Spain 2-1 England: What Were The Main Talking Points As La Roja Are Crowned EURO 24 Champions In Berlin?

With all eyes falling on Berlin on Sunday night, Spain claimed a fourth European crown as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against England in the German capital.

Embarking on what has been a sensational EURO 24 romp this summer, Spain opened the scoring just second after returning from the half-time break as the red-hot Nico Williams produced a slick finish.

However, although the Three Lions might have drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity in the final third, second-half substitute Cole Palmer raised hopes of another dramatic comeback with a composed left-foot strike

Desperate to get their hands on a first piece of international silverware since 1966, there was more major tournament heartbreak for England as Spain snatched a stunning late winner.

Falling to their knees as Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal slide home past Jordan Pickford with just four minutes left on the clock, the questions over Southgate’s future will only intensify.

On a night when Spain got their hands on a fourth European title, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Berlin.

More European heartbreak for England

Suffering infamous heartbreak at Wembley three years ago as they eventually fell to a penalties defeat against Italy in north London, England opened up this summer’s tournament desperate to go one-step further.

However, although Southgate’s superstar squad might have got their EURO 24 adventure underway pencilled in as the standout title contender, the Three Lions are now going back to the drawing board as their 58 years of pain goes on.

Still waiting to claim a first piece of international silverware since their World Cup success way back in 1966, the European giants once again fell short at the final hurdle.

Now suffering back-to-back European Championship heartbreak over the past three years and hit with a monumental phycological blow, Southgate’s side will have questions to answer over the coming days.

While Southgate’s men might have always faced a real uphill battle in Berlin on Sunday night, they are gaining a reputation for their inability to perform when the pressure is at the highest.

Spanish dominance from start to finish

While the Three Lions might have opened up this summer’s European Championships by stealing most of the pre-tournament headlines, it is certainly Spain that have been the ultimate performer over in Germany.

Getting their EURO 24 adventure underway on June 15th as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against World Cup bronze medalists Croatia, La Roja have enjoyed what has been an astonishing summer.

Booking their spot in Sunday’s showpiece event after picking up a heavyweight 2-1 victory against France, there isn’t anyone across the planet that can argue that Luis de la Fuente’s men are not a worthy winner.

Sending host nation Germany packing on July 5th as they secured a thrilling last-gasp 2-1 win in Stuttgart, Spain won all of their seven European Championship performances this summer and certainly wrote their own piece of history.

Overcoming every hurdle that came their way this summer and picking up a string of iconic scalps, de la Fuente’s men rightfully deserve all of the plaudits as they stormed their way to a fourth European crown.

End of the road for Southgate?

While England might have made the decision to stick with Southgate following their World Cup quarter-final exit out in Qatar 18 months ago, the former Middlesbrough boss has come under a huge amount of scrutiny this summer.

Although the Three Lions might have dragged themselves to Sunday’s showpiece event in Berlin, they have largely flattered to deceive over in Germany and have drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity.

Once again falling short here and often second best across the park, it is no surprise that there are mounting calls on someone to come in and replace Southgate over the coming weeks.

While Southgate might have a real golden generation on his hands, the likes of Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Ballon d’Or contender Jude Bellingham have failed to click into top gear.

Although it remains to be seen whether Southgate stays in charge for the next World Cup, but it may well be that this proves to be one disappointment too far for England’s manager.

Match Report

Spain: Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Yamal, Olmo, Williams, Morata

Subs: Oyarzabal, Merino, Nacho, Zubimendi

England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw, Rice, Mainoo, Saka, Foden, Bellingham, Kane

Subs: Toney, Watkins, Palmer

Goals: Spain: Williams (47’), Oyarzabal (86’) – England: Palmer (73’)

Yellow Cards: Spain: Olmo, Morata – England: Stones, Kane

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Francois Letexier