Harvey Elliott scored for England’s U21s against Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening, prompting boos at Goodison Park.

The Young Lions overcame Northern Ireland 3-0 on Merseyside to enhance their chances of qualifying for the 2025 U21 Euros in Slovakia. Tyler Morton opened the scoring for the hosts before Liverpool teammate Elliott added a brace at Goodison Park.

Despite becoming England’s hero, Elliott was booed by some sections of the audience because of his Liverpool connections. Some fans refused to put their club allegiances aside for the international break and booed when Elliott’s name was given out after his first goal.

Given Elliott’s affiliation with Everton, it’s logical to presume the boo boys were Everton fans. The 20-year-old seems unconcerned with his cold reception at Goodison Park, as he looks to win the U21 Euros for the second time with the Young Lions.

England won the competition earlier this year when they defeated Spain in Georgia. The next U21 Euros will be held in Slovakia in 19 months, with England’s fate hanging in the balance. To advance, they must be at the top of their qualification group.

Lee Carsley’s team finished second in their group, requiring a play-off. They are three points behind leaders Ukraine, although they still have five games left, including a home encounter versus Ukraine. For the English, qualifying for the event is a must.

The Young Lions were missing two vital players for this month’s qualifiers against Serbia and Northern Ireland, as Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis were both called up to the senior side. Nonetheless, they defeated Northern Ireland 3-0 in Serbia on Saturday.

Elliott’s goals were both outstanding. The Liverpool prospect first curled a second-half free kick into the far corner of goalkeeper Josh Clarke’s net before latching onto Morton’s excellent through ball and chipped Clarke to seal the score.

Both goals drew applause from the crowd. Nonetheless, boos were audible as Elliott’s name was given out after his free kick, according to the Liverpool ECHO. Morton, who is presently on loan at Hull, is said to have received a cold greeting following his goal.

Elliott, who has now played 82 times for Liverpool, is one of England’s most prominent young players. The Fulham academy graduate has emerged as a crucial member of Jurgen Klopp’s side in recent years, and he frequently expresses his support for the Reds.

Elliott famously picked up a red flare following Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea in 2022 and declared his intention to “paint the city red” ahead of the Merseyside derby in October. Mohamed Salah’s brace helped Klopp’s team to a 2-0 victory at Anfield.