Thursday’s briefing: Elliott fires England U21s to final as Page joins Liverpool

Harvey Elliott was the hero for England Under-21s as he fired them into the final of the European Championships, but it came at a cost for the Liverpool midfielder.

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, while Liverpool have a new U21s boss.

Elliott’s brace sets up Euros final against Germany

England will face Germany in Saturday’s final of the Under-21 European Championships after Elliott scored twice in a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, bagging an 86th-minute winner after Noah Ohio cancelled out his opening goal.

But Elliott admitted he was not sure if he will be fit to play in the final after hurting his knee when celebrating the first of his two goals in Bratislava, even if he did play through the pain to finish the match.

“I don’t know what I’ve done to my knee, but it’s bloody hurting,” Elliott told Channel 4. “So hopefully it’s nothing too silly. It’s a silly decision from me, to be honest, but it’s just one of them, live in the moment.”

Gunners target Norgaard

Arsenal appear close to signing Christian Norgaard after reportedly agreeing a deal with Brentford for their captain.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is seeking experience for his midfield with Thomas Partey’s contract expiring next week after Jorginho already left the club.

It has been reported that Arsenal will pay an initial £10million for Norgaard, with a possible further £5million in add-ons.

Liverpool turn to Page

Former Wales boss Rob Page has a new job after being named head coach of Liverpool Under-21s.

The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving his post with Wales last June, but the man who led them to the last 16 at Euro 2020 and qualification for the 2022 World Cup has been named as successor to Barry Lewtas.

Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: “Rob brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to a key role as young players look to bridge that gap from academy prospect to first-team footballer.”

Dortmund advance as group winners

Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup as Group F winners as they edged out Ulsan HD 1-0 in Cincinnati.

Daniel Svensson got the only goal in the 36th minute, firing in a low shot after Jobe Bellingham laid the ball off inside the penalty area.

And that was enough for Dortmund to move top of their group as Fluminense were held to a goalless draw by Mamelodi Sundowns, nevertheless advancing as the second-placed team.

What’s on today?

Manchester City face Juventus in Orlando with top spot in Group G – and the chance of avoid the winners of Real Madrid’s group – on the line.

EFL fans will have their alarms set for midday when the fixtures for the 2025-26 season will be released.