Harvey Elliott let out his frustrations by flashing two fingers at someone just seconds after England’s Under-21 Euros triumph against Germany.
Elliott opened the scoring after five minutes in what turned out to be a ping-pong game in Bratislava, which saw the Three Lions blow a two-goal lead, forcing extra-time.
But Germany could not continue their momentum in the last half hour, and it was Jonathan Rowe – who is currently on loan at Marseille from Norwich – who snatched a winner to make it 3-2 in the 92nd minute.
England held on to claim their second consecutive U21 Euro title, yet Elliott’s immediate reaction revealed resentment rather than jubilation.
It is unclear who exactly the Liverpool midfielder’s two-fingered salute was aimed towards.
Nevertheless, Elliott’s performances over the last few weeks will certainly overshadow his post-game antics, as he was undoubtedly England’s star of the tournament, especially during the knockout phase.
Harvey Elliott held up a V-sign towards someone after England’s U21 Euro triumph vs Germany
It is unclear who the Liverpool star was aiming his gesticulations towards, which came just seconds after full-time
Elliott was given the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award after England held on to win the final 3-2
The 22-year-old scored once in the last-eight against Spain, a brace against the Netherlands in the semi-finals, and again on Saturday night as his nation were crowned champions.
His performances earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award, which was presented to him amid the full-time celebrations.
Having now found the net 14 times for the England U21s, Elliott leapfrogged past Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers to become the second-highest scorer in the team’s history.
The only player ahead of him is Eddie Nketiah, who scored 16 goals across 17 matches from 2018 to 2021.
The last time England lifted consecutive U21 European titles was in the early 1980s, overcoming West Germany and Spain in 1982 and 1984.
Their recent triumph now places them third in the historic rankings, behind Spain and Italy, who lead with five championships each.
Notably, Elliott and Charlie Cresswell join Danny Thomas in an exclusive group of England players who have twice celebrated U21 Euro glory.
Speaking after the game, an unusually expressive Lee Carsley even poured out his emotions surrounding England’s success.
Elliott and Charlie Cresswell join Danny Thomas as the only players to win two U21 Euro titles
The 22-year-old is the second-highest scorer in England’s U21 history (14 goals in 25 games)
He said: ‘I’m so proud, not of myself but of the players and the commitment that they have shown the last 28 days.
‘All the instruction we have tried to give to them, they have taken in on board so quickly.
‘They have so much belief, this squad believe that they can win. And that is the kind of players we need.
‘To be European champions for a second time is a great achievement and I supposed the challenge now is to do it again in two years.’
