Liverpool youngster sends message to senior England stars after U21s' Spain triumph

Liverpool youngster sends message to senior England stars after U21s' Spain triumph

England Under-21s knocked out tournament favourites Spain with a belligerent display in their Euros U21 quarter-final, with Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton playing a key role

Tyler Morton of England celebrates with teammates Charlie Cresswell and Elliott Anderson following victory over Spain (Image: 2025 UEFA )

Tyler Morton reckons England U21s laid down a marker for future Three Lions sides after knocking out tournament favourites Spain and setting up a European Championship semi-final against the Netherlands.

England showed a newfound attacking balance in their last eight-win over Spain as things finally clicked in front of goal for the defending champions. Morton, making his first start of the tournament, delivered a dogged performance in midfield.

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Sunday’s spectacular showing was a far cry from last summer’s senior Euros heartbreak against Spain when Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute strike guaranteed a 60th year of hurt. And after the kids showed how it’s done, Morton pointed out the rarity of an English side bossing the Spanish.

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“It was very tough,” Morton said after the 3-1 win over Spain. “They’re a top side. When you come into games like this, you know how good they are. The movement is top – they're top-level players.

“We outplayed them, especially in the first half. We showed a real fight and desire to play and move. Dominating a Spanish team for most of the game is not what all English teams do.

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“We controlled a huge chunk of it and then we had to manage things, which we did. We were very comfortable off the ball.

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“We’ve shown a different side to how we can play. We were very comfortable in and out of possession. They’re a top team, a threat, but we minimised that. We got exactly what we deserved.

“That's props to all the lads, not only the centre-halves but the forwards who were pressing constantly; everyone deserves plaudits tonight. This is a very special team.”

England U21s Euros victory over Spain ended in chaos (Image: AP )

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The 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder will be forced to sit out Wednesday’s semi-final in Bratislava after picking up his second booking of the tournament for a lunge on Beñat Turrientes.

“I’m gutted. I didn't know [about the suspension] until after the game. I was just really in the zone. I don't think it was a yellow card, but it's gone. I've got to just prepare myself now for what could be.

"I'll be right behind the lads the whole game.”

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