Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal netted four minutes from time to secure a well-deserved 2-1 victory over England, culminating a dominant Euro 2024 campaign and securing a record fourth title for the Spaniards. This defeat condemned England to a second consecutive final loss.
Oyarzabal’s decisive goal capped off a swift counter-attack, just as England appeared to have forced extra-time after staging another comeback from a goal down for the fourth consecutive match.
The first half was marked by Spain’s control, with 65% possession, yet England’s Phil Foden produced the only shot on target. Spain broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart, despite the loss of key midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime. Teenager Lamine Yamal, who had been contained in the first half, found space on the right and delivered a cross for Nico Williams, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Spain then dominated with a series of incisive attacks as England’s defense faltered, with Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, and Williams all coming close. England manager Gareth Southgate responded by substituting an ineffective Harry Kane with Ollie Watkins, the semi-final scoring hero, and introducing Cole Palmer, England’s creative spark, ten minutes later.
The substitutions paid off when Jude Bellingham set up Palmer, who curled a precise low shot from 20 meters into the net in the 73rd minute. The large contingent of England fans erupted, shifting the match’s momentum.
However, Spain weathered England’s surge, capitalizing on a defensive lapse as Marc Cucurella found space on the left, received a pass from Oyarzabal, and delivered a cross that Oyarzabal stretched to poke home. Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon made a crucial save from a Declan Rice header, and Dani Olmo cleared Marc Guehi’s follow-up off the line.
Spain’s triumph adds to their titles from 1964, 2008, and 2012. Notably, they are only the third team in the last nine Euros to win the tournament without a penalty shootout, following France (2000) and Greece (2004), cementing their status as worthy champions.
For England, the “30 years of hurt” since their 1966 World Cup victory, which resonated during Euro 96, now extends to at least 60 years. They have become the first team to lose back-to-back Euro finals.
“We fought until the very end,” said Southgate, who is expected to step down after leading England to two Euro finals and World Cup semi and quarter-finals during his eight-year tenure. “We didn’t retain possession well enough against their press, which gave them more control. The players deserve immense credit for their resilience and character throughout the tournament. It’s fine margins, but Spain were the best team and deserved to win.”
