With a thrilling victory over Spain, England’s James Trafford turned aside a 99th-minute penalty to help the Young Lions capture the U21 European Championship for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Abel Ruiz was fouled in the area by Levi Colwill in extra time, but Trafford blocked Ruiz’s low penalty kick and made another outstanding save on the ensuing shot to give England the victory.
When Cole Palmer’s free kick bounced off teammate Curtis Jones and caught goalie Arnau Tenas off guard, the game was effectively over. The ball found the back of the net.
Prior to the final, Spain, who had previously scored 13 goals, believed they had tied the score in the second half. However, Abel Ruiz’s headed goal was disallowed for offside.
Despite the late drama, the Young Lions held on to secure victory, becoming the first team to record six successive clean sheets in the competition’s history.
It means Lee Carsley’s talented side are the third England team to win the competition after previously picking up the trophy in 1982 and 1984.
