England hero James Trafford claims he KNEW he would save a penalty in the U21 Euros final

James Trafford had a premonition of saving a penalty as England’s Under 21s were crowned European champions last night.

The Manchester City goalkeeper was the 98th-minute hero by thwarting Spain striker Abel Ruiz as the Young Lions lifted the European Championship for the first time since 1984.

Trafford, set for a £19million switch to Burnley, ended the tournament having not conceded a single goal on England’s way to glory.

‘I told everyone this morning I was going to save a pen,’ Trafford said. ‘I knew I would save. It was pretty easy really. I told all my mates back home I was going to save one.

‘The clean sheet record means a lot to us because it would take a massive effort to get broken. We are a very good team and we believe nobody can score against us and we showed that.’

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England U21 star James Trafford claims that he predicted his penalty save earlier in the day

Trafford produced an incredible late double save as England won the Under-21 Euros

Curtis Jones scored the winner for England, deflecting in Cole Palmer’s free-kick, but Trafford took the plaudits with his late heroics.

Manager Lee Carsley added: ‘We’ve practised pens for 10 mins every day for the past month. James had had mixed success but the amount of work that goes in by the goalkeeping department has really helped and it’s testament to them.

‘I think he’s been outstanding through the tournament. You always worry, or you’re mindful when there’s transfer things going on in the background and how that effects the players.’

Anthony Gordon was awarded Player of the Tournament but believes England’s No 1 might have pipped him. ‘He possibly could’ve won it and that’s incredible for a goalkeeper,’ Gordon said.

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Trafford has recently been linked with a £19million move from Manchester City to Burnley