In a funny sort of way, losing to Germany during the group stages was the best thing that could have happened to this young England team.
Manager Lee Carsley and his staff did not see it that way though after being unceremoniously turned over by Germany’s second string in Nitra.
There were raised voices in the dressing room that night. At half-time, with England 2-0 down, the hairdryer was delivered and players returned for the second half much improved. They won that spell 1-0 and analysts left with a pep in their step.
As the players filtered on to the team bus, they did so armed with the knowledge that they fell below Carsley’s standards in that first half and any hope of success hinged on an improvement.
One senior FA source noted that England would beat Germany if they got a second crack at them. Tonight in Bratislava, they have that chance.
‘I knew in the second half against Germany we clicked,’ Carsley said. ‘The resilience they showed, the character they showed, the way they responded, there was definitely an improvement.
‘I spoke to them at half-time that when things are 50/50, you make sure you keep moving forward or worst case scenario you stand still. You don’t go backwards and that’s what they did, they moved forward and those are the type of players we need to win at senior level.’
Lee Carsley pictured speaking on the eve of Saturday’s European Under-21 Championship final
Germany beat Carsley’s Young Lions side 2-1 in the group stage earlier in the tournament
Tweaks paid off handsomely and adaptability has certainly been one of Carsley’s biggest strengths in Slovakia.
Left back Jack Hinshelwood did not start the first two games, but is now a shoo-in for the final.
Jay Stansfield is another. He got his first start up front in the quarter-final against Spain and has not released his grip on the shirt since. Those around the camp praise his contagious energy and Carsley’s man-management of the League One winner has not gone unnoticed.
Much of the build-up to this title defence centred on regulars that Carsley (right) would be without. No Liam Delap, who has kept in touch with captain James McAtee with ‘messages every day,’
Rico Lewis, Jamie Gittens or Jobe Bellingham, all away at the Club World Cup. No Jarrad Branthwaite, Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Adam Wharton, all injured.
Carsley warned things would look ‘clunky’ and ‘unorganised’ early on as a result. He was not wrong, even if it was not immediately apparent in the 3-1 opening win over the Czech Republic.
But now he has a group that believe, rather than hope, they will get over the line.
‘I’ve got a lot of belief in them,’ Carsley added. ‘They’re an exciting team. They’re really together and have grown as the tournament’s gone on. Hopefully they get what they deserve.’
England manager Thomas Tuchel is jetting in from the Club World Cup, while Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has cut short his yacht retreat in Majorca to head for Bratislava.
Carsley was not happy with his team during that defeat but they have responded excellently
Around 150 friends and family are also making the trip, eager to spur on a group looking to replicate the achievement of England’s youngsters who won this tournament back-to-back in 1982 and 1984.
There is more finesse to this group now, a bite and physicality that was absent in that defeat by Germany and tonight’s opponents know the England of 10 days ago is not what they see now.
‘The group-stage match will have no bearing on the final,’ said Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo. ‘A final is a final and every team that reaches a final plays to win. England have improved and they were very dominant against Spain. It will be an even game.’
England wanted a second crack at Germany and tonight they get it. History beckons.
