As the curtain came down on Euro 2024 in Germany, Spain celebrated a fourth European title as England were once again denied of their first European title.
A dramatic late winner by Mikel Oyarzabal was the deciding factor in Spain’s triumph, with England‘s quest to break their 58-year losing streak set to continue growing.
“I couldn’t be happier. We are a real team, champions of Europe,” said Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente after the European Championship final.
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“I get prouder of them every day. Thank you for the support from all over Spain.”
Players of Spain celebrate championship. Anadolu via Getty Images
Spanish and English fans met in good voice as the atmosphere built hours before kick-off, with bars and restaurants around Berlin full of rival spectators.
Despite England’s patchy form leading into the final, English fans remained optimistic of their chances to see off a Spanish outfit which undoubtedly had been the most impressive side of the tournament.
The clash pitted some of the most exciting young talents in world football against each other, with Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal headlining the next generation of stars.
Bellingham, by his own high standards, had struggled to produce his best form throughout the tournament, with his peak moment occurring in England’s Round of 16 clash against Slovakia – where he produced a sensational bicycle kick to seal victory.
Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England, consoles Jude Bellingham. UEFA via Getty Images
In contrast, Yamal had been one of Spain’s best in their run to the final, producing a strong contender for goal of the tournament while breaking various records.
The pair failed to make a statement in a tight first half, with rival attacks struggling to find any real fluency.
Yamal was well-marshalled by Luke Shaw, while Bellingham attempted to get on the ball but was unable to find a decisive pass or shot against a well-disciplined defence.
Rising England stars Kobbie Mainoo and Bukayo Saka instead attempted to provide the forward thrust for Gareth Southgate’s men, with England’s only shot on target made by a stretching Phil Foden in additional time before the end of the half.
Nico Williams transformed the game for Spain as his duel with Kyle Walker provided one of the rare highlights from the first half, which failed to deliver on the pre-match hype.
Williams opened the scoring early in the second half via a drifting inside ball from Yamal, tucking away a beautiful first-time finish across Jordon Pickford.
Yamal, who surpassed Brazilian legend Pele’s 1958 record as the youngest player to ever feature in a FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship final, etched his name onto an additional record when he assisted Williams.
The Barcelona star, who turned 17 on Saturday, became the first Spanish player to provide four-plus assists at a single edition of a major men’s tournament.
He was rewarded with Young Player of the Tournament.
“It’s a dream and I can’t wait to get back to Spain and celebrate it,” Yamal said after the match.
“It’s the best birthday present I could have received. Now, I want to go and celebrate with my family.”
Lamine Yamal, Euro Young player of the tournament. Optus Sport
The script seemed to have been written for Yamal and Spain as they looked to press home their advantage.
They were unfortunate not to score again after Pickford came up with a brilliant one-handed save to deny a curling shot by Yamal.
England, as they have done throughout the entirety of the tournament, responded through substitute Cole Palmer, who finished a blazing strike past Unai Simon courtesy of a Bellingham back pass.
The effort did not wilt the mentality of the Spanish, who continued to push forward and were duly rewarded as Spanish substitute Mikel Oyarzabal darted across the near post to slide the ball past the despairing dive of Pickford.
Oyarzabal’s goal certified the victory for Spain, who were crowned European champions for the time since 2012.
For England, the inquest will once again be conducted into why this multi-talented squad failed to perform at the levels expected of them.
Southgate’s inability to extract the top form of players such as Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham on the international stage has once again placed his managerial position under the spotlight.
The omission of Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford will likely be used in debate over his future as the team looks forward to the 2026 World Cup.
Southgate remained coy on speculation surrounding his future post-match.
“I’m devastated for everyone really… Across the 90 minutes I’m not sure we did quite enough,” he said.
“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.”
Players of Spain throw coach in the air as the celebrate Euro’s win. Anadolu via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Spain celebrated a style of football that English players can only dream of performing.
Rodri showcased why he is the best holding midfielder in the world as he was gifted the title of Player of the Tournament.
Spain will now begin their quest to success at the upcoming World Cup and dream of replicating their success again on the international stage.
The Three Lions will be drowned by conversations about what happens to Southgate upon return to England, while the players will once again dust themselves off and attempt to ‘bring football home’ for the first time in nearly six decades.