Liverpool youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott became part of history as they helped England Under 21s lift the European Championship trophy.
Having played a starring role throughout the tournament, Jones inadvertently turned home the winning goal on the night as his back redirected a Cole Palmer free-kick beyond the Spanish goalkeeper in a 1-0 win for Lee Carsley’s talent-filled side.
The 22-year-old Scouse midfielder was awarded the Man of the Match for the youngsters having also been credited with the honour in the semi-final victory over Israel.
BOBBY FIRMINO: BEST IN THE WORLD
In a tournament that started with a host of reported Liverpool transfer targets waiting to shine and potentially catch the eye, it was Jones and Elliott who will return to Merseyside with silverware in hand.
The final itself was a predictably close-fought affair but Jones, who followed in the footsteps of fellow Toxteth-born Red – the last England player to score in the European Championship showpiece – was the difference maker throughout.
Following an impressive end to the season under Jurgen Klopp, the attacking midfielder completed 29 of 33 accurate passes, made one key pass and won five ground duels in an all-round solid display (SofaScore).
Elliott entered the fray for the final 20 minutes and helped the young Three Lions over the line, albeit a major scare was survived after reported Anfield target Levi Colwill was unfortunate to give away a late penalty following a VAR review.
Burnley-bound Man City ‘keeper produced a fine double save and Jones was to be the inadvertent matchwinner to hand the England Under 21s their first European crown in 39 years.
The celebrations were joyous and Elliott took to Instagram live to show off his medal whilst Colwill and Chelsea teammate Noni Madueke also appeared on social media with the wanted centre-back keeping tight-lipped on his future plans.
Liverpool’s Levi Colwill Interest Explained!
