England lift UEFA Euro U21 2023 trophy with 1-0 victory over Spain after a heroic added time penalty save by James Trafford

Three Lions lift their first U21 crown since 1984

England end their 39-year wait for the UEFA Euro U21 crown after a narrow 1-0 win over Spain in the 2023 final.

Cole Palmer's free-kick got deflected from Curtis Jones' back and found the Spanish goal at the end of the first half.

But there was another player who stood out as the 'hero' of the match. James Trafford saved an injury and stoppages time penalty to lift the title for his side.

England U21 side maintained their defensive shape as they have done throughout the campaign. Lee Carsley's side finished the tournament without conceding a goal.

This is their third UEFA Euro U21 championship. They lost the final in 2009 and that remains their only loss in the final of the competition. The last time England won the U21 championship, they defeated Spain in the final that took place in 1984.

Spain had a decent 2023 Euro U21 campaign. They scored a goal in every game except the final. A 5-1 comeback win against Ukraine showed the Spanish players' quality on the field. Most of them are seasoned campaigners with LaLiga sides and other big clubs in Europe.

Sergio Gomez (Spain), Abel Ruiz (Spain), and Heorhiy Sudakov (Ukraine) finished the top goalscorers with three goals each to their name. Spanish captain Abel Ruiz missed a penalty in the final and also a chance to lift the Golden Boot.

Manchester City's young goalkeeper James Trafford ended the tournament with six clean sheets. He was a rock at the back and led England to their third UEFA Euro U21. The 20-year-old goalkeeper even saved a penalty in the final.

It looks like England's future is secured. These youngsters play for big European teams and have come to the limelight. Spain had a heartbreak in the end but had a great tournament.