Spain defeated England 2-1 to win the Euro 2024 title thanks to a late sucker punch from Mikel Oyarzabal. This victory ended England’s 60-year trophy drought.
Nico Williams’ first goal came just two minutes after the half as Spain kept possession and applied further pressure following a brilliant run and ball by Lamine Yamal. In light of Rodri’s injury at halftime, it was the perfect pick-me-up.
The most recent England hero to come off the bench, though, was Cole Palmer, whose spectacular goal tied the score after captain Harry Kane was replaced due to a poor showing up front. The Chelsea footballer may have precipitated a radical shift in Berlin by essentially delivering Jude Bellingham’s dismissal.
As extra time approached, England sensed a change in momentum, but Spain applied more pressure. With an incredible stop, Jordan Pickford stopped Lamine Yamal, who was later crowned the tournament’s young player of the year.
The England number one made two outstanding saves in the second half to keep Spain’s 17-year-old star at bay at 1-0.
But Spain’s moment eventually arrived. With four minutes remaining in normal time, Oyarzabal headed home Marc Cucurella’s cross, giving the Three Lions little chance to rally.
When Declan Rice met Palmer’s corner unmarked, England believed they had levelled the score. Dani Olmo cleared it away after Unai Simon parried it and Marc Guehi nodded the ball towards the line. Rice knocked over another rebound.
In the end, Spain became the first team to win four European Championships, making England’s comeback one too many.
