England U21 1-0 Portugal LIVE! Gordon goal – Euro 2023 match stream, latest score and updates today
England are in quarter-final action at the European Under-21 Championship in Kutaisi this evening. It’s been a superb tournament for the Young Lions so far, topping Group C without conceding a single goal and cruising through to the knockout stages after three consecutive 2-0 wins over the Czech Republic, Israel and defending champions Germany respectively.
Now Lee Carsley’s free-flowing side have their sights firmly set on a first appearance in the last four of this competition since 2017, and possibly even a first title since their back-to-back triumphs in 1982 and 1984. But first they must plot a route past Portugal, runners-up two years ago who beat England in Slovenia in 2021 as they crashed out in the groups again.
But Rui Jorge’s team are yet to impress in this edition, squeezing through Group A behind co-hosts Georgia, to whom they lost, after drawing with the Netherlands and narrowly edging out Belgium. Israel await tonight’s winners in a semi-final showdown on Wednesday after their dramatic penalty shootout win over Georgia on Saturday. Follow England vs Portugal live at the U21 Euros below!
Live updates
England 0-0 Portugal
41 mins: Conceicao is the chief dangerman for Portugal, drifting into little pockets of space whenever possible and trying to exploit the gap between England’s defence and midfield.
On this occasion he’s sent down by Angel Gomes, but Neto can only whip a poor free-kick well off target.
39 mins: That’s a cracking defensive header from a towering Harwood-Bellis, rising high above Fabio Silva to thwart the danger inside England’s box.
Inspirational stuff from the skipper, who plays for Manchester City and helped guide Burnley back to the Premier League last season during another productive loan stint.
37 mins: Gordon is almost in again for England, but a thunderous tackle from Tavares stops him in his tracks inside the box.
That was a challenge that needed to be made as the classy Young Lions hunt to further assert their dominance before the half-time interval.
GOAL! England 1-0 Portugal | Anthony Gordon 34′
34 mins: There’s the breakthrough from the Young Lions… and what a goal again!
It’s wonderful, crisp, one-touch passing football from England.
Gomes and Gibbs-White combine to find Gordon, who coolly sweeps his second goal of the tournament past Biai with a low finish.
Perfect cutback from Gibbs-White, who has been excellent at this competition and deservedly gets another assist to his name.
England 0-0 Portugal
29 mins: Portugal are looking menacing at times on the counter and another corner comes to nothing with an ambitious effort from Ze Carlos.
Half an hour gone at Kutaisi’s Ramaz Shengelia Stadium, where there is a decent-sized crowd for this quarter-final tie.
Apparently many Georgia fans bought tickets for this game, believing their side would likely come through Group A as runners-up.
Of course they actually won the group, losing on penalties to Israel in the capital Tbilisi yesterday after a tense goalless draw.
England 0-0 Portugal
27 mins: Chance for England!
The ball falls kindly for Gordon, who releases Madueke.
It’s four on three for the Young Lions as Madueke returns to Gordon, who can’t quite work the space for a shot inside the box as he slides it over to Ramsey instead.
Ramsey tries to duly play in Gibbs-White, but Portugal hack clear at the crucial moment.
England maybe slightly too intricate there. They needed to work Biai at the very least.
England 0-0 Portugal
22 mins: Superb play from Colwill as England try to sustain this latest bout of pressure.
Ajax’s Francisco Conceicao, son of Sergio, has a little go at Gibbs-White, who isn’t too happy.
Then the Young Lions suddenly burst into life and Ramsey’s through ball tees up Gordon, whose low strike is comfortably held by Biai at his front post.
England 0-0 Portugal
19 mins: Solid defending from Tavares to see off the danger of Gordon as England look to reassert some control here.
Samu Costa then goes down claiming an arm after being caught during an aerial battle with Garner.
However, Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic is not interested. No VAR at this tournament, remember.
England 0-0 Portugal
17 mins: Possession is changing hands more frequently now, with both sides looking to win the crucial midfield battle.
Portugal are seeing much more of the ball, with England attempting to press with energy when they can.
The Garner at right-back selection has worked well for the Young Lions so far, but Carsley may want to rethink it as Portugal keep trying to isolate him against Neto.
England 0-0 Portugal
14 mins: This is much better from Portugal, who suddenly look the more threatening side.
Garner makes a hash of an attempted clearance after Neves’ cross is flicked-on towards Neto, whose low drive is pushed wide by James Trafford.
Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares then fires wide from distance.
Garner up against Neto will be a concern for Lee Carsley already.
