England failed to end ’58 years of hurt’ as their Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain in Berlin meant the 1966 World Cup remains their only men’s trophy.
For the fourth game in a row England came from behind, but this time they fell short with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner to snatch a 2-1 victory.
Nico Williams’ strike early in the second half put Spain ahead but Cole Palmer’s brilliant leveller looked set to send the game into extra time before Oyarzabal pounced four minutes from time.
This was the second European Championship final in a row that Gareth Southgate’s side have lost, after falling to Italy on penalties in 2021, with 1966 their only major tournament final before that.
The country has yet to win senior football tournament abroad, with the 1966 success and Women’s Euro 2022 final – which England won – both at Wembley.
Southgate’s contract runs until the end of the year so this could prove to be his final major tournament after eight years in charge.
England started slowly in Germany, with performances criticized and the Three Lions close to elimination twice, but the past two rounds gave England fans cause to dream – until losing to Spain, the outstanding team throughout this Euros.
Credit: BBC