‘Football has come home’ -Fans react as England U21 win the 2023 European Championship against Spain 1-0 in tense final
England beat Spain 1-0 in tense game.
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Jul 9, 2023 12:04 pm
England U 21 (Source: Twitter)
England beat Spain in the final of the 2023 U 21 European Championship 1-0 on Saturday. The Three Lions have been all about polishing young talent and getting them into proper shape so that they are all in readiness when it comes to playing for their country. While the young side was engaged in this process, England have also managed to create history by winning the championship. The Three Lions have shown what the young side can do.
For England, it has not been the best of times when it comes to penalties as they have bottled up previously when it came to these situations. The Three Lions were on top of the game for the most part as they had a 1-0 lead. When Spain’s Ruiz came in and scored in the 96th minute of the final people thought that England would not be at their best when it comes to penalties and the score would become 1-1.
I told my mates back home that I was going to save the Penalty – James Trafford
But this young group of footballers did not flinch under pressure and delivered the goods for their side. James Trafford the young goalkeeper was England’s rock as he prevented Ruiz from scoring a penalty and capped off the tournament by being the only player to get through the entire tournament without giving away a single goal. He kept six clean sheets throughout the tournament and showed what he was capable of. He kept well during the penalty and made sure England’s lead of 1-0 was preserved.
“I told everyone this morning I was going to save a pen and when it was a penalty, I knew I was going to save it, so it was pretty easy, to be honest,” the 20-year-old said to Channel 4. “I told all my mates back home I was going to save one,” Trafford said. “The manner in which this England squad has progressed through the tournament has been hugely impressive, and to do it without conceding a goal is simply remarkable,” Mark Bullingham FA Chief Executive said.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
Great performance from England. They have had a great tournament. None more so than Trafford who was determined at the last not to let a goal in the whole tournament. Is there a term for not letting a goal in during a tournament? Carrying your net?
England has the talent to win the world cup if only they get the recruitment of their coaches right.
— Uchennachinaka ❤️ $BUBBLE (@ChinaksOfLagos) July 8, 2023
And to think the U21 final was not going to be on TV, well done C4 but maybe now next year the full tournament will be shown live. What else is there to watch during the week at 4pm. What an amazing end to the final.
Congrats to England's U21 team on winning EURO! 🎉🏆 Big applause to Trafford for that dramatic last-minute penalty save! Their contributions were vital in securing the title. What a memorable moment! Well done, lads! 👏 #EURO21#Champions
