Spain on Sunday secured the Euro 2024 trophy, defeating England 2-1 in the final.
This loss marked England’s second consecutive defeat in Euro finals, following their penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021.
The first half had its moments but lacked goal-scoring excitement. England and Spain managed only one shot on target, courtesy of Phil Foden, whose attempt just before halftime was easily saved by Unai Simon.
Spain dominated possession with 70% but struggled to break through in the final third.
Nico Williams was the standout down the left flank, while 17-year-old Lamine Yamal had a quiet first half.
For England, left-back Luke Shaw and defensive midfielder Declan Rice were the standout performers, highlighting their offensive struggles.
Harry Kane, playing as center-forward, had minimal impact and saw one shot blocked.
Despite their ball dominance, Spain had to substitute defensive midfielder Rodri at halftime due to a rare injury, with Martin Zubimendi stepping in.
Rodri’s absence did not slow Spain down. Just two minutes into the second half, Yamal set up Williams for a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner.
This assist was Yamal’s fourth of the tournament, showcasing his breakout performance on the big stage.
Williams and Dani Olmo had additional chances soon after, but they couldn’t convert.
England gained more control around the hour mark, leading to Harry Kane’s substitution for semifinal hero Ollie Watkins.
England’s attack improved with Kane off the field.
In the 73rd minute, Cole Palmer, who replaced Kobbie Mainoo, assisted Bukayo Saka, who then set up Jude Bellingham before laying it off to Palmer for a brilliant strike from outside the box, leveling the score.
At 22 years and 69 days, Palmer became the youngest substitute to score in a Euro final.
The match was evenly contested from then on, though England’s turnovers in their own half kept giving Spain opportunities.
Eventually, a combination between left-back Marc Cucurella and forward Mikel Oyarzabal resulted in the decisive goal.
In the final moments, Rice and Marc Guehi had headers cleared off the line by Olmo and others, securing the victory for La Furia Roja.
With this win, Spain claimed their fourth Euro championship, having previously won in 1964, 2008, and 2021.
Spain won all seven of their matches in the tournament, proving themselves deserving champions with a tougher path to victory than England.
Despite their talent and depth, England’s men’s team continues their trophy drought, having never won the Euro hardware.
The gifted teenage forward from Spain made history as the youngest scorer in a Euro final.
