Returning to the England u21 team for the European Championship semi-final against Israel, Emile Smith Rowe provided an assist in a comfortable victory.

england v portugal quarter final uefa under 21 euro 2023
KUTAISI, GEORGIA: Emile Smith Rowe of England runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Francisco Conceicao of Portugal during the UEFA Under-21 Euro 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Portugal at Shengelia Arena on July 02, 2023. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

Despite scoring two goals in three games in the group stage of the u21 European Championships, Emile Smith Rowe initially dropped out of the starting lineup for England as they progressed to the knockout stages.

Jacob Ramsey started ahead of Smith Rowe against Portugal, but he had to withdraw from the contest early with an injury.

Smith Rowe came on as a substitute in that match, and when Ramsey’s injury ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, hopes were raised that the Arsenal man could take his place.

So it proved, with Smith Rowe coming into the side against Israel on Wednesday.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
Emile Smith Rowe scores for the England u21s (Photo via England on Twitter)
Emile Smith Rowe scores for the England u21s (Photo via England on Twitter)

Smith Rowe caused problems from the off, and it defied belief that his early contributions didn’t lead to England’s opening goal.

Receiving a square ball in the centre of the box in the 13th minute, Smith Rowe saw his goalbound effort blocked by a defender on the line.

The ball fell to Smith Rowe again a few seconds later, and his shot was turned onto the post by the goalkeeper, and as it deflected away Anthony Gordon was brought down for a penalty.

Yet Morgan Gibbs-White missed the spot-kick, and the scores remained at 0-0.

Gibbs-White made amends later in the half with a headed goal, before Smith Rowe got the goal contribution his efforts merited.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Picking the ball up in the 63rd minute, Smith Rowe played a couple of clever one-twos with Gibbs-White, before flashing a low cross across the six-yard box for Cole Palmer to finish.

Initially ruled out for offside, a VAR check showed Smith Rowe was actually perfectly in line with the defender, and the goal stood.

England went on to add a third goal in the dying seconds, and they’ll now face Spain in the final on Saturday.

Spain thrashed Ukraine 5-1 in their semi-final, so it’s hard to argue the two finalists don’t deserve their spots. Smith Rowe will now hope to get his hands on the silverware this weekend.

The highlights from the win over Israel are available here.

Arsenal u21 Euros fixtures and results

LEICESTER, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of England U21 is tackled by Mohamed Simakan of France U21 during the International Friendly match between England U21 and France U21 at The King Power Stadium on March 25, 2023. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of England U21 is tackled by Mohamed Simakan of France U21 during the International Friendly match between England U21 and France U21 at The King Power Stadium on March 25, 2023. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Wednesday, June 21st

  • Georgia 2-0 Portugal – Tavares played 90 minutes for Portugal.

Thursday, June 22nd

  • Czech Republic 0-2 England – Smith Rowe played 15 minutes and scored for England.

Saturday, June 24th

  • Portugal 1-1 Netherlands – Tavares played 90 minutes for Portugal and was booked.

Sunday, June 25th

  • England 2-0 Israel – Smith Rowe played 70 minutes and scored for England.

Tuesday, June 27th

  • Portugal 2-1 Belgium – Tavares played 90 minutes for Portugal.

Wednesday, June 28th

  • England 2-0 Germany – Smith Rowe was rested.

Sunday, July 2nd

  • Quarter-final – England 1-0 Portugal – Tavares played 90 minutes for Portugal, Smith Rowe played 23 minutes for England.

Wednesday, July 5th

  • Semi-final – Israel 0-3 England – Smith Rowe played 74 minutes and provided an assist for England.

Saturday, July 8th

  • 17:00 – Final – England vs Spain

Times in BST

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news