Liverpool’s Tyler Morton described the England Under-21s team as “special” after they reached the Euro 2025 semi finals.
The Young Lions beat Spain 3-1 in Trnava on Saturday to set up a last-four showdown with the Netherlands on Wednesday.
It was a vastly improved performance after a stuttering group stage ended with them finishing as runners-up to Germany with four points.
England and Spain were involved in a mass brawl at the final whistle – sparked by a late tackle on Tino Livramento – and Morton believes it demonstrated their unity.
He said: “This is a very special team. It’s a team that’s got a bit of everything, especially fighters. You see at the end, it’s part of the game and I think everyone’s got passion for the game.
“That’s some things that you don’t develop, that’s something you’ve just got and I think this team’s got it.
“We showed that, dominating a Spanish team for most of the game was not what all English teams do.
“I think we’ve shown a different side. I think we were very comfortable in and out of possession and I think sometimes the out of possession bit has got to be done. I think they’re a top team, they’re a threat, but I think we minimised that threat.”
Morton, though, will miss the semi-final against the Netherlands in Bratislava after being booked in the first half, his second caution of the tournament.
“I didn’t know until after the game. I was just really in the zone. I don’t think it was a yellow card, myself, but it’s gone,” said the 22-year-old.
“I’ve got to just prepare myself now for what could be, but I’ll be right behind the lads the whole game.”