James Trafford brought his superhero cape to the UEFA U21 Euros following a dramatic penalty save.
JAMES TRAFFORD!!
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 8, 2023
In a game that saw plenty of drama and red cards, England U21’s win the competition for the first time in almost 40 years.
A game of quality all over the pitch which had lots of Manchester City talent on display.
The only goal of the game came towards the end of the first half as Cole Palmer was awarded a free-kick after a foul from Gomez. While Palmer took the free-kick, it took a deflection from Curtis Jones before hitting the net.
As Palmer took himself to celebrate, it all kicked off around the dugout and red cards were issued.
It was during the final minute of the game that Spain were awarded a penalty following VAR intervention. The referee reviewed his non-penalty decision at the pitch-side monitor and overturned his initial decision.
The Spanish skipper stepped up and James Trafford looked calm. The former Manchester City youngster, now Burnley goalkeeper, became the hero of the hour.
Not only saving the penalty in the 99th minute, but emphatically saving a rebound shot directly following his first save. He kept a clean sheet in every game in the competition.
Despite heartbreak for Sergio Gomez, he was arguably Spain’s best player of the final. He can wipe his tears with the ribbons from any of his treble trophies.
England Women, and England U21’s and youngsters lead the way. Time for Southgate and the senior lads to step up. Correctly utilising Phil Foden will undoubtedly be welcomed by fans.
