England beats Spain to win dramatic Under-21 Euro final

England won the under-21 European Championship for the first time since 1984 as Curtis Jones’ goal beat Spain 1-0 in the final on June 8, 2023.

England won the under-21 European Championship for the first time since 1984 as Curtis Jones' goal beat Spain 1-0 in Saturday's final.

In a dramatic finale in Batumi, Spain captain Abel Ruiz had a 99th-minute penalty saved by Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford to preserve England's record of not conceding a goal all tournament.

"I told everyone this morning I was going to save a pen, and when it was a penalty I knew I was going to save it," said Trafford, who has been strongly linked with a £19 million ($24 million) move to Premier League newcomers Burnley.

"We are a very good team and we believe that no one can score against us and we showed it."

Lee Carsley's men won all six games in Georgia and Romania to continue a golden age for England's youth sides.

The Three Lions are also reigning European champions at under-19 level and won the under-17 and under-20 World Cups back in 2017.

There was a hint of fortune about the only goal as the ball struck Jones from Cole Palmer's free-kick in first-half stoppage time and looped into the far corner.