6 talking points as England U21s crowned European champions after late drama

08 July 2023 , 18:15

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James Trafford celebrates saving Abel Ruiz's late penalty (Image: Getty Images)

England have been crowned as under-21 European champions after edging past Spain in Georgia

Curtis Jones gave the Young Lions the lead on the stroke of half-time in what was an incident-filled first-half. Former Chelsea star Ashley Cole was then sent off for his role in a fracas between the two clutches of coaching staff.

Spain toiled to get level as they looked to top scorer Abel Ruiz but Blues youngster Levi Colwill put in an assured and impressive defensive display to secure the trophy. It looked as though it would be heartbreak as he gave away a late penalty, only to be bailed out by record-breaking goalkeeper James Trafford as he saved a last minute penalty.

Here are all of the talking points from the clash in Batumi...

1. More silverware for England

Following the success of the under-17 side during 2017's World Cup, England have finally enjoyed more success in their young age groups. It is the first time that the under-21s have been named as European champions since 1984 and they certainly deserve it after a stunning campaign.

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Elsewhere, the England Women were also successful as they beat Germany to win the Euros at Wembley. The senior men's side will certainly aim to take inspiration from those recent successes as they too aim to end their long wait for silverware.

England celebrate winning the under-21 Euros (Getty Images)

Who was your man-of-the-match in the under-21 Euros final between England and Spain? Share your suggestions in the comments below

2. Jones steals Palmer opener

For all of the excellent football that England had played throughout the tournament, the winning goal actually came in very scrappy circumstances. Cole Palmer, who played excellently throughout the clash, drew a foul from Manchester City team-mate Sergio Gomez on the stroke of half-time.

He set his sights, only to see his strike deflected into the back of the Spain net, leaving Arnau Tenas no chance. Unfortunately for Palmer, the outstretched limb appeared to belong to teammate Jones.

The Liverpool star was then awarded the goal during the half-time break. Having enjoyed victory, Palmer might not care all too much.

3. Cole picks up first England red

Throughout his senior England playing career, Ashley Cole was never sent off. But 45 minutes into England's clash with Spain, that record bit the dust.

Immediately after England had taken the lead through Palmer, a fracas broke out between both benches. Substitutes and members of coaching staff stormed the pitch as the scenes threatened to turn ugly.

Cole, despite appearing to play the role of peace-keeper, was sent off by the referee alongside a member of the Spanish coaching staff. England's Morgan Gibbs-White was also later sent off in injury-time after receiving a second booking.

Ashley Cole is sent off during the under-21 final (Getty Images)

4. Trafford secures record in style

Man City stopper Trafford has certainly put his name up in lights this summer. The talented young goalkeeper has played a starring role for the Young Lions this summer with a series of impressive performances.

His displays have gone a long way in seeing him secure the record of being the first-ever goalkeeper to win the under-21 Euros without conceding a single goal. And he went one step further in the final as he saved a penalty in the last second of the game.

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Supporters might not have to wait too long to see him get his chance in the Premier League with Burnley reported to be on the verge of securing his signature after their return to the top flight.

5. Ruiz wastes glorious chances

Braga forward Abel Ruiz has certainly been one of the standout performers throughout the tournament. The striker had four goals to his name ahead of the final giving England a tough task to keep him quiet.

They somewhat failed to do that but, regardless, he did not get on the scoresheet. He first glanced a great opportunity wide from Sergio Gomez's excellent cross, whilst he then fired a low effort at Trafford.

Ruiz was gifted plenty of room down the right but appeared to rush his next shot as he fired high and wide. It then got much worse for the striker as his last-second penalty was saved.

Abel Ruiz misses a glorious chance for Spain (Getty Images)

6. Southgate eyes the next-gen

Despite an excellent campaign in Georgia and Romania, some of the current crop of under-21 players have made their last appearance for the Young Lions. A host of them will now be too old to represent the side as the next round of fixtures roll around..

Most will certainly be aiming to earn some senior chances over the next few years. Gareth Southgate might also be thinking the same. The England senior boss travelled to Batumi to watch the game and might have been impressed with what he saw.

Daniel Orme