England v Spain LIVE: Result and reaction as Southgate’s future hangs in the balance after Euros final loss

The Henri Delaunay trophy indeed goes home, as Spain have now won it for a record fourth time. England’s years of hurt will go to 60 years, and at least the 2026 World Cup in America. Whether Gareth Southgate will still be there remains to be seen, after a defeat that was respectable but still reflected something bigger.

This wasn’t like Italy at Wembley in Euro 2020 in terms of a lost opportunity, but it was another lost game against the first elite side that Southgate’s team played. England are both so close, and yet still far away. The scoreline said enough, at a narrow 2-1, as substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored by staying onside by a matter of centimetres.

It is almost worse that it was so close. If Oyarzabal was an unlikely hero, Spain are far from unlikely champions. They have been the team of the tournament and deserving winners, both on the night and through the campaign. They really could have won by more.

“I am very happy. This is a dream. I’m looking forward to returning to Spain and celebrating with all the fans. It’s the best birthday present ever.

“When England equalised, it was difficult. I don’t know what this team is made of, but we always manage to get back up.”

Gareth Southgate admitted Harry Kane did not perform how England hoped he would amid physical struggles as they fell to an agonising late defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

Kane, England’s captain and record goalscorer, was again subsitituted by Southgate during the second half and replaced by the more mobile Ollie Watkins after struggling to make an impression on the match.

The Bayern Munich striker scored more than 40 goals this season for his new club but a back injury curtailed his campaign and disrupted his run-up to the Euros.

“Another tough moment for the team and for me personally. A tough tournament physically and mentally. You get so close to the highest of the highs, the pinnacle of our careers, now everyone is at the lowest of the lows.

“We haven’t found a way to win that trophy and it is going to hurt for a long time.”

The King urged England’s football team to “hold your heads high” after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, while the Prince of Wales said “we’re all still so proud of you”.

Spain claimed a 2-1 win while the Three Lions fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.

The years of hurt go on for England, with the World Cup win in 1966 their last and only major silverware.

“We came to Germany to win the tournament, and we didn’t want it to end this way. We are all hurting tonight, but we should be incredibly proud.

“I would like to thank Gareth, Steve, all of the players and the support team for their huge commitment and hard work to try to win the trophy for the country. They will be more disappointed than anyone to fall just short.

“This is our fourth major tournament final in four years for the Three Lions and the Lionesses, and our ambition to win major tournaments is stronger than ever.

“Our wonderful fans have supported us with pride and passion here in Germany and back at home. Everyone involved with England wants to make the country proud, and we really appreciate their support.”

Cole Palmer came off the bench to cancel out Nico Williams’ second-half opener, but Oyarzabal struck in the 86th minute and England could not find an equaliser despite late chances for Declan Rice and Marc Guehi.

Speaking on the BBC, former England captain Shearer said: “I felt we just stood off them, showed them too much respect. We didn’t have enough energy.

“I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough.We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short.

“We had a little bit of momentum in the game at that point [when Cole Palmer equalised]. There’s a big chance at the end to equalise too but across the 90 minutes, I’m not sure we did enough.

“Spain press well and you have to keep the ball when you win it back. In the end, that’s the bit that takes more out of your legs.

“I think the players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chances. They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end. I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game.”

Watch the moment Spain lift the Euro 2024 trophy after being England 2-1 in the final.

Gareth Southgate’s men came up short once again in their bid for a first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966, losing in Berlin on Sunday night (14 July).

Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner for Spain in the 86th minute, sliding in to tap home a low cross from Marc Cucurella.

Nico Williams had given Luis de la Fuente’s side the lead early in the second half, before England substitute Cole Palmer buried a fine finish to level the score.

But it wasn’t enough, as the Three Lions fell at the final hurdle once more – having lost the previous final in 2021.