England Win First U-21 Euro Title In 40 years

Speaking after the match, Trafford said he already knew that he was going to save a penalty in the game.

England’s Young Lions have won the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship for the first time in almost four decades after beating Spain 1-0 in a dramatic final on Saturday night.

England’s Young Lions have won the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship for the first time in almost four decades after beating Spain 1-0 in a dramatic final on Saturday night.

Liverpool youngster, Curtis Jones, scored the game’s only goal with virtually the last kick of the first half to put England upfront. Manchester City’s Cole Palmer free-kick deflected off Jones, which sent goalkeeper Arnau Tenas the wrong way as the ball made its way into the net.

The Spaniards managed to find the back of the net after the break through Abel Ruiz but the goal was ruled out for an offside. Another City product, goalkeeper James Trafford became the hero of the night after a last-time penalty save to help England win the tournament for the first time since 1984.

The 19-year-old, who is expected to join Burnley after the tournament in a deal that could rise up to £19m despite never playing beyond the third tier of England football, kept out Ruiz’s penalty kick in the 99th minute after a lengthy VAR review to become his country’s hero of the night.

Speaking after the match, Trafford said he already knew that he was going to save a penalty in the game. The youngster was so sure about saving a penalty that he told teammates hours before the final.

“I told everyone this morning I was going to save a pen,” Trafford said. “I knew I would save. It was pretty easy really. I told all my mates back home I was going to save one.”

He added: “The clean sheet record means a lot to us because it would take a massive effort to get broken. We are a very good team and we believe nobody can score against us and we showed that.”