Saturday, July 8, 2023

England win Under-21 European Championship with last-gasp heroics against Spain

England's players celebrates after scoring their side's first goal scored by Cole Palmer during the Euro 2023 U21 Championship final soccer match between England and Spain at the Batumi Arena stadium in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, July 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili)
England have won the Under-21 European Championship for the third time in history (AP)

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

Cole Palmer’s free kick on the stroke of half time beat Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, although a major deflection from Curtis Jones saw the goal later credited to the Liverpool midfielder.

England appeared to be on course for a narrow victory until Spain were awarded a penalty in the the final minute of additional time after a VAR review punished Levi Colwill for a foul on Abel Ruiz inside the area.

Ruiz stepped up to take the penalty but it was saved by James Trafford, who also blocked the rebound.

England have now won the tournament for the third time in history, with their other two victories coming in 1982 and 1984.

Lee Carsley’s side also achieved the incredible feat of not conceding a goal during the entire tournament, which was held in Romania and Georgia this summer.

England's Cole Palmer celebrates their side's first goal of the game, eventually awarded to team-mate Curtis Jones, during the Euro Under-21 Championship final at the Adjarabet Arena in Batumi, Georgia. Picture date: Saturday July 8, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER England Under-21. Photo credit should read: PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: UK and Ireland use only. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Cole Palmer’s deflected free kick sealed England’s win over Spain (PA)
BATUMI, GEORGIA - JULY 8: England assistant coach Ashley Cole leaves the bench after being shown a red card during the UEFA Under-21 EURO 2023 Final match between England and Spain at the Batumi Arena on July 8, 2023 in Batumi, Georgia. (Photo by Sam Barnes - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)
England assistant coach Ashley Cole was sent off after a touchline fracas in the first half (UEFA via Getty)

England also had Morgan Gibbs-White sent off in the closing stages following a bust-up between the two teams after Trafford’s penalty save. Spain’s Antonio Blanco was also given a red card.

More to follow…

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