Lee Carsley's England U-21s march into Euros final

England U-21s 3-0 Israel U-21s

Lee Carsley's England Under-21s breezed into the Euro 2023 final to move to the brink of ending their 39-year drought.

The English last won the competition in 1984 but eased past Israel 3-0 to reach Saturday's final, where they will play Spain or Ukraine.

Israel made it to the Euros by beating the Republic of Ireland on penalties in a play-off last September, but they were no match for their opponents here.

Morgan Gibbs-White - after he missed a penalty - Cole Palmer and Cameron Archer netted to secure a final spot, England's first since 2009, with Carsley's side yet to concede in Georgia.

Ex-Ireland international Carsley has been touted as a possible future manager of the Boys in Green should Stephen Kenny depart. His reputation certainly hasn't suffered in the last few weeks as his charges impressively strode towards the decider.

Having already beaten Israel 2-0 in the group stage, England were confident with Levi Colwill nodding over Gibbs-White's early free-kick.

But they should have taken the lead when Gibbs-White missed from the spot after 17 minutes.

It took four minutes for VAR to rule Anthony Gordon was fouled by Karm Jaber - after Emile Smith Rowe had a shot cleared off the line before hitting the post - only for Gibbs-White to fire wide.

It boosted Israel's belief with England frustrated but Carsley's men maintained their composure and Gibbs-White atoned for his miss three minutes before the break.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder ghosted in late to reach Palmer's delivery and rose between two Israel defenders to nod the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.

The half ended with Israel refusing to press and England keeping the ball, barely moving, and they remained in control after the