England finish look forward to U21 Euros glory after late Trafford penalty save
E
ngland ended their 39-year wait to carry the Under-21 European Championship trophy with a 1-0 win as James Trafford produced a shocking penalty save to disclaim Spain deep into stoppage-time.
The Young Lions saved 5 consecutive clear sheets on their run to the ultimate, and knew one other one would safe silverware as soon as Cole Palmer’s free-kick deflected off Jones and left Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas wrong-footed.
Victory was seconds away for England, when the referee returned from a verify of the pitchside monitor to level to the penalty spot, Levi Colwill deemed to have fouled Abel Ruiz.
Extra-time appeared inevitable, as Ruiz stepped up with the very best a part of 100 minutes on the clock, however Trafford saved his spot-kick, saved out the rebound from Aimar Oroz brilliantly after which watched a 3rd effort fly over the bar.
For the third time ever, the primary time since 1984 and in essentially the most dramatic style possible, England secured European glory.
Micah Richards, James Milner and Theo Walcott have been amongst these within the beginning lineup when England final lined up in an U21 Euros ultimate, that match 14 years in the past ending in a heavy defeat to Germany.
A gaggle-stage win over defending champions Germany was one of many standout shows from England of their run to the ultimate this time, whereas Lee Carsley rewarded Palmer for his semi-final efficiency with a begin as Max Aarons returned from suspension.
It was a flying begin from the Young Lions, who might, and doubtless ought to, have taken an early lead. Anthony Gordon’s shot was parried away simply out of attain from Palmer, earlier than Gordon squared the ball to Morgan Gibbs-White seconds later and watched in frustration as he did not make contact.
Six minutes had been performed by that time, a spell that was a world away from what adopted for a lot of the half. The yellow card received common outings as stoppages stifled any circulate, however that was swiftly forgotten as England took the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Palmer’s free-kick deflected off Jones and located the other nook to its meant vacation spot, that objective sparking a touchline melee that resulted in Ashley Cole, a part of the England teaching staff, being despatched off.
Spain thought that they had equalised shortly after the break, as Ruiz powered a header previous Trafford, however his alarming freedom within the center was quickly as defined because the offside flag was raised, VAR then confirming that call.
England have been snug sufficient in seeing the match out for should of the half, and the Young Lions’ bench have been poised to spring on in celebration as the ultimate seconds of what was set to be six minutes added on ticked away. They received their alternative to do, however solely after Trafford’s heroics.