14 July 2024 , 22:05
666
0
Spain are European champions again after England were beaten 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions huffed and puffed during the opening period and did well to limit the threat of the pre-match favourites.
England looked to have been handed a huge psychological advantage at the start of the second period when Spain’s midfield maestro Rodri failed to emerge and was replaced by Martin Zubimendi.
That boost was quickly forgotten, however, with Spain taking the lead just 70 seconds after the re-start through a Nico Williams goal, created by the drive and thrust of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Gareth Southgate rolled the dice on the hour mark, hauling off captain Harry Kane and replacing him with semi-final hero Ollie Watkins.
The change galvanised England and they drew level with 17 minutes remaining when a fine flowing move involving Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham culmianted in a fine low shot from another substitute Cole Palmer.
An increasingly even contest looked set for extra-time but Spain’s own super-sub Mikel Oyarzabal proved the hero, converting Marc Cucurella’s fine low cross.