Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute strike was enough for Spain to clinch their fourth Euros title after defeating England 2-1 in the final. Spain took the lead early in the second half with a goal from Nico Williams, but England was able to level the game when substitute Cole Palmer scored for the Three Lions.
Tied at 1-1 before the end of normal time, Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal turned home in the 86th minute, although the Three Lions almost equalized at the death but Dani Olmo headed Marc Guehi's effort off the line to safety.
Spain won the title in 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024.
English manager, Gareth Southgate, whose future with the England team has been a topic of great contemplation, disclosed that “We’ve competed until the very end of the final. Today, we didn’t keep possession quite well enough, especially when we defended well. They pressed us well and we had to get out of it, which meant they had the best of the game.
“It is fine margins but Spain were the best team in the tournament and they deserve it. There is a disadvantage to having a day less to prepare, but we were in the game for up to 80 minutes.
“Physically, it’s been a tough period for Harry. He was short of games and didn’t get up to speed. Ollie’s freshness allowed us to pressure more and it did.”
Captain, Harry Kane, who featured in both the Euro 2020 and 2024 final losses, had this to say: “Losing in a final is as tough as it gets. We did really well to get back into the game but we couldn’t use that to push on,” he said.
“That’s as painful as it gets in a football match. We didn’t keep the ball well enough. There are a lot of tired legs at the end of the tournament. We had a big chance at the end when they cleared one off the line [Olmo’s intervention].
“It’s been a tough tournament for me personally and the team as a whole. We did well to get here but, ultimately, we are going to be judged on the final. It’s just a huge disappointment.
“We love the manager, it’s not the time to talk about it – it’s up to him to go away and think about it.”
Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, shared his thoughts as well: “I couldn’t be happier. To see the fans, to see the players. A real team, European champions. I said I was proud and today I am even prouder.”
