Smith-Rowe was on the bench for England Under-21s opening group stage fixture against Czech Republic, came on as a substitute and scored the goal that put the game beyond doubt in the 94th minute. Smith-Rowe was rewarded for his goalscoring heroics with a start against Israel Under-21s, scoring a very beautiful goal after some intricate passing play, before he was subbed off for Harvey Elliot. With England sealing qualification after two games, the final group stage fixture against Germany Under-21s was a dead-rubber match, but Smith-Rowe came on as a substitute for Jacob Ramsey, as England Under-21s ran out as comfortable 2-0 earning a place in the quarterfinals.
With the Euro Under-21s reaching the business end, England Under-21s locked horns with Portugal Under-21s that saw Smith-Rowe fight it out against his teammate, Nuno Taveres. Fabio Vieira would have featured in the tournament as well, but he was ruled out through injury. Smith-Rowe had to make do with a place on the bench and came on as a sub for Jacob Ramsey in the 59th minute, helping England Under-21s to a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal Under-21s that sent them to the last four. The semifinals saw England Under-21s face off against Israel Under-21s, a team they beat in the group stages. Smith-Rowe started from the left flank and played for 74 minutes before leaving the pitch for Elliot, as England Under-21s ran out as 3-0 winners, leading to a final showdown against Spain Under-21s. Curtis Jones scored what proved to be the winner as Abel Ruiz missed the penalty right at the death (99th minute) that would have sent the game to extra time, but Burnley’s new recruit from Manchester City, James Trafford, made a great save, securing his sixth clean sheet of the tournament, as England Under-21s were the Euro Under-21s champions without conceding a goal, which is pretty impressive.
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