Holland

1-1

England

Maceo Rigters 89 

Leroy Lita 39 

Holland win 13-12 on penalties

2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen
5.15pm (BST), Wednesday 20 June 2007
Live on Sky Sports

England Head Coach Steve McClaren hailed England's brave Lions after their epic penalty defeat to hosts Holland in Heerenveen.

Leroy Lita had given England a 39th minute lead and they came so close to holding on, until Maceo Rigters last minute equaliser took the game to extra-time.

With the loss of Nedum Onuoha through injury and Steven Taylor limping, England held on with ten men, but it came down to penalties and the Dutch edged it scoring 13 to 12 from the 32 taken.

"The players can be extremely proud of themselves for what they've achieved tonight, and the whole country can be proud too," said McClaren after the game.

"To battle as they did for so long in front of the Dutch support shows immense character.

"It's heartbreaking to lose the way they did, but it was a true performance of English grit and determination."

McClaren also gave the players encouragment for the future. Ten of England's squad are still available for the next U21 campaign, while the others will be looking for a chance in the seniors.

"That's one in the bank for the players out there tonight. The experience they will take away from tonight and the tournament will be invaluable.

"It's for the future and can only make them better players. When they have to face situations like that again, they'll be able to take from what they have learned here."