England triumphs in Under-21 European Championship after 39-year drought
BATUMI, GEORGIA - JULY 8: Cole Palmer of England celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's first goal during the UEFA Under-21 EURO 2023 Final match between England and Spain at the Batumi Arena on July 8, 2023 in Batumi, Georgia Credit: Sam Barnes - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images
England's Under-21 team has ended their 39-year wait for a UEFA European Under-21 Championship title, in a nerve-racking final against Spain at Batumi Arena, Georgia.
James Trafford, England's goalkeeper, emerged as the hero, saving a last-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 victory. This win also marked the first time a team has gone through the tournament without conceding a single goal.
England took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Cole Palmer's free-kick ricocheted off Curtis Jones into the Spanish net.
As the final whistle approached, Spain was granted a penalty, but Trafford denied Abel Ruiz, cementing England's win.
The Player of the Tournament, Anthony Gordon, who forced a save from Spain's keeper early in the game, was delighted with the team's achievement.
He stated, "I'm absolutely delighted. I feel I have had a good tournament, but me with the individual trophy is down to my teammates and the staff. The squad is really unselfish. Six or seven of us might have won it, that shows how good we've been."
England's captain, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, also praised his team's performance. "We've been talking about it a lot, and we felt it was our time to do it. There was a lot of pressure on us to do well as we have a good team. We're like one big family, it's like a club. We'll all celebrate together," he said.
In the wake of the defeat, Spain's coach, Santi Denia, expressed pride in his team, stating, "I feel extremely proud of everyone, not only the players but everyone who forms part of this family. They've all worked in an extraordinary manner."
This win brings England their third title, following victories in 1982 and 1984, marking a significant milestone for the young English squad.
The team's record of winning all six games in their campaign is a first since the finals were expanded to 16 teams in 2021.
