June 26 – England secured top spot in Group C at the European Under-21 Championship on Sunday, beating Israel 2-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
France also posted a second victory by seeing off Norway 1-0 while Italy held on to defeat Switzerland 3-2.
But the main talking point was once again a disappointing display by defending champions Germany who, after being held by Israel, suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic despite fielding a strong lineup.
Martin Vitík’s deflected winner three minutes from time gave the Czechs a memorable victory after they withstood Germany’s persistent pressure and clinically took their chances.
In doing so they became only the second team to beat Germany in their last 21 U21 Euro qualifying and final tournament encounters.
The Germans now have it all to do in their final group game against England.
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