Young Lions roar back from 5-1 down to draw with Germany

Trailing 5-1 against Germany with over 40 minutes remaining, England's U19 team faced potential humiliation in their European Championship clash in Bucharest. The 2022 champions appeared defeated when they entered halftime down 4-1.

The situation worsened when Said El Mala extended Germany's lead to 5-1 just three minutes into the second half - setting the stage for one of England's most remarkable comebacks in youth football history.

Historic Comeback: Four Goals in 11 Minutes

Manchester United's Ethan Wheatley started the revival with a 52nd-minute tap-in from a corner (5-2). Tottenham's Reiss Russell-Denny then struck three minutes later (5-3), before Nottingham Forest's Zach Abbott headed home another corner in the 60th minute (5-4).

The stunned crowd at Arcul de Triumf Stadium witnessed Crystal Palace's Jesse Derry - son of former Eagles captain Shaun - complete the comeback in the 63rd minute after a goalkeeping error. This equalizer marked the highest-scoring game in tournament history.

Match Timeline

• First Half: Germany dominated with goals from Noah Darvich and El Mala (2-0)
• 28': Fulham's Josh King pulled one back for England (2-1)
• Before HT: Germany added three more through Moerstedt, Wurm and El Mala (5-1)
• Second Half: England's stunning four-goal blitz (5-5)

Tournament Standings and Next Matches

Following this dramatic draw and their 2-2 tie with Norway, England sit second in Group B with 2 points. Their decisive final group match against leaders Netherlands (6 points) occurs Friday in Bucharest (18:00 BST).

Key tournament details:

• Germany vs Norway occurs simultaneously in Voluntari
• Top two teams from each group advance to June 23 semifinals
• Final scheduled for June 26 at Rapid-Giulesti Stadium