England won the European Under-21 Championship for the first time in nearly 40 years, thanks to a last-minute penalty save by James Trafford, who ensured the Young Lions beat Spain.
Trafford, who is set to join Burnley from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £19 million, saved Abel Ruiz’s low spot-kick in the 99th minute following a lengthy VAR review.
On the follow-up, the 20-year-old produced another brilliant stop before being mobbed by his teammates.
Cole Palmer’s free kick deflected off teammate Curtis Jones and caught goalkeeper Arnau Tenas off guard to find the bottom corner with virtually the last kick of the first half.
After halftime, Spain’s Ruiz goal was ruled out for offside, before Trafford’s late heroics sealed England’s victory.
Lee Carsley’s talented side became the third England team to win the competition, having previously won it in 1982 and 1984.
They are also the first team in tournament history to keep six consecutive clean sheets.
With a squad loaded with attacking talent, the Young Lions have played an exciting brand of football in Georgia.
England got off to a good start in the final, with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon having the first meaningful chance, but his shot was pushed wide by Spain keeper Tenas.
Gordon was then involved again as he attempted to set up Morgan Gibbs-White, but an interception by Jon Pacheco denied the Nottingham Forest player a tap in.
Spain entered the game quickly, with Alex Baena curling an effort past Trafford’s post before scuffing another effort wide after picking up a loose pass from Gibbs-White.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill headed against the crossbar after an excellent delivery from Palmer, before Manchester City’s free-kick was deflected in by Liverpool’s Jones.
The first half ended in a brawl between both benches, which resulted in England coach Ashley Cole and Spanish fitness coach Carlos Rivera being sent to the stands.
