After a thrilling ending due to Traffords save from Abel Ruizs penalty kick in the 98th minute, England secured their first U21 European Championship title in 39 years.
The Young Lions showcased an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, maintaining clean sheets in every match — the first nation since Spain in 2013 to reach the final without conceding — marking a significant milestone for Englands promising generation.
Although Spain didnt claim the title, they displayed exceptional performance throughout the tournament, including a notable presence in the final.
This tactical analysis provides an in-depth examination of Englands tactics to secure the championship against the Spanish team.
Lineups
Lee Carsley opted for a 4-4-2 structure on paper, though that changed in different phases of play.
Englands starting XI (average age 22.2 yrs) was as follows: James Trafford (GK), James Garner (RB), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (RCB), Levi Colwill (LCB), Max Aarons (LB), Cole Palmer (RM), Angel Gomes (RCM), Curtis Jones (LCM), Emile Smith Rowe (LM), Morgan Gibbs-White (RCF), Anthony Gordon (LCF).
In opposition, Santi Denia elected to deploy a 4-4-1-1 formation.
Spains starting XI (average age 22.9 yrs) was as follows: Arnau Tenas (GK), Victor Gómez (RB), Aitor Parades (RCB), Jon Pacheco (LCB), Juan Miranda (LB), Antonio Blanco (RCM), Álex Baena (LCM), Rodri Sánchez (RW), Oihan Sancet (AM), Sergio Gómez (LW), Abel Ruiz (CF).
