For the first time in nearly 40 years, England won the European Under-21 Championships as a last-second penalty save allowed the Young Lions to defeat Spain.

The game's lone goal was scored almost as the last strike of the first half, when Cole Palmer's free-kick rebounded off Curtis Jones and caught the Spanish goalkeeper off guard.

Abel Ruiz's headed goal in the second half was disallowed for offside even though Spain, which had 13 goals overall, believed they had tied the score.

Ruiz's low spot-kick was saved by England goalkeeper James Trafford in the dying seconds following a protracted VAR review.

Trafford, who is about to leave Manchester City for Burnley for £15 million, then made another outstanding stop on the follow-up before being surrounded by his teammates.

After winning the championship in 1982 and 1984, Lee Carsley's outstanding team became the third England squad to do it with this victory.

They are also the first side in the history of the event to keep six straight clean sheets.

With a team full of attacking talent, the Young Lions have played a thrilling brand of football in Georgia.

With Newcastle's Anthony Gordon's strike deflected wide by Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, England made a strong start in the championship game.

The game ended in dramatic manner when Colwill, who had spent a week training with the senior team, was declared to have fouled Ruiz in the box.

Trafford saved the ensuing penalty and an instant follow-up to give England victory and inspire scenes of joy.

However, the bad blood continued, with nine yellow and three red cards issued by the final whistle.

Now that England has won the trophy, discussions will begin about which of these young stars will be knocking on the door of the senior squad and competing for a spot in the senior European Championships next summer.