England secured their spot in the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals with a 3-1 triumph over Spain in Slovakia.

The Young Lions, set to face the Netherlands next, were given an early reprieve when a VAR review led to a penalty decision being overturned.

Skipper James McAtee got England off the mark in the 10th minute, followed by Harvey Elliott's second goal of the tournament just five minutes later.

Spain managed to pull one back through Javi Guerra's 39th-minute penalty, but a late spot-kick from substitute Elliot Anderson in stoppage time sealed the deal for Lee Carsley's side, confirming their place in the semi-finals.

The match began on shaky ground for England as Spain believed they had won a penalty when Charlie Cresswell was penalised for handball by referee Simone Sozza. However, after a VAR review, the Italian official reversed his decision, much to England's relief.

McAtee broke the deadlock following a corner from Alex Scott and a flick-on by Omari Hutchinson. The ball found its way to the alert England captain who turned it home from close range.

Elliott extended England's lead five minutes later, capitalising on a spill from Spain's goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe, following a long-range effort from Jarell Quansah.

England inadvertently gave Spain another opportunity from the penalty spot after losing possession deep within their own territory, a mistake compounded when Quansah tripped Alberto Moleiro, prompting referee Sozza to immediately award a penalty.

Guerra took the penalty and reduced the deficit by calmly sending James Beadle in the wrong direction.

After the restart, impressive teamwork from Quansah and Hutchinson nearly set up Jay Stansfield, whose shot was deflected over the bar. Shortly afterwards, Cresswell headed a corner into the side-netting.

Beadle twice thwarted Guerra before collecting a shot from Mateo Joseph, while England were still seeking their first on-target attempt since Elliott's goal with 20 minutes left on the clock, following Morton's near miss.

Jack Hinshelwood had a golden opportunity to increase England's lead but he mistimed a free header, sending it over the crossbar.

As Spain pressed for a late equaliser, England struck on the counter-attack. Iturbe was penalised for fouling Jonathan Rowe inside the penalty area, allowing Anderson to confidently convert the penalty and secure the win for England.

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