Soccer

Lee Carsley’s England beat Spain in Euro under 21 final after Trafford’s penalty heroics

Former Ireland international’s team beat Spain after goalkeeper James Trafford saved last-minute penalty

England's players celebrate winning the Uefa European Under-21 Championship final football match between England and Spain. Photograph: Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty
England's players celebrate winning the Uefa European Under-21 Championship final football match between England and Spain. Photograph: Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty
Sat Jul 08 2023 - 19:18

England 1 Spain 0

England have won the European Under-21 Championship with a 1-0 victory over Spain in the final in Georgia.

England’s goal was scored by Curtis Jones, who had made contact with Palmer’s set-piece in front of the wall.

Spain captain Abel Ruiz saw a 51st-minute header correctly ruled out for offside as England found themselves under the cosh after the restart.

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However, as the clock ticked into the last of six minutes of stoppage time, Eskas was advised to review Colwill’s challenge on Ruiz and awarded a penalty.

Keeper James Trafford dived to his right to keep out Ruiz’s spot-kick and then repelled substitute Aimar Oroz’s follow-up follow-up to preserve his clean sheet and ensure a 1-0 victory for his side.

The team is managed by former Ireland international Lee Carsley, who has been linked with the Ireland senior job in recent times.