U-21 Euro: Curtis Jones’ goal against Spain hands England historic title

Curtis Jones’ first half strike was enough for England to edge Spain as the Young Lions claimed their first UEFA U-21 Euro title in 39 years.

It was drama towards the dying minutes of the game as England goalkeeper James Trafford saved a 99th-minute penalty.

After Levi Colwill fouled Abel Ruiz in the box in added time, Trafford kept Ruiz’s low spot-kick out, following that up with another brilliant stop to seal England’s title win.

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Spain headed into the game full of confidence as they had been very dangerous up front. The Spaniards boasted 13 goals in the tournament prior to the final.

England proved to be a match as well, failing to concede a single goal throughout the tournament. They looked resolute with a defence marshalled by Chelsea loanee Colwill.

Jones’ goal came late in the first half when Manchester City player Cole Palmer’s free-kick deflected off the Liverpool man, wrong-footing goalkeeper Arnau Tenas to find the corner of the net.

La Rojitas thought they had equalised in the second half, but Abel Ruiz’s headed goal was ruled out for offside.

With England’s victory against Spain in the U-21 Euro tournament, the Young Lions now hold the record for being the first team to produce six consecutive clean sheets in the competition’s history.

It also means the Young Lions are the third England team to win the competition after previously winning it in 1982 and 1984.