James Trafford makes incredible double penalty save to deny Spain in stoppage time of u21 Euro final

England have a new hero in James Trafford, who made an extraordinary double penalty save to deny Spain in the final minute of stoppage time.

The Young Lions are European champions at last, ending a 39-year-wait by beating Spain 1-0 in the final.

Cole Palmer's deflected free-kick was enough to seal victory in the end, but it was Trafford who will steal the headlines, and rightly so.

Abel Ruiz went down in the penalty area under challenge from Levi Colwill and the referee was advised to go over to the monitor. He soon pointed to the spot, with Ruiz stepping up to the plate in the 98th minute of stoppage time.

However, Manchester City goalkeeper Trafford was equal to the task, leaping to his right-hand side to deny Ruiz before saving the follow-up shot from Darian Males with his feet.

It caps off an incredible few weeks for the 20-year-old, who hasn't conceded a single goal all tournament.

Speaking in an interview after the game, Trafford appeared unfazed by his heroics, suggesting he could have played better.

"I'm very happy for the team, family, friends and coaching staff", he told Channel 4.

"This is what we set out for at the start and we achieved it and we're all really proud of ourselves."

When asked if it was the perfect day, he responded: "I could have played perfectly and I didn't so it could have been better.

"I told everyone this morning I was going to save a penalty and when the penalty was given I knew I was going to save it."

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4

Topics: England, Spain, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno