14/05 - 13:00
14/05 - 19:30
14/05 - 20:00
14/05 - 12:00
14/05 - 19:30
14/05 - 20:00
England were crowned European U21 champions after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Spain in Georgia with James Trafford providing late heroics.
Lee Carsley’s side started the game brightly with Anthony Gordon forcing Arnau Tenas into an early save. Seconds later, Gordon was in behind the Spain defence and this time elected to cross the ball to Morgan Gibbs-White. Fortunately for Spain, Jon Pacheco was able to get an important interception.
Spain had opportunities as well with Aitor Paredes heading just wide of James Trafford’s goal from a corner.
But the game soon turned niggly with lots of fouls being awarded and Norwegian referee Espen Eskas more than happy to produce a card.
England took the lead just before half-time when Cole Palmer was fouled on the edge of the box. Palmer himself took the free-kick which took a huge deflection off Curtis Jones to find its way into the corner of the net.
Palmer’s resulting celebration was too much for the Spanish bench which caused a minor scuffle that resulted in coaches from both teams – including England’s Ashley Cole – being given red cards.
Carsley set his side out to defend for much of the remainder of the game and to hit Spain on the break. Curtis Jones had the chance to double England’s lead with just over an hour gone but Tenas was able to get a strong hand to the Liverpool man’s shot.
As the clock slowly ticked down there was late drama when Ruiz went down under a challenge from Levi Colwill. The game continued for a while until the referee was told to consult the VAR monitor.
It was a tad harsh on Colwill – a challenge that looked far worse in slow motion than in real-time.
But step up James Trafford, who hadn’t conceded a goal all tournament. The now Burnley goalkeeper, who spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, saved Ruiz’s penalty and the resulting follow-up to seal the U21 European Championship for England for the first time since 1984.
🏆 #U21EURO WINNERS 🏆
— England (@England) July 8, 2023
Congratulations, #YoungLions! pic.twitter.com/zQwsnwpf6I
1-0 | ||
Curtis Jones 45' |
