England were left to mull over more tournament heartbreak as they lost 2-1 against Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night. The Three Lions lost the Euros final three years ago to Italy at Wembley and defeat in Germany meant they were the first side to reach consecutive finals without winning either of them.
On Sunday night in Berlin, Spain went ahead through Nico Williams before former Manchester City midfielder Cole Palmer restored parity with a precise finish from the edge of the penalty area. It had shades of the Three Lions’ route to the final as Southgate's side came from behind in all previous rounds to reach the showpiece fixture.
However, Mikel Oyarzabal struck with the winning goal on 86 minutes as he prodded home from Marc Cucurella’s cross. Manchester United pair Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo both started, with the former playing the full game. City trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker all featured. Stones partnered Marc Guehi in the heart of the England defence and the latter almost rescued a draw for England but his header was cleared off the line in the 89th minute, after Declan Rice’s powerful headed shot was parried away.
Reflecting on the game, England captain Harry Kane said: "It's been a tough tournament. We've had to show a lot of resilience, me personally and the team. It's been a difficult ride and we've done extremely well to get here. But ultimately we're going to be judged on this game. We wanted to do it so badly for ourselves and the fans, and everyone who's believed in us the whole way. Right now, it's just huge disappointment."
“To lose a final is incredibly tough,” England boss Gareth Southgate added. “Firstly, congratulations to Spain. They were the best team in the tournament. They were the best team tonight. Our players have been incredible, they’ve given everybody some incredible nights. They couldn’t have given anymore in terms of their effort, their desire, their character.
“Tonight we fell short, we didn’t keep the ball well enough. We actually defended well in the first half in particular, limited their possibilities, but we couldn’t play through the counter press well enough. We actually didn’t really use the ball well until we were a goal down and then we had a decent period in the game.
“We got the equaliser but I think the physical toll of the issues we came into the tournament with, the extra-time periods and then tonight, having as little of the ball as we did, ultimately that took a big toll. I think was part of the reason why at the end, you know, legs started to go and you start to make mistakes. But, you know, the players have pushed it till the 85th minute as the final game. They’ve been incredible, really.”
As England begin to dissect another final defeat, we have rated the performances from the starting XI and substitutes in Berlin.
1. GK: Jordan Pickford - 8/10
Made one stunning save to deny Yamal with the score still at 1-0. Was then alert to punch away some threatening crosses. Also strong to deny Yamal a second time at 1-1. A brave display from the Everton man. | AFP via Getty Images
2. RB: Kyle Walker - 5/10
Was dragged across for the opening goal from Williams, which allowed too much time and space for the Spain winger to pick his spot. Made one tackle but hit a few wayward crosses. Beaten to the ball too easily by Marc Cucurella who crossed to set up the second Spain goal. A poor showing. | Getty Images
3. CB: John Stones - 7/10
Assured and strong display from the Man City man, made one crowd-raising block early on against Williams. | AFP via Getty Images
4. CB: Marc Guehi - 7/10
Like his centre-back partner, stood strong and assured for most of the game. Was beaten to the ball by Mikel Oyarzabal for the second Spain goal, however. Almost the hero moments later but saw a late header cleared off the line. | AFP via Getty Images