The search for a second major title in English national team football history continues after the Three Lions fell to a clinical Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Championships.
The game was played at a frantic pace, with Gareth Southgate’s side spending a lot of time on the back foot. The threat of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams down Spain’s flanks was difficult to deal with and Luis De La Fuente’s boys made sure to capitalise on England’s weakness to their young wingers.
While England continues to search for a major title since their 1966 FIFA World Cup win, Spain have now won a record fourth Euros title and their third in the 21st century to become the competition’s most dominant side.
How it happened
It was a cagey opening 45 minutes with both sides playing it safe in order not to concede early and give the other side the upper hand. Spain held the ball for most of the first half as expected, with Southgate’s team willing to sit back and counter. Neither goalkeeper was required to make an important save because of how conservatively both sides played.
However, the substitution of Rodri for Martin Zubimendi at half-time forced De La Fuente’s men to abandon their conservative tactics.
The Manchester City midfielder has been at the heart of the team, controlling the play and making sure that La Roja rarely put a foot wrong. He was rightfully rewarded with the Player of the Tournament award at the end of the game, but he had to watch the second half from the bench as he nursed what Manchester City will hope is not a serious injury.
Zubimendi could only do so much, which made Williams and Yamal take more responsibility. Both youngsters combined for Spain’s opener within 70 seconds of the restart and kept up the pressure which forced England’s defence and goalkeeper to wake up.
Dani Olmo, Álvaro Morata and Williams all missed real chances to double the score within the first 10 minutes of the second half after Spain’s opener.
Southgate decided to change things up on his own end, which led to the introduction of Ollie Watkins and later Cole Palmer, the duo that sent them to the final against the Netherlands. Both sides peppered each other as the game became more open.
Palmer would equalise from a Bellingham assist 15 minutes from time to restore England’s hopes until Spain responded with calmness and composure to be able to stave off English pressure to break through and score a second.
In the end, England could not do enough to turn the tides around and they will go home empty-handed for the second tournament in a row.
