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14th July 2024
09:53pm BST
Spain have beaten England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The Three Lions arrived into the game as underdogs against a Spanish side who had already dispatched two tournament favourites, Germany and France in their run to the final.
Gareth Southgate's side meanwhile had come in for criticism after questionable performances throughout the group stage and against Slovakia in the last 16, which had English supporters fearing the worst although they improved drastically against Switzerland and The Netherlands.
La Roja were in their first final since Euro 2012 whereas England competed in back-to-back finals of a major tournament for the first time ever.
Spain proved to be a step too far, however, and their wait for a first trophy win since 1966 goes on.
Both teams looked cagey throughout the first half however it appeared that Spain had been dealt a major blow after Rodri was forced off with an injury.
Moments after the restart however Spain proved that the loss of their key man wouldn't deter them as Nico Williams buried home into the bottom corner following an exquisite pass from Lamine Yamal.
England huffed and puffed and eventually managed to find an equaliser courtesy of substitute Cole Palmer, who expertly slotted home a long-range strike to bring the Three Lions level.
Ultimately though it would be La Roja who would go on to be crowned champions as Mikel Oyarzabal scored late on with four minutes remaining to break English hearts.
Before the tournament, it seemed almost inevitable that Euro 2024 would be Southgate's last in charge of the national team.
While many fans may feel this may signal the end of the Southgate-era, the Football Association are reportedly keen for him to extend his eight-year affiliation with the national team and persuade him to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup.
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