City youngsters in action as England and Spain book semi final place

By Adam Marrett - 3 July 2023, 7:45

Manchester City youngsters were in action overnight as England and Spain both booked a semi-final place at the UEFA under-21 European Championships.

England beat Portugal 1-nil to book a place in the semi-final where they’ll face Israel. A first-half Anthony Gordon goal was enough to see England through.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis and James Trafford started for England, and Cole Palmer came off the bench as England saw off Portugal.

James Trafford kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament to maintain England’s impressive defensive record.

City’s young goalkeeper was again in fine form. He made a great early save from Neto early on, and a couple more in the second half as Portugal went at England in search of an equaliser. Trafford stood tall when called upon to preserve England’s clean sheet.

onto semis, we’ll done team 🙌 pic.twitter.com/j7R5wX2o8d

— James trafford (@Jamestrafford6) July 2, 2023

With links to Middlesbrough and Leicester, another impressive performance will do Trafford’s chances of a summer move no harm.

Harwood-Bellis was impressive in defense for England. City’s young center-half was a strong presence at the back, and his partnership with Levi Colwell set the platform for another strong defensive performance from England.

Cole Palmer came off the bench in the second half. Palmer helped out in defense and tried to give England a threat on the break when the chance arose.

Tommy Doyle was again an unused substitute.

England will face Israel in the semi-final with the chance to book their ticket to the final.

Also for Spain, Sergio Gomez started for Spain as they booked their place in the semi-final.