From Rishi Sunak to Harry Kane: England Under-21s earn plaudits after Euros win
England’s victory in the European Under-21 Championship captured the nation as prominent figures took to social media to offer their congratulations.
Curtis Jones’ first-half goal, coupled with goalkeeper James Trafford’s stoppage-time penalty save, ensured the Young Lions lifted the trophy for the first time in 39 years as they edged out Spain 1-0.
Here, Football Mad looks at some of the tributes as the likes of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and senior men’s captain Harry Kane joined in the celebrations.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham was among the first to applaud the Young Lions, with other governing bodies quick to follow
"Everybody connected with the group should feel a great sense of pride for the part they’ve played in leading this age group to the trophy for the first time since 1984."
A message from our CEO Mark Bullingham after our #YoungLions became #U21EURO champions… pic.twitter.com/QxK5vlOFQp
— The FA (@FA) July 8, 2023
Congratulations to the #YoungLions! 👏#U21EURO Champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/LnsWtE0E27
— Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) July 8, 2023
Didn't concede a single goal 🤯
James Trafford 🚫#U21EURO pic.twitter.com/NYMPUsw9W2
— #U21EURO (@UEFAUnder21) July 8, 2023
Political figures were also caught up in the excitement
They’ve done it! Congratulations @England U21s on becoming European champions 🏆
And to go a whole tournament without conceding – James Trafford take a bow 👏 https://t.co/DdQtuO1cbZ
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 8, 2023
Congratulations to Lee Carsley & the whole England team on a brilliant victory at the U21 Euros – our first in 39 years! 👏🏆👏
The future looks bright for English football & we’re all rooting for the Lionesses in Australia & New Zealand in the weeks ahead ⚽️🦁! https://t.co/n5nN1zt8xd
— Lucy Frazer (@lucyfrazermp) July 8, 2023
England stars past and present were delighted with the win
Yesss lads! What a win! Done the country proud 🙌🏆 https://t.co/qFevPqhfWe
— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 8, 2023
GET IN THERE! 🏴🏆 https://t.co/NgYtnljZVN
— Steph Houghton MBE (@stephhoughton2) July 8, 2023
Wonderful. Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/7ZKNPPEyJP
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 8, 2023
Booooom!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/3LFuVoHoSE
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 8, 2023
With 18 Premier League players in Young Lions squad, the tributes from clubs poured in
18 #PL stars were part of the triumphant squad! 🙌
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 8, 2023
For the first time in 39 years, @England are #U21EURO champions! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DVIeIi1qGQ
— PL Youth (@PLYouth) July 8, 2023
An unreal penalty save from @Jamestrafford6 in the final moments, goal involvement from Cole Palmer, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle playing their part helped the #YoungLions secure the 1-0 win over Spain! 🤩
Congrats, lads! 🏆👏 https://t.co/NJZNqGNnJB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 8, 2023
Morgan Gibbs-White. European Champion 😍 pic.twitter.com/Eoiz149QIN
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) July 8, 2023
THEY'VE DONE IT!
OUR #YOUNGLIONS ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS! 🏴👏 pic.twitter.com/V1b8sHNgwp
— England (@England) July 8, 2023
Anthony Gordon – #U21EURO Player of the Tournament! 🔥🤩
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 8, 2023
What a performance, @curtisjr_10 🔥#U21EURO final Player of the Match ✨ pic.twitter.com/79XVwQmLzT
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 8, 2023
Premier League Promotion. ✅UEFA EURO U21 Champion. ✅
What a season for Tommy Doyle. 👏
Congratulations on winning the U21 EUROS with England, @Tommy_Doyle8 . 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bjNzTK2msc
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 8, 2023
And former boxer Frank Bruno loved the sound of ‘European Champions’
Well done England how great is it to say European Champions https://t.co/rwhyc9gIa3
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) July 8, 2023