England hero James Trafford claims he KNEW he would save a penalty in the U21 Euros final after telling his pals on the morning… before denying Spain with his last-gasp double save from the spot
England goalkeeper James Trafford has claimed that he predicted his U21 Euro final penalty save and, earlier in the day, told friends that he would make the stop.
The Manchester City youngster – who has been linked with a £19million move to Burnley this summer – made a crucial double save as England won the competition for the first time in nearly 39 years.
The Young Three Lions secured a 1-0 win thanks to Liverpool star Curtis Jones’ strike in the first-half before the chaos ensued late on in the match.
As Spain pushed forward in the final moments, they forced an error out of Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and were awarded with a spot-kick in the 97th minute.
Trafford, however, took matters into his own hands and produced a superb double stop to clinch the title and later revealed his revelations earlier in the day.
Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport
England U21 star James Trafford claims that he predicted his penalty save earlier in the day
Trafford produced an incredible late double save as England won the Under-21 Euros
Speaking to Channel 4, Trafford said: ‘Yeah, I told everyone this morning that I was going to save a penalty.
‘And, 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 that I was going to save one.’
In saving the penalty, not only did England clinch the U21 Euros title, but they ensured they did so without conceding a single goal.
Reflecting on the achievement, Trafford said: ‘I’m very happy. Very happy for the team, my family and friends, the coaching staff.
‘It was a massive group effort and we delivered. This is what we set out for at the start and we’re really proud of ourselves.’
England were leading 1-0 courtesy of a goal in first half stoppage time after Cole Palmer’s free-kick deflected in off Jones.
It looked like England would be able to see out the win in Georgia but there was late drama as following a VAR check defender Colwill was penalised for a foul in the area.
Abel Ruiz stepped up to take the penalty in the ninth minute of second half stoppage time but Trafford managed to save it and then responded by keeping out the rebound.
It is the first time that England have won the Under-21 Euros since 1984 and just the third time that they have won the trophy overall.
Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport
Trafford has recently been linked with a £19million move from Manchester City to Burnley
