Germany’s under-21 side has spent the past two years quietly building toward something special. After winning Euro 2021, the team navigated a tricky path to the 2025 final in Slovakia, where a 3–2 extra-time loss to England brought the trophy back to The FA’s Young Lions. Head coach Antonio Di Salvo remains in place through 2027, and the qualifying calendar is already moving toward the next cycle. Here’s where Germany U21 stands, what happened in their most recent matches, and how to follow the team going forward.
FIFA ranking: 10 (as of 2025) · U21 European titles: 3 (2009, 2017, 2021) · Last match result: Germany U21 2–0 Greece U21 (win, June 2025) · Current coach: Antonio Di Salvo · Next competitive match: TBD (U21 Euro 2025 qualification continued)
Quick snapshot
- Exact upcoming match schedule for 2025/2026 qualification cycle
- Final squad composition for future tournament cycles
| Label |
Value |
| Association |
German Football Association (DFB) |
| Confederation |
UEFA |
| Current coach |
Antonio Di Salvo (appointed 23 September 2021) |
| Contract expiry |
31 July 2027 |
| U21 Euro Titles |
3 (2009, 2017, 2021) |
| 2025 Euro finish |
Runners-up |
Did Germany U21 Win?
Germany U21’s 2025 campaign ended in a narrow final defeat, but the journey there included several commanding performances. According to match records tracked by ESPN, the squad opened the tournament with three consecutive group-stage wins: 3–0, 4–2, and 2–1 against unnamed opponents in mid-June 2025. The team’s attacking intent was evident from the outset, setting up a knockout-stage run that would eventually bring them to the final in Slovakia.
Germany U21 Scores, Stats and Highlights
Bottom line: Germany U21 did not win the 2025 tournament, finishing as runners-up after a tight extra-time loss to England. The three group-stage wins and a dramatic quarter-final victory over Italy showed a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Who Won the Under-21 Final?
England U21 won the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, defeating Germany 3–2 after extra time in the final played in Slovakia on 28 June 2025. The Young Lions, representing England’s youth side, retained the title they had previously won, with the match report from The FA confirming the result and describing a closely contested encounter that required additional time to settle.
Germany’s path to the final included a dramatic quarter-final win against Italy U21. According to Goal.com’s preview coverage, Germany entered that match as favorites on paper, though the 3–2 scoreline after extra time at MOL Arena indicated how tightly contested the fixture proved to be.
2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final
The implication: England U21’s retention of the title confirms their status as the dominant force in European U21 football for this cycle, while Germany must rebuild for another run in 2027.
Who was the girl giving medals at the Euros?
Reports from the 2025 tournament indicated that a young girl with Dravet syndrome participated in the medal ceremony, though detailed information about this ceremonial role is limited in available sources. For the most accurate account of this specific detail, checking the official UEFA ceremony footage or tournament media coverage would provide the clearest answer.
Editor’s note
The medal ceremony detail is noted as an unusual but humanizing element of the tournament. UEFA’s official broadcast coverage typically documents these moments in full.
Bottom line: England U21 won the 2025 Euro U21 final 3–2 after extra time. Germany finished runners-up for the first time since their 2021 triumph, a result that sets the stage for another qualification cycle.
Who Is the Coach of the U21 Germany Team?
Antonio Di Salvo has been the head coach of Germany U21 since 23 September 2021, when he was appointed to replace his predecessor. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed in March 2025 that Di Salvo’s contract has been extended through 31 July 2027, providing stability for the qualification cycle ahead.
Born on 5 June 1979 in Paderborn, Germany, Di Salvo is described by Bundesliga.com as a German-Italian tactician with a playing background that includes Bayern Munich. His profile suggests an attacking coaching philosophy informed by his own forward-playing career.
Antonio Di Salvo biography
Why this matters
Di Salvo’s contract extension through 2027 signals the DFB’s confidence in his project. A coach with four years of stability can build squad depth across multiple qualification windows without the disruption of a tenure review.
Bottom line: Antonio Di Salvo has led Germany U21 since September 2021 and remains in charge through 2027. His Bayern Munich playing history and German-Italian background give him a unique perspective for developing young talent in Germany’s football system.
Where Can I Watch Germany U21 Matches?
Germany U21 matches in major tournaments and qualifiers are available through several broadcast and streaming platforms. The UEFA Under-21 Championship itself is covered by UEFA’s own platforms, with official match highlights and compilations available via UEFA.tv.
Is the U21 European Championship on TV?
The UEFA European Under-21 Championship receives broadcast coverage across multiple territories. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Channel 4 has previously broadcast England U21 fixtures, which included coverage of the England versus Germany final.
Where can I watch England U21 v Germany U21?
Where can I watch U21 Germany vs France?
Matches between Germany U21 and France U21 are typically available through UEFA’s broadcast partnerships. Free streaming options vary by territory; checking UEFA.tv and national sports broadcasters’ schedules closer to fixture dates provides the most current access information.
The upshot
UEFA.tv offers the most consistent international coverage, while regional broadcasters like Channel 4 (UK) handle territory-specific rights. Bookmarking UEFA.tv’s U21 section ensures you catch highlights regardless of local blackout restrictions.
Bottom line: UEFA.tv is your best starting point for official Germany U21 match coverage. Regional broadcasters handle live rights on a country-by-country basis, so check local listings for specific fixtures.
Who Are the Key Germany U21 Players?
Germany U21 submitted a final 23-player squad for the 2025 European Championship to UEFA by the deadline of 23:59 CEST on 4 June 2025, according to the DFB’s official squad announcement. The squad averaged 21.3 years of age and included players from various Bundesliga clubs.
Germany U21 players
While the full 23-player squad list is documented in the DFB’s official submission, the specific names, positions, and club affiliations for each player require verification from the DFB’s June 2025 squad announcement. Transfermarkt’s coverage of Germany U21 provides detailed squad composition including player profiles and club associations.
- Squad size: 23 players — DFB (German Football Association)
- Average age: 21.3 years
- Squad submission deadline: 4 June 2025, 23:59 CEST — DFB (German Football Association)
Germany U21 striker
The top scorer for Germany U21 during the 2025 qualification and tournament cycle can be identified by cross-referencing UEFA’s official statistics with ESPN’s match-by-match scoring records. The dramatic 3–2 quarter-final win over Italy and the 4–2 group-stage victory suggest at least one forward capable of multiple goals per game.
What to watch
With the Euro 2025 cycle concluded, the next squad cycle for 2027 qualification will likely feature new faces. Tracking Di Salvo’s selection patterns in the early 2026 fixtures will reveal which young forwards are emerging into the U21 setup.
Bottom line: Germany U21’s 23-player Euro 2025 squad was young (average 21.3), centrally selected from Bundesliga clubs, and submitted on time to UEFA. The next qualification cycle will bring squad turnover as some players age out.
How to Follow Germany U21: A Practical Guide
Staying updated on Germany U21’s progress requires knowing where to look. The team’s official channels, UEFA’s competition portal, and sports media outlets each serve different needs—from live match updates to in-depth tactical analysis.
Step 1: Check official DFB announcements
The German Football Association publishes squad selections, match schedules, and coaching updates directly on dfb.de. Signing up for DFB press notifications ensures you receive confirmed information before it spreads through secondary sources.
UEFA’s dedicated U21 competition page at uefa.tv/section/U21 hosts official match highlights, player compilations, and tournament recaps. ESPN’s U21 Euro qualifying schedule page also tracks upcoming fixtures as the 2027 qualification cycle takes shape.
Step 3: Use match databases for detailed results
Soccerway maintains a comprehensive match log for Germany U21, including competitive and friendly fixtures. ESPN’s team results page offers a consolidated view of recent scorelines and tournament performances. These databases are particularly useful for verifying specific match details like dates, venues, and opponents.
Step 4: Follow broadcast schedules for live matches
Regional broadcasters like Channel 4 (UK) handle live rights for specific territories. UEFA.tv provides international streaming access. Checking broadcast schedules 1–2 weeks before fixtures ensures you don’t miss live coverage.
The trade-off
Official sources (DFB, UEFA) are authoritative but can be slower to publish. Social media and sports sites update faster but sometimes contain errors. For confirmed facts—squad announcements, final results—always verify through the primary source.
Germany U21: Key Moments Timeline
A look back at the milestones that defined Germany U21’s recent history under Antonio Di Salvo’s tenure.
| Date |
Event |
Source |
| 23 September 2021 |
Antonio Di Salvo appointed head coach of Germany U21 |
Transfermarkt |
| June 2021 |
Germany U21 wins third U21 European Championship (beat Portugal) |
Historical record |
| 4 June 2025 |
Final 23-player Euro 2025 squad submitted to UEFA |
DFB |
| 14 June 2025 |
Di Salvo’s contract extended until 31 July 2027 |
DFB |
| 22 June 2025 |
Germany U21 beats Italy U21 3–2 after extra time (Euro 2025 quarter-final) |
ESPN |
| 28 June 2025 |
Germany U21 loses 3–2 to England U21 after extra time in Euro 2025 final |
England Football |
| 10 June 2025 |
Germany U21 records win against Northern Ireland U21 |
Soccerway |
The pattern: Di Salvo’s tenure from 2021 to 2027 spans a championship win, a runners-up finish, and now a new qualification cycle—the October 2025 win over Northern Ireland marks the start of the Euro 2027 push.
Bottom line: Di Salvo’s tenure from 2021 to 2027 spans a championship win, a runners-up finish, and now a new qualification cycle. The October 2025 win over Northern Ireland marks the start of the Euro 2027 push.
Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Still Unclear
Transparency about what is known and what remains uncertain helps readers calibrate their expectations. Below is a breakdown of confirmed facts about Germany U21 alongside outstanding questions that require further verification.
Confirmed facts
- Germany U21 finished as runners-up at Euro 2025, losing to England 3–2 in the final
- Antonio Di Salvo is the head coach, contracted through 31 July 2027
- The 23-player Euro 2025 squad was submitted to UEFA on 4 June 2025
- Germany U21 beat Italy U21 3–2 in the quarter-final on 22 June 2025
- A win against Northern Ireland U21 was recorded on 10 June 2025
What’s unclear
- Full squad composition (names, positions, clubs) for Euro 2025
- Specific scorelines and opponents for all early 2025 group-stage matches
- Details on Di Salvo’s tactical approach in specific matches
- Comparative statistics (goals, assists, xG) for the 2025 tournament
- Injury or suspension timeline for key players during Euro 2025
Bottom line: Germany U21’s 2025 tournament results are well-documented, but detailed squad breakdowns and granular match statistics remain partially opaque. Readers seeking the full player roster should consult the DFB’s official squad announcement.
What Experts Are Saying
Germany U21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo led his side to a runners-up finish at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
— Bundesliga.com (German football media outlet)
The Young Lions ran out 3-2 winners in extra time in Slovakia to be crowned champions.
— England Football match report (The Football Association)
Germany U21 emerge as favorites on paper ahead of their 2025 Euro U21 Championship quarter-final clash against Italy U21 at MOL Arena.
— Goal.com (International football news outlet)
Bottom line: The consensus from German and international media is that Germany U21 under Di Salvo proved themselves genuine contenders at Euro 2025, reaching the final despite being tested by Italy in the quarter-final. England ultimately edged them in extra time, but the performance validated the squad’s quality.
Where Germany U21 Goes From Here
Germany U21’s runners-up finish at Euro 2025 represents both a step forward and a missed opportunity. The narrow loss to England in extra time—after a dramatic quarter-final win over Italy—showed a team capable of competing at the highest level but lacking the finishing edge when it mattered most. Antonio Di Salvo’s contract extension through 2027 provides the continuity needed to address these gaps.
The October 2025 win against Northern Ireland U21 marks the beginning of the Euro 2027 qualification cycle, giving Di Salvo an opportunity to blood new talent as some squad members age out of the U21 bracket. For German football fans, the next 18 months will reveal whether this squad has the depth to go one better next time.
For viewers, UEFA.tv remains the most reliable hub for match highlights and official coverage. Regional broadcasters like Channel 4 (UK) handle live rights on a territory basis, so checking local listings before major fixtures is advisable. The next competitive Germany U21 matches in the qualification schedule are tracked on ESPN’s dedicated U21 qualifying page.
The trade-off
Di Salvo’s stability through 2027 is a strength, but it also raises expectations. If Germany U21 fails to progress beyond the knockout stages in the next cycle, the scrutiny on squad selection and tactical decisions will intensify.
Related reading: FC Dordrecht Onder 21: Selectie, Wedstrijden & Nieuws · Gründungsvereine Bundesliga: Die 16 Gründungsmitglieder von 1963
Frequently asked questions
Who is the under-21 Euro player of the tournament?
The official Player of the Tournament award for Euro 2025 is documented in UEFA’s official tournament records. Checking UEFA’s coverage directly or their award announcements provides the confirmed recipient.
Who was the girl giving medals at the Euros?
Reports from the 2025 tournament indicated that a young girl with Dravet syndrome participated in the medal ceremony. UEFA’s official broadcast coverage documents these ceremonial moments in full.
What is the Germany U21 stadium?
Germany U21 does not have a dedicated home stadium. Matches are played at various venues depending on the competition format and draw. For Euro 2025, the final was held in Slovakia.
What is the Germany U21 table?
The U21 international rankings and qualification group tables are maintained by FIFA and UEFA respectively. ESPN’s competition pages track current standings for Euro qualifying groups.
Who is the Germany U21 striker?
Germany U21’s top scorer during the 2025 cycle can be identified by reviewing UEFA’s official tournament statistics or ESPN’s player scoring records for the competition.
Is the U21 European Championship on TV?
Yes, the UEFA Under-21 Championship receives broadcast coverage across multiple territories. UEFA.tv provides international streaming, while regional broadcasters handle territory-specific rights.
Where can I watch England U21 v Germany U21?
Channel 4 (UK) broadcast England U21’s fixtures including the Euro 2025 final. UEFA.tv offers official highlights and extended coverage for international viewers.
By Robert Kavanagh|Edited by Niamh Gallagher|Fact-checked by Robert Kavanagh|Published 24 Jun 2026 · 15:34|Updated 24 Jun 2026 · 15:35|12 min
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