England 2 Romania 4: Young Lions out of Under-21 Euros after losing hectic six-goal thriller

England's dejected players slump to the turf after their 4-2 defeat to Romania in Cesena
Getty Images
George Flood21 June 2019

England are out of the European Under-21 Championship after suffering a second successive defeat at the hands of Romania in Cesena.

The Young Lions, who were the architects of their own downfall in a gut-wrenching late defeat to France on Tuesday, were bested again in a thrilling clash at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi that featured six goals in the final 15 minutes.

George Puscas gave Romania the lead from the penalty spot after Jonjoe Kenny - in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose late own goal gifted the French victory - fouled Florinel Coman.

Demarai Gray quickly hit back for England with a curling strike into the far corner and Dominic Calvert-Lewin almost put them ahead before an error from Fikayo Tomori allowed Ianis Hagi - son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi - to restore their opponents' advantage.

Again Aidy Boothroyd's side were able to restore parity in a flash thanks to substitute Tammy Abraham, only for goalkeeper Dean Henderson to allow a longe-range Coman strike to squirm in at the near post.

The FCSB winger then sealed England's fate in the third minute of stoppage-time, capping a frantic period by beating Henderson with a fabulous 20-yard volley.

France's subsequent 1-0 win over Croatia - sealed by an early Moussa Dembele goal - in San Marino confirmed England's early exit, with only group winners and the best runners-up qualifying for the semi-finals.

Romania face France in Cesena on Monday.

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