The Spain national football team jubilantly celebrates their Euro 2024 championship win at Berlin's Olympiastadion, capturing a historic moment of triumph. © Twitter (@Shadyind)
England’s quest to end 58 years of pain and disappointment ended in heartbreak. They were edged out by Spain in a thrilling Euro 2024 final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion by 2-1. Gareth Southgate’s side succumbed to a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal, marking another agonizing chapter in England’s quest for silverware.
Spain’s Triumph Sealed by Young Talents
Their youthful brilliance crafted Spain’s victory. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two of the tournament’s standout performers, combined masterfully to break the deadlock. Just two minutes after the break, Lamine Yamal’s incisive pass found Williams, who slotted home with a powerful low finish past Jordan Pickford.
Despite their resilience, England found it challenging to break down Spain’s organized defense. Harry Kane, England’s talismanic captain, struggled to find his rhythm and was substituted on the hour mark. Cole Palmer’s replacement sparked hope with a composed left-footed strike in the 73rd minute, leveling the score and igniting England’s dreams of a comeback.
However, Spain had the final say. Four minutes later, Oyarzabal capitalized on a precise Marc Cucurella cross to slide home the winner, securing Spain’s place atop European football again.
Southgate’s England Fall Short Again
The atmosphere in Berlin was electric, with England supporters vastly outnumbering their Spanish counterparts, believing that this was their moment to end decades of near misses. Palmer’s equalizer fueled that belief, drawing parallels with England’s previous comeback victories against Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands in earlier rounds.
Yet, Spain’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline ensured England could not escape this time. Oyarzabal’s strike was a testament to Spain’s superiority, a fitting conclusion to a tournament in which they showcased their prowess.
England’s agony was compounded in the closing moments as Declan Rice and Marc Guehi saw headers cleared off the line, first by Unai Simon and then Dani Olmo, who celebrated his defensive heroics as though they were match-winning goals.
Despite the progress made under Southgate’s eight-year tenure, tangible success still needs to be achieved. England has now suffered back-to-back European Championship final defeats following losing to Italy three years ago, falling short in the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and quarter-final in 2022. The future of Southgate’s leadership now hangs in the balance as the team looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup.
Kane’s Struggles Continue
Harry Kane, who shared the Euro 2024 Golden Boot with three goals, endured a frustrating tournament. The England captain appeared off the pace, a shadow of the world-class striker who has consistently delivered on the biggest stages.
Fans’ calls for semi-final hero Ollie Watkins grew louder as Kane labored through the match, struggling to impact the game. Southgate eventually heeded their calls, substituting Harry Kane, who left the field visibly dejected. Watkins, however, couldn’t replicate his previous heroics, and England’s hopes faded.
One bright spot was the performance of Luke Shaw, who returned to the starting lineup after a 148-day absence and delivered an excellent display at left-back. Despite Shaw’s efforts, England’s midfield, including Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, struggled to impose themselves against Spain’s dynamic play.
Spain’s Youthful Exuberance Leads the Way
Spain’s triumph was a testament to their faith in youth. Nico Williams, bursting with energy and confidence, delivered a man-of-the-match performance, while 17-year-old Lamine Yamal played with a maturity beyond his years. Yamal, who celebrated his birthday just a day before the final, was a constant threat, showcasing why he is one of the brightest prospects in European football.
Their coach, Luis de la Fuente, trusted these young stars, and they repaid him with spectacular performances. Despite the narrow margin of victory, Spain dominated large portions of the game. It could have sealed the win earlier without missed opportunities from Dani Olmo and Alvaro Morata, whose efforts were thwarted by England’s defense.
Ultimately, Oyarzabal’s late goal ensured that Spain’s missed chances didn’t come back to haunt them. The victory was well-deserved, crowning Spain as the champions of Euro 2024 and highlighting their status as a powerhouse in European football.
