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.
Extra-time was looming and England felt momentum shifting – but then Spain put the pressure back on. Jordan Pickford denied Lamine Yamal, undoubtedly the player of the tournament, with a superb stop.
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.
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 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.
