England hero James Trafford made a 98th minute penalty save to clinch a historic European Championship victory.
Lee Carsley’s kids sprinted to the Burnley keeper on the final whistle, England trophy winners, celebrating their perfect, breathtakingly dramatic victory. With senior boss Gareth Southgate watching, Curtis Jones’ winner clinched a rare moment of triumph for players wearing the Three Lions.
But there was the ultimate late drama.
Trafford was faced with a penalty from Spain leading scorer Abel Ruiz deep into injury time, after VAR awarded a foul against Levi Colwill in the 96th minute.
The £15m star stood firm, diving to save, then blocking the follow up shot, sparking remarkable scenes. The future is bright with these kids pushing Southgate’s senior side in the next few seasons. Winners for the first time at Under-21 level since 1984.
Carsley’s men made it six wins out of six at the Euros, becoming the first team ever to do it without conceding a goal, scoring eleven. Spain were overcome in a manner that showed England are up to speed on the technical excellence, dark arts and bottle needed at the top level.
Lifting the trophy is a stunning achievement. Carsley moulded his squad into a club atmosphere off the pitch, and a thoroughly modern unit on it.
They were the tournament’s pass masters, bossing the ball, with the likes of Jones and Angel Gomes in unfamiliar deep lying roles, played so expertly.
Anthony Gordon roved out of his usual position as a false No9. Cole Palmer was introduced in the key games and had a big goal and assist impact. The defence was rock solid with Colwill and Taylor Harwood-Belllis destined for the senior squad with others.
Dynamo Morgan Gibbs-White, sent off after the penalty miss, hugely enhanced his reputation in a season that has lasted more than 330 days. Every man in the squad played his role heroically and will be noted by Southgate for the future.
This was comfortably England’s biggest test. A tight clash erupted in first half injury time with England’s opener, a mass shoving match between players and coaching staff of both nations, two bookings and two red cards including England No2 Ashley Cole.
For the goal, Cole Palmer won a free kick 25 yards out when he was bundled over by Sergio Gomez and took the kick himself.
The Man City wingers’ curling effort clipped Curtis Jones who was a blocker in the Spanish wall, and took a huge deflection, looping into the far corner.
Liverpool star Jones looked like he was claiming it, but Palmer wheeled away celebrating towards the benches which annoyed the Spain subs bench who ran on the pitch looking for trouble.
The game had been niggly, with Spain making the most of any English challenge and rolling around.
The goal sparked some retributions. There was an ugly confrontation between both squads and staff, but Cole was sent off for appearing to try to make the peace. Levi Colwill was also booked.
It was a time for clear heads, and tension was high.
Abel Ruiz had the ball in the net just after the break but was offside. Levi Colwill hit the bar with a header just before half time. Keeper Tenas was excellent, saving from Noni Madueke on 88 minutes and earlier from Jones.
It could have gone either way. Spain passed and probed by England’s kids stood firm. What an experience for them all. Winners on the Euro stage, showing the kind of mentality that can carry through to the senior ranks.
