England U21’s penalty hero James Trafford said he “knew he was going to save one” ahead of the final with Spain as the Young Lions were crowned European champions.
Curtis Jones’ fortunate goal in the first half put England ahead but the game looked to be heading for extra-time when Spain were awarded a penalty in second half stoppage time after Chelsea defender Levi Colwill fouled striker Abel Ruiz.
But with the trophy on the line, the Man City goalkeeper produced a spectacular double save to first deny Ruiz from the spot and then keep out Aimar on the rebound to ensure England were crowned champions.
It also meant the Young Lions have not conceded a goal across the entire tournament, but Trafford, who is reportedly set to join Vincent Kompany’s Burnley this summer, said he never had any doubt that he would keep the penalty out.
“I told everyone this morning I was going to save a penalty,” he said.
“When it was a penalty, I knew I was going to save it so it was pretty easy, to be fair. I told all my mates back home I was going to save one.
“It means a lot for us, the record, because I think it will take a massive effort to get broken. We’re a very good team and we believe that no one can score against us and we showed it.
“I could have played perfectly but I didn’t, so that could have been better.”
Trafford’s double save capped off a feisty final between the two sides, with England coach Ashley Cole among those on both benches to be sent off during the game following the celebrations for Jones’ goal, when Cole Palmer’s free-kick took a fortunate deflection off the Liverpool midfielder to beat Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.
“Obviously it was very lucky, but you create your own luck, don’t you?” Palmer said.
“I was a bit frustrated because the way they were going down and screaming and stuff, but obviously we can’t do anything about it so when we scored, the celebration might have been a bit over the top but I was just happy.”
