In the aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain there were tears and tantrums – but eventually an air of acceptance.
England’s players believed this was their moment. Their tumultuous route to the final – a stoppage-time overhead-kick equaliser, an extra-time winner, penalty shootout glory and a last-gasp goal to book their place in the Berlin showpiece – had them believing the stars were aligning. Name on the trophy vibes.
But the reality of international football bit in devastating fashion on Sunday at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, as Spain passed their way to the title. Death by a thousand cuts.
Very quickly there was a realisation that England had been beaten by a superior team. It doesn’t make the loss easier to swallow but it has reminded the players that a sense of ‘fate’ counts for nothing. Belief is one thing; executing is another.
The players will admit their performances were underwhelming, but two finals and a semi-final in four major tournaments is some achievement. If this was Gareth Southgate’s last game as head coach he will leave with his head held high, though his detractors will point out that England fell at the first sight of an elite nation.
Harry Kane (left) and Jude Bellingham (right) cut despondent figures after Sunday’s final.
