Fabrice Muamba was unable to help England to victory in the 2009 U21 European Championships as the Young Lions suffered an agonising 4-0 defeat to Germany in the final.

Muamba was named in Stuart Pearce's starting line-up for the fourth time in the tournament before being replaced by Everton's Jack Rodwell with 15 minutes remaining.

Goals from Gonzalo Castro and Mesut Ozil, plus a double from Sandro Wagner was enough to give Germany the title.

However despite the final heartbreak, it was a hugely encouraging tournament from Muamba who fortified his reputation as one of the finest young midfielders in England with a series of commanding performances.