PLAYER RATINGS: James Trafford writes his name in the history books with last-gasp double save

England have ended a 39-year wait to win the U21 European Championship, after they defeated Spain 1-0 in what was a chaotic final at the Adjarabet Stadium in Georgia on Saturday night. 

Lee Carsley’s side were subsequently crowned champions having not conceded a goal throughout the tournament, an extraordinary statistic considering some of the excellent opposition they’ve come up against, including tonight’s opponents, Spain. 

It was Cole Palmer and Curtis Jones who would combine to put the Young Lions a goal up just before half-time, with the Man City Treble winner’s free-kick deflecting off the back of the Liverpool midfielder and flying into the back of the net. 

Tensions rose soon after, with players and coaching staff clashing in unsavoury scenes before the break, with England’s assistant coach Ashley Cole and a Spanish coach both being shown a red card by the referee. 

Spain came out fast against England in the second half, and despite both Max Aarons and Jones having two very close chances, Santi Denia’s side would press Engand back into their own half as they looked for a winner. 

England have won the U21 European Championships after they defeated Spain 1-0 Adjarabet Arena in Georgia

The Young Lions eneded a 39-year wait for a trophy at the tournament following a chaotic match

Curtis Jones (middle front) deflected Cole Palmer’s first-half free-kick to give England the win

It looked as though it might come with just seconds to go as Spain were awarded a penalty late on, but their captain and star-striker Abel Ruiz was denied by England goalkeeper James Trafford, who saved the following rebound too and secure the victory for Lee Carsley’s side. 

As we catch our breath from what was an enthralling game of football, Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan and Ed Carruthers give their player ratings from the showpiece.   

England (4-2-3-1)

James Trafford (Man City) 9

Making not one but two saves in the dying embers of the game. Nerves of steele. 

James Garner (Everton) 7 

Solid throughout. Interestingly doesn’t typically tend to play at right back for Everton. Food for thought for Sean Dyche? 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Man City) 8

Defensively solid tonight and offered plenty of ballast at the back. 

Levi Colwill (Chelsea) 8.5

Another excellent performance, Chelsea will no doubt be eager to tie him down now.  

Max Aarons (Norwich City) 8

Slotted back into the side very well and was dangerous on the left wing. 

Curtis Jones (Liverpool) 7.5

Provided the inspiration for the win, could have made it 2-0 but was excellent throughout. 

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Angel Gomes (Lille) 7.5

Got into some very dangerous positions and linked up well with Anthony Gordon on the wing. 

Cole Palmer (Man City) 8

Man City’s midfield maestro added to his trophy collection and was a leader for England today.  

Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) 7

Missed a chance early on but provided a lot of creativity for England tonight. 

Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal) 6

Not his best performance but certainly helped England down the right channel.  

James Trafford (left) saved a penalty in the dying embers of the match, and the rebound, to secure the epic win for England

Palmer (front right) was a standout too for England during the chaotic match that saw two players and two coaches sent off

Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Man City was another top performer during the match and helped England keep their sixth clean sheet of the tournament

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle Utd) 7

Showed his speed today to get in behind defenders and cause problems for Spain. 

Substitutes

Noni Madueke (Chelsea) 5 

Gave the game an injection of pace when he came on.  

Oliver Skipp (Tottenham) 6 

Added to England’s attacks late on and looked threatening on the ball 

Cameron Archer (Aston Villa) 7

What a tournament for Archer! While he didn’t score in the final, he’s been clinical in front of goal throughout the championship.   

Spain (4-2-1-3)

Arnau Tenas 7.5 (free agent)

Pulled off an excellent save to deny Madueke. The free agent be a great signing for any club this season. 

Victor Gomez 6 (Braga)

Slowed Gordon and Gomes down on the right.  

Aitor Parades 6 (Athletico Bilbao)

Solid and disrupted England’s attacks, but didn’t look at his best tonight. 

Jon Pacheco 6 (Real Sociedad)

Added a lot of ballast to the back. Another player to watch out for the future.  

Juan Miranda 7 (Real Betis)

Asked a couple of questions of England’s defence.

Antonio Blanco 5.5 (Real Madrid)

Sent off late on in the match. Struggled in the centre of the park against the England midfield. 

Alex Baena 6.5 (Villarreal)

A solid game but could not get his side on the front foot. 

Oihan Sancet 6 (Athletico Bilbao)

Had a relatively quiet game. 

Rodri 6 (Real Betis)

Had a few chances but couldn’t get the equaliser for his team.  

Abel Ruiz 6.5 (Braga)

Unlucky on several occasions. The Spain captain did cause some issues for England. 

Sergio Gomez 7 (Man City)

Perhaps a stand out, provided plenty of balls in and offered lots of creativity. 

There was heartbreak for Abel Ruiz (left) who’s last gasp penalty to secure an equalizer was saved

Sergio Gomez (right) was another standout for Spain but despite his efforts failed to help secure the equaliser for his team

Substitutes

Aimar Oroz 6 (Osasuna)

Looked good in midfield and helped Spain push high on England.  

Rodrigo Riquelme 6 (Atletico Madrid) 

Tried hard to create opportunities.  

Gabri Veiga 7 (Celta Vigo)

An exciting prospect, he came on to give more options for Spain. 

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