Knauff shines at U21 EURO | OneFootball

Ansgar Knauff set Germany on their way to victory over England, while Elias Baum and Oscar Højlund made their U21 debuts as the quarter-final match-ups were confirmed.

Having appeared off the bench in Germany’s first two group games of the European Under-21 Championship, Ansgar Knauff was named in the starting line-up for Wednesday’s Group B decider against England and helped his team secure top spot with a third-minute opener – his fourth goal at U21 level. Eintracht’s Elias Baum also made his U21 debut in the 2-1 victory after being included in the starting XI, while Nnamdi Collins was brought off the bench for the closing stages. Nathaniel Brown, who started Germany’s opening two matches, was an unused substitute.

Højlund in from the start

Oscar Højlund was also handed his first outing at U21 level, starting Denmark’s 2-2 draw with Scandinavian rivals Finland in central midfield. The 20-year-old had already racked up 34 appearances for the Danes’ U17, U18 and U19 teams.

Six Eagles have made it through to the quarter-finals of the competition, where Højlund will face Jean-Mattéo Bahoya’s France and Germany take on Italy. Meanwhile, over in Austin, Texas, Paxten Aaronson’s USA play their second group game of the Gold Cup on Thursday evening local time (Friday morning CEST). After cruising to a comfortable victory over Trinidad and Tobago in their tournament opener, the Stars and Stripes now take on Saudi Arabia.