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 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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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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