England’s hopes of ending a 58-year trophy drought were shattered once more as Spain clinched the Euro 2024 title with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Berlin, Germany.
Despite their trademark resilience, which saw them fight back from behind for the fourth consecutive match, Gareth Southgate’s side ultimately fell short.
A tense opening half gave way to a thrilling second period. Nico Williams broke the deadlock for Spain shortly after the restart, only for Cole Palmer’s spectacular long-range effort to level the score. However, Spain’s dominance prevailed as Mikel Oyarzabal slid home the winner with just minutes remaining.
This defeat marks the second successive European Championship final loss for England, with their only major men’s trophy remaining the 1966 World Cup triumph on home soil. Conversely, Spain has now lifted the Henri Delaunay Cup a record four times, cementing their status as a European powerhouse.
Southgate’s future is now in doubt with his contract expiring at the end of the year. Despite guiding England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final, the persistent failure to deliver a major trophy has intensified pressure on his position.
England’s journey to the final was characterized by inconsistency, with narrow escapes in the group stage followed by impressive knockout performances. Ultimately, they were outclassed by a superior Spanish side, whose victory highlights the gulf in quality between the two nations at present.
The defeat will undoubtedly cast a long shadow over English football, with questions now being asked about the nation’s ability to compete at the highest level.
