethan Nwaneri- 5/10

The Arsenal lad had promising moments in between, but not make it count in crucial moments. Had a few poor touches that kept him from capitalising on important situations.

Substitutes

Jay Stansfield- 5/10

Was brought on to lead the line and make an impact. Jay Stansfield did not have much service to make things happen.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy- 5/10

Was subbed on to be a point of difference for his side. Could not make it happen.

James McAtee- 5/10

Was subbed on to be a point of difference for his side. Could not make it happen.

Tyler Morton- 5/10

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Tom Fellows- 5/10

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Manager

Lee Carsley- 4.5/10

Made some tweaks to play for a draw, only to see his decision spectacularly backfire on him. Could not find a way to rouse his team from 2 goals down, and that reflected in his substitutions.

Germany U21 Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Tjark Ernst- 5/10

Had a rather relaxed outing today. Had a couple of routine stops to make which he did with comfort. Powerless to stop the England goal.

Defenders

Elias Baum- 6/10

Strong showing by the full-back tonight. More often than not, got the better of Nwaneri on that flank and was crucial in keeping the young Arsenal Prodigy at bay for most of the contest.

Tim Oermann- 6/10

Struck a good partnership with Seibert. Won most of his aerial battles and kept the ground game moving with his passes.

Jamil Siebert- 5.5/10

Did not give Harvey Elliott an inch. Was all over him and was a major factor in making the Liverpool youngster a total non-factor in the game. A dependable defensive performance. Was a bit tarnished as he let Scott run unmarked for his goal.

Lukas Ullrich- 6/10

Excellent first-time ball to find Knauff for the opening goal. Looked impressive in defense as he time and again forced a mistake out of Hutchinson whenever they came face-to-face.

Midfielders

Paul Wanner- 6/10

Kept the ball ticking nicely. Was the one who dispossessed Anderson to start the attack for the first goal.

Caspar Jander- 6/10

Completed all his dribbles. Was a constant menace in the channels as he found himself in pockets of space to hurt the opposition.

Merlin Rohl- 6/10

Did all the required things with ease and comfort. Was barely troubled by the English midfield.

Strikers

Jan Thielmann- 6/10

Jan Thielmann was decent in possession and diligent in his defensive responsibilities by putting in the tackles when needed. A solid, if not spectacular performance.

Nelson Weiper- 6.5/10

Typical striker's finish as he used his long frame to good effect by powering his header beyond the English keeper. Ran the channels and kept the defenders honest by not giving them a minute's respite.

Ansgar Knauff- 8.5/10

The best performer in tonight's game by a huge distance. First, Knauff gave Germany the lead with a lovely touch and finish inside the box. He then turned provider as he delivered an inch-perfect cross to Weiper to double the lead. A constant thorn in the flesh of this England side without a doubt.

Substitutes

Paul Nebel- N/A

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Nicolo Tresoldi- N/A

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Bright Arrey-Mbi- N/A

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Nnamdi Collins- N/A

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Eric Martel- N/A

Brought on late. Could not make much of an impact.

Manager

Antonio di Salvo- 7/10

The manager changed the entire side from the last game and yet managed to play some really champagne stuff. Saw his side concede and immediately made changes to protect his side's lead. They will be dangerous opponents in the quarters.

Sportsdunia Player of the match goes to Ansgar Knauff