England U21s beat Spain to win first Euros in 39 years as Trafford saves penalty

England beat Spain 1-0 to lift their first U21 European Championship in 39 years at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday. Cole Palmer’s late free-kick rebounded off the back of Curtis Jones to take a first-half lead before James Trafford saved a 99th-minute penalty to seal a historic win for Lee Carsley’s side.

Express Sport runs through four things learned after England became U21 European champions for a third time.

History repeats itself to end slumber

England defeated Spain 3-0 on aggregate in 1984 to clinch their second U21 Euros success.

Thirty-nine years on, the Young Lions have roared again to reclaim their perch, levelling Germany’s three titles to become the competition’s joint-third most successful nation.

Premier League viewers will see a lot more of the likes of Trafford, James Garner, Noni Madueke and Cameron Archer next season.

And with Gareth Southgate in attendance, a few of Carsley’s leading stars could soon be knocking on the door of a senior call-up.

Defences truly do win titles

England haven’t just won the U21 Euros, but they’ve sealed glory in style by not conceding a single goal.

The Young Lions put 11 goals past the Czech Republic, Israel, Germany, Portugal and Spain on their way to the gold, but Trafford wasn’t beaten once.

The 20-year-old, reportedly on the brink of a £19million move to Burnley, joined Garner, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Levi Colwill and Max Aarons in a formidable back five.

And his incredible 99th-minute double save, first to deny Abel Ruiz from the penalty spot, to break Spain hearts put the icing on the cake.

Liverpool’s two transfer takeaways

If Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp tuned into the final, he would have taken away two key lessons.

Colwill’s displays throughout the tournament should all but rule out any chance of Chelsea allowing him to leave the club this summer amid links to Anfield.

Jones’ tournament performances will also leave the German coach with a midfield selection headache after splashing around £100m to recruit Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

His form in the latter stages of last season and this summer have left him staking a real claim for a starting berth next term.