Sport

England Lose Euro 2024 Final After Suffering Late Heartbreak Against Spain

Mary Akanbi

15th July, 2024

England’s long wait for major tournament victory has been shattered after Spain substitute Mikel Oyarzabal secured Euro 2024 glory in Berlin.

Forward Oyarzabal got on the end of Marc Cucurella’s cross to win it for Spain in the 86th minute, after Cucurella’s Chelsea’s team-mate Cole Palmer had scored England’s equaliser within moments of coming on.

Nico Williams gave Spain the lead in the first half, and Spain’s Dani Olmo cleared from Marc Guehi late on as England were left bereft.

After a cagey opening to the game, England were indebted to fine defending from Luke Shaw – preferred to Kieran Trippier to start at left-back – to repeatedly thwart the efforts of the lively teenager Lamine Yamal.

Spain dominated possession throughout the first period, but ultimately it was England who had the most threatening attempt at goal when Phil Foden stretched at an effort from an angle but fired straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon.

England then thought that they had been handed a crucial advantage when Manchester City’s midfield star Rodri failed to return for the second half after picking up an injury, with BBC Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand calling that a “psychological blow” for Spain, who replaced him with Martin Zubimendi.

In the end though it was nothing of the sort, and Spain took the lead just 69 seconds into the second period.

Yamal drifted in from the right, and as Alvaro Morata and and Williams moved across the penalty area his pass picked out the latter, who finished expertly beyond Jordan Pickford to spark Spanish celebration.

Spain were dominant now, and as they pushed for a second England boss Gareth Southgate knew he had to make a change. Captain Harry Kane was replaced by semi-final hero Ollie Watkins, and soon after Jude Bellingham fired England’s first decent effort of the second half wide of the mark.

Nico Williams had opened the scoring for Spain

Nico Williams had opened the scoring for Spain 

It was the Spanish who looked most likely to score though, and Pickford had to be at his best to keep out Yamal, before a more routine stop from substitute Oyarzabal. And then came Palmer’s moment.

The Chelsea man had only come on for Kobbie Mainoo three minutes’ prior, but when Bukayo Saka’s centre was laid back by Bellingham, there was Palmer to send a superb low strike into the bottom corner.

England’s joy was short lived though, with Oyarzabal alert to slide home Cucurella’s cross to bring joy to their travelling supporters, with England unable to raise themselves again and fight back.

Around 40,000 England fans were estimated to be inside Berlin’s Olympiastadion, including the Prince of Wales, his son George and new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. Celebrities including Ant and Dec, Olly Murs and Dani Dyer, the partner of England star Jarrod Bowen, were also in attendance.

Cole Palmer fired England level with a terrific strike

Cole Palmer fired England level with a terrific strike 

Thousands more England supporters had descended on the German capital even though they didn’t have tickets for the game, with many watching the match at the fan park at the city’s Brandenburg Gate.

The Sugababes had entertained England fans before the match, with many supporters forking out thousands of pounds to travel to Berlin by road, air and rail.

A parade had been planned for England’s players on Tuesday had they won the final, while a Downing Street reception with Starmer was also on the agenda for Monday.

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