Emile Smith Rowe secured the second international trophy of his career as England beat Spain 1-0 in the final of the Uefa Under-21 European Championships.
The Arsenal midfielder played 67 minutes on the left flank before being replaced by Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.
England established their lead deep into first half stoppage time when Cole Palmer’s free-kick took a wicked deflection off teammate Curtis Jones. The goal sparked a melee on the bench that resulted in Ashley Cole – part of the coaching staff – being sent to the stands.
All the best for the #U21EURO final, Emile – we’re right behind you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/r7hFT2pPY4
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 8, 2023
Harvey Elliott and Madueke had chances to double the advantage in the dying seconds before Spain were awarded a controversial penalty by VAR in the 99th minute. Abel Ruiz stepped up to equalise only to be denied by keeper James Trafford (he of Cockermouth fame and recent £15 million move to Burnely) who also kept out the follow-up.
The save was greeted by ecstatic scenes from the players in white before things boiled over on the touchline and a couple of players were sent off.
This was England’s first success in the tournament since 1984 and their third overall.
All the best for the #U21EURO final, Emile – we’re right behind you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/r7hFT2pPY4
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 8, 2023
Prior to the match, Smith Rowe’s Arsenal teammates, led by captain Martin Odegaard, had sent him a message wishing him good luck. A nice touch that the player, who ended the tournament with two goals and an assist, is sure to have appreciated.
The 22-year-old, who was part of the England squad that won the Under-17 World Cup in India in 2017, will now take some time off before returning to London Colney for a pre-season medical assessment. He could then fly to the States in time for the Gunners’ friendly with Barcelona in Los Angeles.
Is that Gnabry next to Kiwior?!?
That’s Walters from the academy…dude has got a striking resemblance with Gnabry
Useful minutes for Smith Rowe….. should give Kai havertz a run for his money at the 8 position and provide back up to Odegaard….I back him to pull a surprise…
Ashley Cole (ash ole) sent off to the stands lol not nearly far enough away!!!
I did wonder if there might be some eating of words regarding Mr James Trafford after last night. Looking forward to the arsecast extra and a full official statement on the situation. ;-D
Great experience for The Smith. Fingers crossed he’ll return raring to go
What was said about Trafford?
That the transfer fee is insane for player who’s never played a single minute in neither the Premier League or the Championship
Which is still true
I thought he was underwhelming until the penalty save–poor distribution, did not look confident on crosses. Completely okay for a youth keeper, didn’t look ready for the Premier League. However, I assume Kompany and his staff have seen more than one match.
Massive congratulations ESR! Never been this invested in a U21 tournament, so happy to see all those minutes being clocked and confidence being built ahead of a pivotal season for his career.
This will give ESR so much confidence…knowing if u get Ur head down and work it’s only a matter of time before the trophies follow…he’ll be raring to go for the season
Congratulations to ESR! This win and run of games will boost his confidence ahead of the new season.
Smith Rowe England trophies 2-0 Harry Kane England trophies.
England will win World Cup 2026 thanks to Emile Smith Rowe; this is Logic.
The trophy looks like a large smoothie blender.
If you don’t count titles
boughtwon by Chelsea or City is this the first kind of major trophy that a member of Arsenal has won since our 2020 FA Cup?I guess Jorginho won the Euro around the same time… either way it’s a really impressive achievement and something I really hope he carries with him into the team to push us on, well done Emile
Just a general comment on the match. I know from the match that Cole Palmer is very talented (I’ve seen him once or twice for City as well). But what an incredibly selfish arrogant player he looked, like a kid who thinks he is Messi. Brilliant dribble past one or two defenders–and continues until he loses the ball, no matter how many teammates are better placed. (Yes, the goal came from his free kick, but it was a terrible attempt that blasted into his own teammate.) Hard to imagine he will ever play for Guardiola with that attitude.
I wouldn’t t worry about pep. He’ll get all the players he wants when he goes to Saudi Arabia after city are charged for ffp and accounting violations.
Great gesture by the captain and co. Arsenal as a club are class. This club needs and deserves to start winning trophies again🏆