England v Spain LIVE: Euro 2024 result and reaction as Three Lions suffer heartbreak

The Henri Delaunay trophy indeed goes home, as Spain have now won it for a record fourth time. England’s years of hurt will go to 60 years, and at least the 2026 World Cup in America. Whether Gareth Southgate will still be there remains to be seen, after a defeat that was respectable but still reflected something bigger.

This wasn’t like Italy at Wembley in Euro 2020 in terms of a lost opportunity, but it was another lost game against the first elite side that Southgate’s team played. England are both so close, and yet still far away. The scoreline said enough, at a narrow 2-1, as substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored by staying onside by a matter of centimetres.

It is almost worse that it was so close. If Oyarzabal was an unlikely hero, Spain are far from unlikely champions. They have been the team of the tournament and deserving winners, both on the night and through the campaign. They really could have won by more.

“England are in a really good position in terms of the experience they have. Most of this squad will be around for the World Cup and the next Euros. There’s a lot to look forward to but at this moment it’s not any consolation.”

England football team suffered heartbreak in the Euro 2024 final after a tight offside call confirmed Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal for Spain in a 2-1 win in Berlin.

The Three Lions had dragged themselves back into the game with Cole Palmer’s fine strike in response to Nico Williams’ opener.

But Luis De la Fuente’s side regained the lead in the 86th minute through the Real Sociedad forward.

“We’ve competed until the very end of the final. I think today we didn’t keep possession of the ball quite well enough. We defended well but when you win the ball back you need to get out of that pressure. And we weren’t able to do that. That meant they had more control of the game and that can wear you down a bit.

“That said we got the equaliser and then it was wide open. A big chance at the end to equalise so as always it is fine margins. I do think they were the best team in the tournament.”

Southgate told ITV: “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”

“It is easy to say that [the final was a comeback too far] and there is definitely a disadvantage to having a day less to prepare. But we were still in it come 80 minutes. It is going to take a while to pick the bones out of it really.

“Physically it has been tough for him [Harry Kane]. He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped.

“The games are hugely demanding and we thought Ollie [Watkin]’s freshness would allow us to press better and offer a press in behind. I thought the substitutes came on and did what we asked them to do.”

The King urged England’s football team to “hold your heads high” after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, while the Prince of Wales said “we’re all still so proud of you”.

Spain claimed a 2-1 win while the Three Lions fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.

Charles, in a message to manager Gareth Southgate and the team, said: “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.

“All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.

“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.

William, who attended the match in Berlin with his son Prince George, said on social media: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards. W.”

Spain won all seven matches at Euro 2024, becoming the first European nation to win seven matches at a major international tournament (Euros/World Cup) and just the second overall, along with Brazil at the 2002 World Cup.

“I suspect it will be Southgate’s last game. From where he took over and where they are now. There will be great disappointment at home.

“Yes, we could have played more attacking football but they have got to the final. But when you are here, you have got to get over the line.

“The reality is he got us to a final three years ago and got us to a final here, and hasn’t won. That will hurt him and maybe he will think it’s time for someone else.”

Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner in the 86th minute to secure the trophy, sliding in to tap home a low cross from Marc Cucurella.

Nico Williams had given Luis de la Fuente’s side the lead early in the second half, before England substitute Cole Palmer buried a fine finish to level the score.

But it wasn’t enough, as the Three Lions fell at the final hurdle once more – having lost the previous final in 2021.