The England U21s are European champions following their dramatic win over Spain last night – and Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis is rightly coming in for many plaudits.
The Young Lions triumphed out in Georgia, edged Spain 1-0.
Cole Palmer’s free-kick took a nick off Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, which proved to be the difference on the night.
It was a spiky affair, but Lee Carsley’s lads did well to keep their heads and see out the game.
They almost let their lead slip though right at the death.
Levi Colwill conceded a penalty, and Abel Ruiz had the chance to equalise.
But City stopper James Trafford produced a superb save, and then another on the follow up, to ensure England would be champions.
It was a brilliant moment for the 20-year-old, who is now set to join Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
Last night’s result was a brilliant reflection on the City academy, with four players all putting in top performances.
Ashley Cole hails Taylor Harwood-Bellis after England U21s Euros win
Harwood-Bellis was superb last night, and had a brilliant tournament overall.
England actually did not concede a single goal in the entire competition. That is an especially brilliant reflection on him and his fellow defenders and also Trafford.
The Young Lions captain has today posted on social media following the proudest moment of his career to date.
He said: “A night I will never forget. What an absolute honour to play alongside these set of brothers and lift the trophy with them. We made history. CHAMPIONS!”
Harwood-Bellis had plenty of fans congratulating him in the comments.
But there was also a nice message from former England international Ashley Cole, who is a coach with the U21s. He said: “What a group of players, you as the captain created an elite mentality and family. Well done mate fully deserved.”
Harwood-Bellis is clearly an amazing leader as well as an amazing young player
This is quite the compliment from Cole.
For arguably the best full-back England has ever produced to say that you have created an elite mentality in a dressing room is pretty special.
And it further paints a picture of Harwood-Bellis being a top leader.
City legend Vincent Kompany, who had Harwood-Bellis on loan at Burnley last season, said of the 21-year-old (Burnley Express): “I think his biggest quality, that is perhaps more difficult to see on the eye, is his leadership and his incredible drive and high standards.”
The fact he is like this is going to stand him in really good stead.
Young players who are also brilliant leaders/captains are not that common.
Potentially, this is another young player City could make a pretty penny on if Pep Guardiola does not see a place in the first-team for him.
It has previously been suggested that City value Harwood-Bellis around the £15 million mark.
