Two years ago, Under-21 boss Lee Carsley led his side – which included Blues Levi Colwill, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer – to a 1-0 victory against Spain, and tonight England had the chance to defend that title.

This time, the opponent was Germany, at the National Stadium in Slovakia. England had faced the same team in the group stages of the competition, losing 2-1 as Germany took top spot in Group B. Since then, the Young Lions have discovered their form, beating Spain and the Netherlands in the knockout rounds en route to the final.

And they enjoyed a great start to tonight's contest as Harvey Elliott continued his excellent scoring form when Germany failed to clear after Omari Hutchinson's shot was saved and the Liverpool midfield produced a composed finish from close to the penalty spot.

The advantage was doubled midway through the first half when some neat footwork from captain James McAtee saw the Manchester City man lay the ball off to Hutchinson and he drilled the ball through the legs of the Germany goalkeeper from just inside the penalty area.

The Young Lions, whose coaching staff includes Blues legend Ashley Cole, had been the better side in the first half but their opponents pulled a goal back in first-half injury-time through a thumping header by Nelson Weiper.

Germany started the second period well and equalised just after the hour mark with a fine strike by Paul Nebel, as he found the far top corner with the help of a deflection.

Germany almost won it in injury-time when they rattled the crossbar but England survived and 90 seconds into extra-time and 90 second after coming on, one of Carsley's double substitutes immediately paid off, as Tyler Morton's expert delivery was glanced into the bottom corner by the diving head of replacement Jonathan Rowe.

The drama wasn't over there though as in extra-time injury-time - just like in the regular time additional minutes - Germany rattled the woodwork with a powerful strike from Merlin Rohl but England held on and the title was retained.

Sharman-Lowe has played back-up to Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper James Beadle throughout the Euros but this tournament has rounded off a fine season for the 22-year-old.

Fresh from signing a contract extension until 2028, Sharman-Lowe will be spending next year on loan at League One side Bolton Wanderers after playing every minute of Doncaster Rovers' League Two title-winning campaign.