Trafford 'knew' he was going to save penalty in Euro U-21 victory

Adam Drury
LiveScore
James Trafford saved the decisive penalty in England's Under-21 European Championship final win
James Trafford saved the decisive penalty in England's Under-21 European Championship final win

James Trafford has revealed he predicted he was going to save a penalty on the morning of his European Under-21 Championship final heroics.

Trafford kept out a last-minute spot-kick from Spain's Abel Ruiz to secure England's first silverware at this level for 39 years.

The 20-year-old kept out the rebound, too, guaranteeing a record sixth consecutive clean sheet at the competition.

He said: "I told everyone this morning I was going to save a penalty. I knew I was going to save it.

"It means a lot for us, the record. We believed no-one could score against us and we showed it."

James Trafford celebrates his dramatic penalty save
James Trafford celebrates his dramatic penalty save

Trafford has spent the last two seasons on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton in League One but is likely to play Premier League football next season, with Burnley reportedly set to sign him from Manchester City.

Vincent Kompany's side have struck a deal worth up to £19million for the stopper — but City will include a buy-back option in the deal.

Ahead of the mooted move, Trafford said: "From the start of my men's career when I played at Accrington I told people I'd play for England and play for City.

"The people around me believe in me and I still completely believe I will.

"I want to play at the highest level possible. I've brought the form that I ended the season with here."

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EnglandEngland U21