Spain has secured the European Championship for the fourth time, setting a new record by defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling second half during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday.
Nico Williams, one of Spain’s standout players in the tournament, received a perfectly timed pass from rising star Lamine Yamal, 17, and fired it into the bottom corner to give La Roja the lead just minutes after halftime.
Read more: Spain and England Set for Euro 2024 Final
England equalized in the middle of the second half with a spectacular left-footed strike from Cole Palmer from outside the penalty area. However, just under five minutes from the end of regular time, Mikel Oyarzabal converted a precise pass from Marc Cucurella to secure the win, concluding a fantastic tournament for Spain.
This victory marks Spain’s fourth European Championship title, having previously won in 1964, 2008, and 2012. For England, it’s a disappointing setback for the second consecutive year, following their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
The match started in a tense atmosphere typical of a grand finale, with both teams feeling each other out. Spain dominated possession in the first 30 minutes but struggled to create clear chances. England took the lead with their first shot just before halftime when Phil Foden’s attempt was saved by Unai Simon.
Spain faced a significant blow at halftime when key midfielder Rodri was forced off due to injury and replaced by Martin Zubimendi. However, the team remained resilient, and Williams scored just two minutes into the second half, becoming the second youngest player to score in a European Championship final at 22 years and two days old.
Dani Olmo nearly extended the lead shortly after, but his shot went wide. Williams’ goal put England in a challenging position, and despite Álvaro Morata’s effort being saved by John Stones, Spain continued to press.
In an effort to turn the tide, England’s manager Gareth Southgate made the bold choice to substitute captain and goalscorer Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins, who had recently scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in the semi-finals. This change invigorated the English side, prompting Jude Bellingham to shoot just wide, bringing the fans to their feet.
As England gained momentum, Spain came close to scoring again through Yamal, the youngest player to appear in a European or World Cup final, but Jordan Pickford made a strong save to deny him.
England finally found the net thanks to one of Southgate’s substitutes. Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, who had just come on for 19-year-old Kobe Mainu, received a great assist from Bellingham and shot narrowly wide into the bottom corner to equalize.
Spain quickly responded and nearly took the lead with 10 minutes left when Yamal was one-on-one with Pickford, but the 17-year-old’s effort was saved by the England goalkeeper.
As time was running out and extra time seemed imminent, Spain orchestrated a brilliant move and scored a well-deserved goal late in the match. Cucurella delivered a delightful cross to Oyarzabal, who calmly slotted it into the net, igniting wild celebrations.
Known for their last-minute comebacks at Euro 2024, England needed another moment of magic to stay in the game. As the clock hit 90 minutes, Declan Rice headed a corner towards goal, but it was deflected by Simão, and Guehi’s shot was cleared off the line by Dani Olmo of RB Leipzig. The Spanish defense held strong against the English assault.
Despite their efforts to push the match into extra time, after four additional minutes, referee François Letexier blew the final whistle. The Spanish players collapsed to the ground in joy as fans dressed in red and yellow celebrated in the stadium.
Before the trophy presentation, Rodri was named Player of the Tournament for Euro 2024, while Yamal was recognized as the tournament’s youngest player.
King Charles III also expressed his support for the England team on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Though victory slipped away tonight, my wife and I, along with our family, encourage you to hold your heads high. Those involved in sports know how disheartening such results can be when the prize is so close. Yet, reaching the European Championship final is a tremendous achievement that brings national pride, and we will continue to support the Three Lions in future triumphs.”
