Euro 2024 final – Spain 2-1 England: Mikel Oyarzabal breaks England’s hearts as Spain clinch trophy
Report as England’s hearts were broken in the Euro 2024 final, Spain scoring late to seal a 2-1 win; Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute goal won it after substitute Cole Palmer cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener; England’s trophy wait will extend to 60 years by the 2026 World Cup
Image: Spain won Euro 2024 with Mikel Oyarzabal's winner
Mikel Oyarzabal’s late sucker punch earned Spain the Euro 2024 trophy via a 2-1 win over England, whose wait for a trophy will go into a 60th year.
Spain controlled possession and applied pressure which resulted in Nico Williams’ opener just two minutes after half-time following Lamine Yamal’s excellent run and pass. It was the perfect boost to losing Rodri to a half-time injury.
But after England captain Harry Kane was taken off following a disappointing display up front, Cole Palmer was the latest England hero off the bench as his superb strike levelled matters up. The Chelsea man rifled home Jude Bellingham’s lay off and it threatened a turning point in Berlin.
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Extra-time was looming and England felt momentum shifting – but then Spain put the pressure back on. Jordan Pickford denied Lamine Yamal, afterwards named the young player of the tournament, with a superb stop.
Image: England's Cole Palmer celebrates his equaliser – but the Three Lions fell short
It was one of two brilliant second half stops by England’s No 1, as he denied Spain’s 17-year-old star at 1-0.
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But then, eventually, came Spain’s moment. Marc Cucurella’s cross was turned home by Oyarzabal with four minutes of normal time remaining, leaving the Three Lions with little time to roar back.
England thought they had levelled when Declan Rice met Palmer’s corner unmarked. Unai Simon parried it as far as Marc Guehi who nodded the ball towards the line, but Dani Olmo cleared it away. Rice put another rebound over.
It ended up being one comeback too many for England, as Spain became the first team to claim four European Championships.
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Analysis: More heartbreak, so do England need to change?
While Spain broke their record, England became the first team to lose consecutive European finals. Why is that?
No penalty heartbreak this time, but this was similar to Italy three years ago. England were accused of not showing enough in the big moments.
Image: Can England become winners?
England should have made a statement when Rodri came off injured for Spain, but they fell behind. They had Spain a little rattled after Cole Palmer’s equaliser, but didn’t have a shot before Spain scored.
Instead, there was a reliance on the late, ‘limbs’ moment. But it was one too many.
It presents a dilemma for England, who have the best 26-player squad in terms of quality and depth. There’s little doubt about that, the sheer number of substitute goals back it up. And Gareth Southgate should be praised for that.
But could that depth be used better? Southgate has done wonders in changing the perception of England, but does that perception now need to change again?
This is an exciting team, can it become a winning one?
