Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford wrote himself into the history books with a last-minute penalty save to hand England the European under-21 Championships on Saturday evening.
Lee Carsley's young Lions beat Spain 1-0 in a dramatic final in Georgia to be crowned European champions. Liverpool's Curtis Jones scored the winner in first-half stoppage time when Cole Palmer's free-kick deflected off his back and looped into the net.
A fiery affair saw backroom staff from both sides sent off in the aftermath, including England coach Ashley Cole, as Palmer's celebration seemed to anger the Spanish bench. Players form either side were also booked.
There was more drama in the closing seconds when a VAR review gave Spain a last-minute chance to level from the spot after Levi Colwill felled Abel Ruiz. The striker stepped up but saw his effort magnificently saved by Trafford, who then shot back up to block the rebound.
ALSO READ: Why City may be made to regret £19m Trafford sale
The final heroics caps off a perfect European Championship campaign for Trafford, who played every minute in goal as England won all six matches without conceding a single goal. The Young Lions cruised past the Czech Republic, Israel and Germany in the group stages before eliminating Portugal, Israel and then Spain.
The City goalkeeper has garnered plenty of attention recently amid reports of a move to Burnley, with Vincent Kompany's side set to agree a deal worth up to £19million for thee youngster. Despite the initial fee being around £15million, many rival fans have questioned the price for a goalkeeper who spent last season at League One club Bolton Wanderers. But his summer heroics for England have showed his potential.
England manager Carsley said of the 20-year-old earlier in the tournament: “It is fair to say that he has been very impressive," he said. “The lads have been very impressed with his level of consistency and I am sure he will have a big future ahead of him.”
