It wasn’t meant to be
Spain have beaten England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The Three Lions arrived into the game as underdogs against a Spanish side who had already dispatched of two tournament favourites, Germany and France in their run to the final.
Gareth Southgate’s side meanwhile have come in for criticism after questionable performances throughout the group stage and against Slovakia in the last 16 had supporters fearing the worst although they improved drastically against Switzerland and The Netherlands.
La Roja were in their first final since Euro 2012 whereas England were competing in back-to-back finals of a major tournament for the first time ever.
Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be as Spain proved to be a step too far and the wait for a first trophy win since 1966 goes on.
What happened during the game?
Both teams looked cagey throughout the first half however it appeared that Spain had been dealt a major blow after Rodri was forced off with an injury.
Moments after the restart however Spain proved that the loss of their key man wouldn’t deter them as Nico Williams buried home into the bottom corner following an exquisite pass from Lamine Yamal.
Not the start anyone hoped for
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 14, 2024pic.twitter.com/nel26FLggX
England huffed and puffed and eventually managed to find an equaliser courtesy of substitute Cole Palmer, who expertly slotted home a long-range strike to bring the Three Lions level.
Ultimately though it would be La Roja who would go on to be crowned champions as Mikel Oyarzabal scored late on with four minutes remaining to break English hearts.
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 14, 2024
What does the future hold for Southgate?
Before the tournament it seemed almost inevitable that Euro 2024 would be Southgate’s last in charge of the national team.
While many fans may feel this may signal the end of the Southgate-era, the Football Association are reportedly keen for him to extend his eight-year affiliation with the national team and persuade him to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup.
Despite defeat, Southgate could still be awarded a knighthood for his excellent achievements and even though their may be calls for him to move on and let another manager have a chance, he will still be fondly remembered as England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.
