Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal at the end saw Spain upset Gareth Southgate’s team in the European Championship final, extending England’s drought for a major men’s championship since 1966.
The country was on the verge of history three years ago, but an agonizing, all-too-familiar shoot-out loss forced them to walk past the trophy while Italy celebrated deep into the Wembley night.
After a lackluster start in Germany, England overcame it to create another continental spectacle, but their first-ever final held abroad ended in even more agony as smooth Spain won 2-1 at the Olympiastadion.
Replace After Nico Williams had rocked what appeared to be solid foundations, Cole Palmer’s incredible equalizer had given Southgate’s team new life. 69 seconds into the second half.
However, England was unable to take control from the incredibly talented Spain, as Oyarzabal scored the game-winning goal four minutes from the end.
England displayed the never-say-die mentality that has served them so well in Germany, with Marc Guehi’s header being cleared off the line, but Southgate’s team simply did not have enough in his 102nd and maybe final game in charge.
At the final whistle, the devastated players from England descended to the ground, as the red-clad supporters went wild in celebration of Spain’s record-tying fourth European Championship victory.
Retired Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini served as a reminder of the frustration that motivates Southgate’s team as they attempted to harness the hurt of their 2021 near miss as motivation.
The only change made in Berlin was Luke Shaw, who scored the game’s goal for England. The left-back was making his first start in 147 days after suffering hamstring problems, taking Kieran Trippier’s place.
For Spain, Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand made their comebacks from suspension; the latter hooked wide after John Stones had twice neutralized Williams’ threat.
After a one-sided start, England started to display glimmers of an offensive intent when Kyle Walker recovered from a knock he took sliding into the Spanish technical area to drive in a cross.
However, their offensive play was lacking, as Harry Kane was a quiet contributor and received a booking for a challenge on Fabian Ruiz halfway through the first half.
He was joined in the notepad by Dani Olmo for a challenge on Declan Rice after Guehi blocked a Ruiz shot as play continued scrappily, with Spain bossing possession but failing to penetrate organised England.
Southgate’s forward run was squandered, and Alvaro Morata was eliminated in the first half. Martin Zubimendi replaced injured star Rodri at halftime, and Spain struck the first blow in the second half.
Lamine Yamal, who turned 17, cut inside and sent a left-footed drive past Jordan Pickford. England were fortunate not to be further behind in the 49th minute. Ollie Watkins replaced ineffective skipper Kane in the 61st minute.
Jude Bellingham’s spin and strike from 20 yards raised the volume as Spain began to slow play. Pickford pushed a Yamal snapshot wide, but England countered with Bukayo Saka’s cutback. Bellingham sent a low 22-yard strike into the bottom corner.
The 73rd-minute drive took a slight touch off Zubimendi, but Pickford had to produce another big stop to deny Yamal. Spain scored in the 86th minute, with Oyarzabal beating Guehi and Pickford to Marc Cucurella’s low cross. England tried to rescue another match, but Southgate’s side fell just short.
(Livescore)
