England U21s beat Spain to win first Euros in 39 years as Trafford saves penalty

Jul 08, 2023 at 7:22 PM
England U21s beat Spain to win first Euros in 39 years as Trafford saves penalty

England beat Spain 1-0 to elevate their first U21 European Championship in 39 years on the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday. Cole Palmer’s late free-kick rebounded off the again of Curtis Jones to take a first-half lead earlier than James Trafford saved a 99th-minute penalty to seal a historic win for Lee Carsley’s facet.

Express Sport runs by way of 4 issues realized after England grew to become U21 European champions for a 3rd time.

History repeats itself to finish slumber

England defeated Spain 3-0 on mixture in 1984 to clinch their second U21 Euros success.

Thirty-nine years on, the Young Lions have roared once more to reclaim their perch, levelling Germany’s three titles to grow to be the competitors’s joint-third most profitable nation.

Premier League viewers will see much more of the likes of Trafford, James Garner, Noni Madueke and Cameron Archer subsequent season.

And with Gareth Southgate in attendance, just a few of Carsley’s main stars might quickly be knocking on the door of a senior call-up.

Defences actually do win titles

England have not simply gained the U21 Euros, however they’ve sealed glory in type by not conceding a single objective.

The Young Lions put 11 targets previous the Czech Republic, Israel, Germany, Portugal and Spain on their technique to the gold, however Trafford wasn’t overwhelmed as soon as.

The 20-year-old, reportedly on the point of a £19million transfer to Burnley, joined Garner, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Levi Colwill and Max Aarons in a formidable again 5.

And his unbelievable 99th-minute double save, first to disclaim Abel Ruiz from the penalty spot, to interrupt Spain hearts put the icing on the cake.

Liverpool’s two switch takeaways

If Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp tuned into the ultimate, he would have taken away two key classes.

Colwill’s shows all through the match ought to all however rule out any probability of Chelsea permitting him to depart the membership this summer season amid hyperlinks to Anfield.

Jones’ match performances may even go away the German coach with a midfield choice headache after splashing round £120m to recruit Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

His type within the latter levels of final season and this summer season have left him staking an actual declare for a beginning berth subsequent time period.