Spain vs England - LIVE!
Three years ago the nation stood on the edge of history, only for an agonising, all too familiar, shoot-out defeat meaning they had to walk past the trophy as Italy celebrated long into the Wembley night. England overcame an unconvincing start in Germany to make another continental showpiece, but the country's first ever final on foreign soil ended more heartbreak as silky Spain triumphed 2-1 at the Olympiastadion.
Substitute Cole Palmer's superb equaliser had breathed new life into Southgate's side after Nico Williams shook what had looked sturdy foundations 69 seconds into the second half. But England could not wrest control from mightily impressive Spain, with Oyarzabal sliding home what proved the decisive blow four minutes from time.
Marc Guehi saw a header cleared off the line as England showed the never-say-die attitude that has served them so well in Germany, but Southgate's side just did not have enough in his 102nd - and potentially last - match in charge. England's heartbroken players dropped to their deck at the final whistle with those clad in red running wild as Spain celebrated a record fourth European Championship crown.
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No fairytale, Gareth Southgate. But no dream come true either.
On a cruel night here in Berlin, it happened again, England beaten in a European Championship final for the second time in three years.
For a moment after Cole Palmer had become the latest substitute to deliver a star turn by levelling at 1-1, you really believed, in all the talk of fate, of illogic against reason, and sensed this summer of comebacks was to live on. “England ’til I die”, they sang. And somehow this lot never do.
But at the last, four minutes from time with 30 extra in sight, Mikel Oyarzabal delivered a taste of England’s own, Spain, the tournament’s best team, champions of Europe for the fourth time.
"I definitely feel it's coming"
Not to be for England tonight, but Jude Bellingham insists England’s moment will come.
Fourth European crown
1964. 2008. 2012. 2024.
Spain are the first country to win the men’s Euros four times, and it’s hard to argue that they weren’t the best side over the past month.
Not on the manager?
Jamie Carragher has had his say...
Ferdinand: Players a shadow of themselves
Rio Ferdinand believes there are questions to answer over England’s approach, both tonight and through the tournament.
He said: “We said it after the group stage, if you’re going to play on the conservative side of things with the talent in this squad... you have to win.
“Otherwise it will be dissected as a negative approach, that falls on the manager’s toes. He sets the team out in a particular way to play and that’s his style of football, but you have to win playing like that.
“These players are too good, they play too well for their clubs to look a shadow of themselves [for England].”
Southgate discusses England future
Gareth Southgate said he will talk “to the right people” before making a decision on his future as England manager.
His current contract expires in December, though the FA are believed to be keen on a new deal.
“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that,” Southgate told ITV.
“I’ve got to talk to the right people. It’s just not for now.”
England player ratings
Jordan Pickford 8
Twice saved brilliantly from teenager Yamal in the second half to keep England in the game. Could not fault him for either goal, which were the result of defensive lapses.
Kyle Walker 4
Dragged out of position for both Spain goals. Sucked in by Alvaro Morata for the opener, leaving Williams alone at the back post, and could not stop Cucurella’s cross for the winner.
Harry Kane 3
Well off the pace in another leggy performance and hooked on the hour. At some point in the future, he will surely admit to not being fully fit this summer.
Post-match thoughts from Harry Kane
The England captain is first up to reflect on another painful, painful night.
Awards handed out...
Young Player of the Tournament... no surprise that it goes to Lamine Yamal.
And Player of the Tournament is awarded to Rodri, who continues to clean up for club and country.
The run goes on
Whether it’s the Spanish national side or club teams, they just know how to get it done.