Triumphant Germany make it a treble

Germany's 4-0 victory against England in tonight's UEFA European Under-21 Championship final saw them become the ninth nation to lift the coveted trophy as well as completing a unique hat-trick of age-group titles.

Hrubesch honour
The triumph may have been Germany's first at this level, but they have enjoyed plenty of success in other competitions and currently hold the U17 and U19 crowns. U21 boss Horst Hrubesch was also coach of the U19 team which defeated Italy 3-1 in last summer's showpiece in the Czech Republic, while the U17 tournament was won on home soil in May thanks to a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands. "We have many fine young players and credit to the German Football Association who have invested to improve the situation," Hrubesch said. "There is great co-operation between the FA, the smaller regional FAs, the clubs and the Bundesliga. The result is bright, young, talented players for the future."

Well placed
England's loss in Malmo means they remain on two U21 triumphs along with Spain, the Netherlands and the Soviet Union – way behind Italy who reign supreme with five victories. Germany are one of four nations with a solitary title to their name, but with eight of this squad eligible for the 2011 finals in Denmark, they look well placed to rise up the rankings now they are finally up and running.