UEFA Euro U21 2023: Team of the Tournament

England won the final in a dramatic way against Spain

England U21 were crowned the winners of the UEFA Euro U21 2023 after their 1-0 win over Spain in the final match of the tournament.

Lee Carsley's men finished the tournament without conceding a goal. However, some late drama in the final could have cost them the title. Spain were awarded a penalty in injury time and stoppage time. The VAR played a huge role in awarding the penalty. Abel Ruiz took the penalty, but James Trafford had some other ideas. Manchester City's young goalkeeper saved the crucial spot-kick, and England won their third Euro U21.

These tournaments often help a player break into his club's starting 11 and get recognised in the football world. The 2023 Euro U21 edition saw a few names step up to the occasion.

We have selected 11 such players to make their way into the UEFA Euro U21 2023 Team of the Tournament. These players were outstanding throughout the competition and caught the eye of many. Let's take a look at the best 11.

Formation: 3-4-3

GK: James Trafford (England) - 6 clean sheets

James Trafford was undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the UEFA Euro U21 2023. The 20-year-old ended the competition without conceding a goal and made 15 saves, including a penalty save in the final. He is a Manchester City player who is likely to play for Burnley in 2023-24.

LCB: Juan Miranda (Spain) - 2 goals and 2 clean sheets

Juan Miranda is an attacking full-back who plays for Real Betis. The former Barcelona youth player contributed two goals in five games. He carried a lot of threat for Spain from the left side and was probably the best-attacking full-back in the tournament.

CB: Levi Colwill (England) - 5 clean sheets

Levi Colwill looks like a future centre-back for the England national team. The Chelsea youngster impressed during his loan spell at Brighton in 2022-23. He was impressive in the UEFA Euro U21 and concluded the tournament with five clean sheets.

RCB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis (England) - 5 clean sheets

Another Manchester City and England youngster who led his side to the championship triumph. Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Colwill created a solid partnership at the back for England. He played for Burnley last season and could spend another season under Vincent Kompany.

LM: Sergio Gomez (Spain) - 3 goals and 2 assists

Manchester City had a few representatives in the final, including left-back Sergio Gomez. However, the 22-year-old played in a more attacking role and made five goal-scoring contributions in as many games. He was the joint-highest goal scorer in the UEFA Euro U21. A former Barcelona youth product is a treble-winner with City.

LCM: Curtis Jones (England) - 1 goal

England and Liverpool's Curtis Jones scored the winning goal in the final. A lucky deflection from his back was enough for his side to lift the trophy. Jones has made it into Liverpool's first team, and Jurgen Klopp has given him plenty of starts. The 22-year-old controlled the midfield in five appearances and led his side to UEFA Euro U21 2023 glory.

RCM: Georgiy Sudakov (Ukraine) - 3 goals

The 20-year-old midfielder was the joint-highest goal scorer in the tournament. Sudakov led Ukraine to the semi-finals by scoring a brace against one of the contenders, France. He featured regularly for Shakhtar Donetsk last season, and a few clubs will be keeping their eyes on this young talent.

RM: Morgan Gibbs-White (England) - 1 goal and 3 assists

Another Englishman who was impressive throughout the entire tournament. Morgan Gibbs-White made a big-money move to Nottingham Forest in 2022–23. In the UEFA Euro U21, he contributed to four goals.

LW: Anthony Gordon (England) - 2 goals and 1 assist

England's Anthony Gordon was officially voted the UEFA Euro U21 2023 'Player of the Tournament.' Newcastle United's forward carried a lot of threat from the left side. Gordon attempted eight shots, and five were on target. His dribbling skills even earned him a penalty for England. Eddie Howe will look to give him more game time in the coming season.

RW: Cole Palmer (England) - 1 goal and 3 assists

Cole Palmer has already shown his skills on the big stage for Manchester City. The 21-year-old was a smooth operator on the field and his free-kick led to the winning goal in the final. Palmer is also a treble-winner with City.

ST: Abel Ruiz (Spain) - 3 goals and 2 assists

Abel Ruiz had a great tournament but his penalty miss in the final ended his country's hope to win the trophy. Another former Barcelona youth product contributed to five goals. He plays for Portuguese club Braga. Ruiz was the best number nine in the tournament and clubs will be watching him in the coming season.