James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite have become European youth champions as England beat Spain 1-0 in the Under-21s European Championship final.

It's the first time the Young Lions have won the competition since 1984, with both Garner and Branthwaite cementing themselves in the history books under the guidance of former Blues midfielder Lee Carsley.

Equally as impressive as their Championship success, England become the first side in the competition’s history to get through the entire campaign without conceding a goal, as James Trafford dramatically saved a penalty in injury time.

Garner was huge in that statistic standing, having played at right-back, whilst Branthwaite played his part too with an impressive performance in the third group game.

On the victorious night, Garner was once again impressive in tricky circumstances, making three interceptions, two clearances and two tackles. He also completed 21 passes and won four ground duels.

Carsley’s side started the game brightly, as they have done throughout the tournament, and had two massive chances to take an early lead.

Anthony Gordon tested Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas with a low drive, but the number one’s parry was inches away from falling to Cole Palmer on the rebound.

Within a minute of that early chance, Morgan Gibbs-White failed to connect with a Gordon ball across goal as Spain survived the early onslaught.

The five-time European Under-21 champions responded well though, and nearly opened the deadlock as Alex Baena curled a shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Following the early spell of chances, the game settled into a more nervous affair, with both teams unable to exert dominance on the occasion.

There was a clear threat present in each side though, and Palmer was the latest to demonstrate his ability with a fierce drive from range that was well held.

Just before half-time, England came incredibly close to breaking the deadlock. Levi Colwill got on the end of a menacing set-piece delivery and his header bounced off the post.

A breakthrough was found before the interval as the Young Lions took the lead. Palmer curled a free kick towards goal and it found the back of the net with the help of a wicked deflection off Curtis Jones’ back.

After the break, Spain thought they were level as Abel Ruiz headed home from a set-piece, but the offside flag was raised and that decision was confirmed after a VAR check.

England’s opponents knew it would take a lot to breach the competition’s best defence, but they went about doing so positively, piling on early second-half pressure.

Spaces were beginning to open up as Spain committed bodies forward, giving England opportunities on the counter-attack. A strong save denied Jones from making it two after 65 minutes.

Late in the game, a magnificent double save from the goalkeeper denied both Harvey Elliott and Noni Madueke.

That wasn’t the best of the goalkeeping exploits on the night though, as drama ensued in extra time.

A late penalty was awarded to Spain, and Abel Ruiz stepped up only to be denied brilliantly by Trafford, who also got up to save the rebound as well.

Two red cards were brandished after the incident, but there was no time left to play as England were confirmed as Under-21 European Champions.