Elliott shines in England's run to U21 final but faces club dilemma

Attacker fears wasting years at Liverpool due to a lack of regular football and could opt for a move away this summer

- Ed Aarons

At 5ft 7in, Harvey Elliott has never been one to stand out in a crowd. But there was only one player everyone wanted to talk to on a balmy evening in Bratislava after the forward's match-winning display against the Netherlands.

Two brilliant goals from Elliott on Wednesday ensured England will face Germany tomorrow night as they try to successfully defend the European Under-21 title won in 2023. The Liverpool player's only regret was his ill-advised knee-slide celebration on a "ridiculously dry" pitch for the first of those.

"The emotions got the best of me and I've hurt my knee from it but who cares?" said Elliott having emerged from the changing room after a mandatory drugs test. "Hopefully I should be fine for the final."

Elliott spent most of the season on Liverpool's bench after missing several weeks with a foot injury, getting only two Premier League starts - both after the title had been won - but he is making the most of his opportunity to shine for England. Four goals leave him two behind Germany's 6ft 6in striker Nick Woltemade in the race for the golden boot and underline Elliott's status as one of Europe's most promising talents.