Review

England beaten by Spain in EURO 2024 final

14 Jul 2024

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella sets up late winning goal as three Premier League players win the tournament

England suffered late heartache in the final of UEFA EURO 2024 as they were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Berlin, Germany.

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella set up the winning goal in the 86th minute, after England had cancelled out Nico Williams's second-half opener with a stunner from Cole Palmer, also of Chelsea.

It condemns England to a second consecutive European Championship final defeat, having lost to Italy at Euro 2020, while Spain win the tournament for a fourth time.

It means three Premier League players win EURO 2024. They are Cucurella (Chelsea), Rodri (Man City) and David Raya (Arsenal).

Man City midfielder Rodri won the Player of the Tournament award.

🏆🇪🇸 Spain are Euro 2024 champions! 🏆🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/wqg5IYT6kz
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 14, 2024

Of the 22 starters across both nations in Sunday's final, half of them play for 2024/25 Premier League clubs.

It was heartbreak for the 24 Premier League players in the England squad, who fell at the final hurdle but did the country proud.

Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters, said: “While tonight’s result is a disappointment, I congratulate England on a brilliant Euro 2024 that has made the whole nation proud.

“Seeing the team grow and the way performances improved as the tournament progressed was impressive. I applaud Gareth Southgate, his coaching staff, the players and everyone at The FA for the immense amount of hard work that took us close to glory.

“This was England’s second consecutive European Championship final and a first on foreign soil. The squad contains a great mix of world-class young players and experienced talent, which bodes well for the future.

“Despite tonight’s result, I am excited for the future of the game in this country. The impact at all levels of football will be remarkable, inspiring millions of people to play, support and get involved with our sport.”

His Majesty, King Charles, said: "Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high. All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near - and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.

"But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead."

Spain 2-1 England: What happened

Gareth Southgate made one change to his starting XI, bringing in Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw to make his first start of the tournament, in place of Kieran Trippier.

Spain dominated the opening half, although it was England who had the best chance when a free-kick was flicked on by Declan Rice into the path of Phil Foden, but his effort on the stretch was straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Spain were dealt a blow when influential Man City midfielder Rodri was replaced at half-time by Martin Zubimendi.

Despite this, Spain took the lead on 47 minutes, as 17-year-old Lamine Yamal was able to get the better of Shaw for the first time in the match, cutting inside before playing in Williams, who fired a first-time finish beyond Jordan Pickford.

Spain almost doubled their lead moments later, but Dani Olmo dragged his effort wide.

England sought a response and former Tottenham Hotspur striker and the tournament's joint-highest scorer, with three goals, Harry Kane was replaced with Aston Villa forward and semi-final hero Ollie Watkins.

Everton's Pickford then made a stunning save from Yamal before England made another change on 70 minutes, as 2023/24 Hublot Young Player of the Season Palmer came on for Kobbie Mainoo. And the Chelsea star made an immediate impact.

Having created Watkins’ winning goal against the Netherlands in the semi-final, Palmer equalised for England three minutes after his introduction with a superb curling effort into the bottom corner, after Jude Bellingham had played the ball into his path.

Palmer's equaliser in pictures

Palmer became the first substitute to score an equalising goal in a European final since Sylvain Wiltord for France at Euro 2000.

However, it was ultimately a Spanish substitute who would have the final say, as Oyarzabal got on the end of a superb cross from left-back Cucurella to score.

There was late drama as England almost equalised for a second time, but Rice had his header well saved by Simon, before Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi's headed attempt was cleared off the line by Olmo.