Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner as Spain secured a 2-1 win over England in the final to lift the Euro 2024 trophy in Berlin.
England had been dreaming of winning their first trophy in over six decades, and it appeared to be their night when Spain lost crucial player Rodri to injury at halftime.
Spain, however, shook it off and took the lead inside two minutes of the restart thanks to Nico Williams, who was set up by his fellow star winger Lamine Yamal.
England, as they have so frequently done at this Euros, came from behind, with replacement Cole Palmer smashing in the equaliser on 73 minutes, moments after entering the game.
However, their comeback was cut short when Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal converted a cross in the 86th minute to give Spain a record fourth European Championship title and third in the last five editions.
“It has been a marvellous day in which a team has been deservedly crowned champions of Europe,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente told broadcaster TVE.
They had previously won in 1964, 2008, and 2012, with the latter two titles coming on the heels of their victory at the 2010 World Cup during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
It remains to be seen whether this generation, led by the outstanding Yamal, who played here a day after his 17th birthday, will be able to match that remarkable side’s exploits, but their win was fitting.
Spain had been by far the greatest team in Germany over the last month, and they were unconcerned by the mood at the Olympiastadion, where the bulk of the audience had sided with England.
England had hoped to win their first men’s international title since their legendary victory at the 1966 World Cup, but they fell short in their first final on foreign territory.
“To lose the final is incredibly tough,” said their manager, Gareth Southgate.
“Congratulations to Spain, they were the best team in the tournament and the best team tonight.”
England became the first team in history to lose back-to-back Euros championships, following their agonising penalty shootout defeat to Italy three years ago.
Meanwhile, at the age of 30, captain Harry Kane is still hunting for his first title in a goal-filled career.
It was always expected that Spain would dominate this game, and England spent the most of the first half chasing the ball.
Despite Spain’s dominance, neither team had a shot on goal until first-half stoppage time, when Phil Foden’s attempt from a Declan Rice free-kick was saved by goalie Unai Simon.
But just before that chance, Rodri injured himself after colliding with teammate Aymeric Laporte while blocking a Kane shot.
Spain’s finest holding midfielder was unable to continue, giving way to Martin Zubimendi at the restart.
It appeared that the loss of such a force in the midfield may entirely throw Spain off course, but they wasted no time in opening the scoring.
England braced expecting a threat from Spain’s two wingers, and it was they who combined for the goal, as Yamal received Dani Carvajal’s pass and sprinted in.
He freed Williams, who finished with a calm, low shot into the far corner.
England would now have to come from behind, like they had done in the previous three knockout games.
Southgate replaced his star Kane on the hour mark with Ollie Watkins, repeating the move that won the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Spain had opportunities to extend their lead, and their fans began to greet each pass with a ‘ole’ as Southgate chose to substitute Palmer with Kobbie Mainoo.
Within three minutes, England had levelled when Bukayo Saka’s ball from the right was laid off by Jude Bellingham to Palmer, who scored with a low first-time shot into the corner.
However, Spain scored the winning goal with four minutes remaining thanks to their own super-sub.
Oyarzabal sent the ball to Marc Cucurella on the left before running into the middle to convert his teammate’s cross into a goal, staying just onside.
Spain then held on, but only after Dani Olmo made a crucial clearance off the line to prevent Marc Guehi.
