James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite are into the Under-21s European Championships final after England beat Israel 3-0 in the semi-final on Wednesday evening. 

Garner played the full game for Lee Carsley’s side to make his sixth appearance of the tournament, whilst Branthwaite was an unused substitute as England secured their spot in Saturday's final. 

In what has been a hugely successful tournament for Garner from the right-back position, he was once again selected in that role tonight as England were on semi-final duties in Batumi, Georgia.

It was yet another impressive Garner display, completing 59 passes at a success rate of 95.2%, whilst also winning five of his seven ground duels. 

He has started all but one of the Young Lions’ fixtures throughout their run to this stage, outlining his versatility and strength.

Against an Israel side reaching the final four unexpectedly, England came flying out the blocks, with Emile Smith-Rowe testing the opposition goalkeeper early on. 

His team then had the perfect chance to open the deadlock after 13 minutes, but Morgan Gibbs-White missed a penalty after a lengthy VAR check. 

Despite the early spot-kick miss, England were well on top in the first half, dominating possession and playing free-flowing football.

Garner was hugely involved in the build-up, and after 38 minutes he whipped in a teasing cross that was brilliantly intercepted by an Israel defender. 

The pressure was mounting and on the stroke of half-time, Gibbs-White gave England a deserved lead.

Cole Palmer crossed in an inch perfect delivery and Gibbs-White made no mistake, heading the ball powerfully into the roof of the net.

After the break, England continued to exert their dominance on the occasion. Efforts in quick succession from Smith-Rowe and Gordon forced Tomer Tzarfati into action.

One of the keys to England’s success has been their brilliant build-up through the phases, and another excellent move saw them double the lead.

Smith-Rowe slid the ball across goal and the onrushing Palmer was there to stretch and convert into the net.

The goal was originally ruled out for offside, but after a VAR check the decision was overturned and the Young Lions had a cushion. 

With England having not conceded in the entire tournament, it was going to take a miracle for Israel to claw things back, with Garner once again a pivotal part of a strong defensive display.

On the brink of the full-time whistle, Cameron Archer made it three to deliver the cherry on top of the cake, clinically dispatching a shot into the roof of the net.


The result means England will face either Spain or Ukraine in the final on Saturday evening (kick-off at 5pm BST).