England Under-21s reached the European Championship semi-finals and remain on course to defend their title after a fine win over Spain.
Early strikes from James McAtee and Harvey Elliott were rounded off by Elliot Anderson’s late penalty as the Young Lions booked a last-four clash with the Netherlands in Bratislava on Wednesday.
The teams clashed at the final whistle, with the players and benches involved in a mass confrontation before they were eventually separated – although unused substitute Rafa Marin was dismissed for his part.
Manager Lee Carsley wanted a fast start and he got one, but only after England were given a reprieve when referee Simone Sozza overturned his decision to award a third-minute penalty after Charlie Cresswell handled in the box.
Holders England then raced into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes when McAtee swept in from a corner before Elliott pounced when Alejandro Iturbe spilled Jarell Quansah’s shot.
Carsley’s side were in control in Trnava but gave Spain a lifeline six minutes before the break, as Alex Scott lost the ball on the edge of the area and Quansah brought down Alberto Moleiro, leaving Javi Guerra to score from the spot.
Spain probed in the second half and James Beadle’s excellent double save stopped Guerra from levelling.
The Young Lions sealed their semi-final place when Anderson added a third from the spot in stoppage time after Iturbe felled Jonathan Rowe.
