Spain clinched the UEFA Euro 2024 title dramatically, edging out England 2-1 in a thrilling final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday.
All three goals came in the 2nd half, with Spain managing to secure their record 4th European Championship.
The first half saw limited chances, as England’s defense, particularly Luke Shaw—who replaced Kieran Trippier at left-back—successfully stifled Spain’s attacks, notably keeping young talent Lamine Yamal at bay. Despite England’s strong defense, Spain’s breakthrough came shortly after the restart.
Rodri’s half-time substitution seemed promising for England, but Spain quickly capitalized. A fluid attacking move saw Yamal cut inside and find Nico Williams, who coolly finished at the far post to break the deadlock.
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Three Lions pulled level. A quick breakaway saw Bukayo Saka race down the right, but Spain retreated well and several bodies seemed to block his path. His cutback found Jude Bellingham, and he instinctively laid the ball off for Cole Palmer, who coolly slotted home from the edge of the box.
Undeterred Spain pressed forward and found their winner in the dying moments. A cross round the back from Marc Cucurella found Mikel Oyarzabal, whose first-time finish beat English Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England came agonizingly close to equalizing immediately after Spain’s 2nd goal. A corner from Cole Palmer was headed towards goal by Declan Rice, only for Unai Simon to make a crucial save. Dani Olmo cleared Marc Guehi’s follow-up off the line, and Rice’s subsequent attempt went wide.
But that was as close as England came and Spain held on through four minutes of extra time to be crowned champions of Europe for a record 4th time.
England, meanwhile, continues their long wait for international silverware, with their last major triumph dating back to the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Spain Player Ratings
GK – Unai Simon – 6/10
RB – Dani Carvajal – 7/10
CB – Robin Le Normand – 7/10
CB – Aymeric Laporte – 7/10
LB – Marc Cucurella – 9/10
CM – Rodri – 6.5/10
CAM – Dani Olmo – 7/10
CM – Fabian Ruiz – 8/10
RW – Lamine Yamal – 8/10
ST – Alvaro Morata – 5/10
LW – Nico Williams – 8/10
Sub – Martin Zubimendi – 6/10
Sub – Mikel Oyarzabal – 8/10
Sub – Nacho – 6/10
Sub – Mikel Merino – N/A
England Player Ratings
GK – Jordan Pickford – 7/10
RWB – Bukayo Saka – 6/10
CB – Kyle Walker – 5/10
CB – John Stones – 6.5/10
CB – Marc Guehi – 6/10
LWB – Luke Shaw – 7/10
CM – Kobbie Mainoo – 5/10
CM – Declan Rice – 5/10
CAM – Jude Bellingham – 7/10
CAM – Phil Foden – 6/10
ST – Harry Kane – 4/10
Sub – Ollie Watkins – 6/10
Sub – Cole Palmer – 7/10
Sub – Ivan Toney – N/A
