England v Spain LIVE: Euro 2024 result and reaction as speculation on manager begins

The Henri Delaunay trophy indeed goes home, as Spain have now won it for a record fourth time. England’s years of hurt will go to 60 years, and at least the 2026 World Cup in America. Whether Gareth Southgate will still be there remains to be seen, after a defeat that was respectable but still reflected something bigger.

This wasn’t like Italy at Wembley in Euro 2020 in terms of a lost opportunity, but it was another lost game against the first elite side that Southgate’s team played. England are both so close, and yet still far away. The scoreline said enough, at a narrow 2-1, as substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored by staying onside by a matter of centimetres.

It is almost worse that it was so close. If Oyarzabal was an unlikely hero, Spain are far from unlikely champions. They have been the team of the tournament and deserving winners, both on the night and through the campaign. They really could have won by more.

The England captain scored from the penalty spot against Netherlands in the semi-finals to add to his strikes against Denmark and Slovakia, and his total of three goals across the tournament was enough to top the charts along with Dani Olmo of Spain, Cody Gakpo of Netherlands, Jamal Musiala of Germany, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze and Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz.

In years gone by, other qualifying criteria would then decide the prize: the top scorer with most assists claimed the award, with minutes played the next differentiator if players were still level.

“He brings a togetherness for a start. This group of lads are such a tight knit group.

“Since he has come in he has been the most successful England manager there is – he deserves a lot more praise than what he gets. I would have loved to win as he deserves it more than anyone.”

England lost a second successive European Championship final as Spain triumphed 2-1 in Berlin thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner.

Despite their run to the showpiece match, Southgate has faced criticism through the tournament and his future is sure to come under scrutiny.

“I am very happy. This is a dream. I’m looking forward to returning to Spain and celebrating with all the fans. It’s the best birthday present ever.

“When England equalised, it was difficult. I don’t know what this team is made of, but we always manage to get back up.”

Gareth Southgate admitted Harry Kane did not perform how England hoped he would amid physical struggles as they fell to an agonising late defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

Kane, England’s captain and record goalscorer, was again subsitituted by Southgate during the second half and replaced by the more mobile Ollie Watkins after struggling to make an impression on the match.

The Bayern Munich striker scored more than 40 goals this season for his new club but a back injury curtailed his campaign and disrupted his run-up to the Euros.

“Another tough moment for the team and for me personally. A tough tournament physically and mentally. You get so close to the highest of the highs, the pinnacle of our careers, now everyone is at the lowest of the lows.

“We haven’t found a way to win that trophy and it is going to hurt for a long time.”

The King urged England’s football team to “hold your heads high” after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, while the Prince of Wales said “we’re all still so proud of you”.

Spain claimed a 2-1 win while the Three Lions fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.

The years of hurt go on for England, with the World Cup win in 1966 their last and only major silverware.

“We came to Germany to win the tournament, and we didn’t want it to end this way. We are all hurting tonight, but we should be incredibly proud.

“I would like to thank Gareth, Steve, all of the players and the support team for their huge commitment and hard work to try to win the trophy for the country. They will be more disappointed than anyone to fall just short.

“This is our fourth major tournament final in four years for the Three Lions and the Lionesses, and our ambition to win major tournaments is stronger than ever.

“Our wonderful fans have supported us with pride and passion here in Germany and back at home. Everyone involved with England wants to make the country proud, and we really appreciate their support.”