Spain edge England to Euro 2024 title

Sunday 14 July 2024 22:30

Spain were crowned champions of Europe for the fourth time on Sunday evening, after they beat England 2-1 in Berlin's Olympiastadion.

It was a painful night for the two Manchester United players involved, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw, who were both selected in Gareth Southgate's starting XI.

Mainoo played 69 minutes, before being replaced by Chelsea's Cole Palmer, while Shaw played the entire match – his first start in competitive football since he left the pitch, injured, as United beat Luton Town 2-1 in February.

Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal did the damage for the Spaniards, either side of Palmer's equaliser for England.
Kobbie is consoled by Gareth Southgate after being substituted.
It means the England men's team's wait for a first major trophy since 1966 goes on, but United's two England players can hold their heads high after making important contributions throughout the tournament.

The big team news before kick-off was that Shaw replaced Kieran Tripper in the England XI, and Shaw could scarcely have done more throughout the 90 minutes.

The 29-year-old kept teenage sensation Lamine Yamal quiet for much of the contest, with plenty of tenacious defending, and was a persistent threat down England's left flank.
Kobbie had one of his quieter nights, as Spain dominated possession for large spells, but displayed his class and composure on numerous occasions in midfield.

Mainoo also became England's youngest-ever starter in a major men's final, and the third-youngest starter from any country in a European Championship final.

The Three Lions were very much in the hunt for the title throughout, but watched on aghast as Marc Cucurella's excellent cross was nudged home by Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal with just minutes of normal time remaining.

England came close to an equaliser when Jude Bellingham's header was nodded off the line by Dani Olmo during added time, but ultimately fell just short in a match of very fine margins.

Our congratulations to Spain, and our commiserations to Kobbie and Luke – you both made us all very proud with your performances throughout the competition.

Recommended: