Updated 22.28

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S FAMOUS quote is long overdue an update because at this stage there are not two, but three, certainties in life: death, taxes, and England losing on penalties.

Aidy Boothroyd’s young side crashed out of the U21 European Championships in heartbreaking fashion this evening, losing in a shootout after their semi-final against old rivals Germany ended in a 2-2 draw.

German keeper Julian Pollersbeck was the hero in the Polish city of Tychy, saving the decisive penalty from Nathan Redmond.

Davie Selke’s header gave Germany the lead in the first half but that was cancelled out by Demarai Gray before Tammy Abraham put England in front on 50 minutes.

Felix Platte equalised for Germany but neither side could find a breakthrough in the remaining 20 minutes of normal time, or in the extra half-hour.

Germany will now play Spain in Friday’s final in Krakow. Saul Niguez scored a second-half hattrick as Spain beat Italy 3-1 in this evening’s second semi-final.

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