Spain secured a record fourth European Championship crown after a late goal from substitute Mikel Oyarzabal earned them a 2-1 win over England in Berlin on Sunday.
Two of the stars of the tournament combined to give Spain the lead just after half-time when teenager Lamine Yamal supplied the pass to Nico Williams who finished in style.
Dani Olmo and Lamal both went close to doubling Spain's advantage before England levelled against the run of play, when Jude Bellingham laid the ball off to substitute Cole Palmer on the edge of the penalty area and the Chelsea player produced a beautiful low finish into the bottom corner.
With the game seemingly heading for extra time, Spain grabbed the winner with four minutes to go when left-back Marc Cucurella sent over a superb cross that Oyarzabal prodded home, narrowly avoiding an offside call.
The win meant Spain moved ahead of Germany with both countries having sealed three titles going into the match. The tournament also saw Luis de la Fuente's side win all seven of their matches in the tournament – also a record.
For Gareth Southgate's England, the agonising wait for a second major tournament victory goes on after losing their second European Championship final in succession.
“It's hard to put into words how we're all feeling right now,” said captain Harry Kane, who was taken off with half an hour left in the match.
“Tough game. We did well to get back into the game and struggled to build on that. To concede late on is really tough to take.
“We've been coming from behind all tournament, we've got it in the locker. We didn't take the next step and win it.
“In the first half, we struggled. We couldn't keep the ball. Second half was better and we got the goal. We got caught with a cross and that's the final.
“It's an opportunity missed. These finals aren't easy to get to. You have to take it when it comes and we haven't done it again. It's extremely painful and it'll hurt for a long time.”
After a cagey opening 45 minutes of few chances, the game exploded into life just after half-time when Spain took the lead at the Olympiastadion, despite having lost the services of key midfielder Rodri to injury during the break.
A ball from right-back Dani Carvajal found Yamal, the teenager then cut inside in what has become a familiar sight in Germany before rolling the ball to teammate and close friend Williams, who steered the ball past Jordan Pickford.
It was Yamal's fourth assist of a wonderful tournament for the Barcelona winger, who turned 17 on Saturday, supplying Williams, who had celebrated his 22nd birthday 24 hours earlier.
It was almost 2-0 minutes later with England's defence now being torn apart with Dani Olmo missing the opportunity of taking over as the tournament's top scorer with four goals by shooting wide.
England keeper Pickford was then needed to deny Yamal a goal not long after the disappointing Kane had been hooked by Southgate in favour of semi-final hero Ollie Watkins.
But it was to be another England substitute who would drag his team back into the match when Palmer levelled with a finish from about 22 yards out – low and hard beyond Simon after being teed-up by Bellingham.
Spain, though, were not to be denied and deservedly grabbed the winner when Cucurella – who has enjoyed a super finals at left-back – sent a low cross into the middle for Oyarzabal to score.
There was still time for England to nearly score again only for Simon to save Declan Rice's header then Olmo to clear a Marc Guehi header off the line from the same corner.
“We've competed until the very end of the final,” said Southgate after what could well be his final match after eight years in charge.
"Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough. We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short.
“We had a little bit of momentum in the game at that point [when Palmer equalised]. There’s a big chance at the end to equalise too but across the 90 minutes, I’m not sure we did enough.
“Spain press well and you have to keep the ball when you win it back. In the end, that’s the bit that takes more out of your legs.
“I think the players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chances. They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end. I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game.”
Spain, meanwhile, were left to bask in the glory of a first Euro title for 12 years.
“We are so happy. We deserved this,” said player-of-the-match Williams. “This is for our fans and our parents, who have supported us throughout.”
“This is the best [birthday] gift I could have asked for,” added Yamal. “It is a dream come true.”
Match ratings
-
SPAIN RATINGS: A great night for Basques and not just Spaniards. Far quieter than his opposite number as Spain had 63 per cent of possession and six shots on target to England’s three as a Spanish side won their 27th consecutive final in club and national team football. Spain now sit alone with four European championship titles and Simon, beaten by a deflection for the goal, pushed away Rice’s header in the 90th minute to help their cause. AP -
Back in the side after being suspended for the semi-final, the 32 year old Real Madrid man crossed well and was involved in the opening goal, but was also robbed by his teammate Bellingham, which led to one England chance. AP -
Recalled after serving his suspension, the Real Sociedad man couldn’t get his foot around a 13th-minute ball close to England’s goal. Excellent in the air. PA -
A comfortable evening against an unfit-looking Kane. More touches than any player on the pitch – and a higher passing accuracy, too, for a team that won all seven tournament games. EPA -
Booed again by the Germans in the crowd, but he crossed beautifully to set up Oyarzabal’s winner. EPA -
Juan Mata said of him: ‘In Rodri’s position there is no other like him. He gives options to everyone and he gives the forward players the security not to look back. He is amazing.’ Quite – and yet Spain initially improved after he went off injured and went ahead. Then England equalised. Rightly congratulated by a gracious Gareth Southgate afterwards. AP -
Spain’s surprise performer in the tournament for the bold side that dominated possession, pressed and had individual skills. His half-volley went over after 70 minutes. AP -
Great chance after 49 minutes from near the penalty spot. Smart first touch, then he dragged the ball wide. He also cleared a 90th-minute Guehi effort off the line. Getty Images -
Work cut out against Shaw, though he did get behind him in the build-up to Spain’s 47th-minute opener, passing to Williams. On the day after his 17th birthday, he missed a clear 83rd-minute chance. Also had a 66th-minute shot saved by the diving Pickford. Getty Images -
Man of the match. Man of the tournament for many. An early danger, one of the stars of Euro 2024 saw an effort well blocked by Stones. Put his side ahead after being set up by Yamal. AFP -
Spain’s captain dropped deeper to get the ball, making him less of a threat, though he got behind Guehi to shoot wide on 55, a minute after a 20-yard shot was blocked. Getty Images -
SUBS: (On for Rodri, 46') Spain’s subs again showed their importance. Won the ball from Palmer on 82, which led to an attack and almost a goal. Reuters -
(On for Morata, 68') He’ll forever be remembered as the man who got the winner in a European final, sliding an 86th-minute cross past Pickford from six yards out. Only had eight touches, but two of them were shots on target. Getty Images -
(On for Le Normand, 83') EPA -
(On for Yamal, 89') AP -
ENGLAND RATINGS: A couple of good saves from Yamal to keep his side in it. His distribution was poor, though. He sprayed long balls that handed Spain possession when England needed it most. EPA -
After a bright start, his worst performance of the tournament. Won a couple of foot races to show he hasn’t lost his pace but was all at sea for Williams’ opener and out of position for Spain’s winner. Getty Images -
A monster at the heart of defence. Time and again he rescued his team. Threaded passes forward and carried the ball into midfield as he does for Man City. Unlucky to have played Oyazabal onside. Got better and better as the tournament progressed as he shook off the rust from his injury. AP -
Good positioning and reading of the game. Made several excellent blocks and played some probing passes. Had a header cleared off the line by Olmo late on as he raided forward in search of an equaliser. Should be a fixture in England's defence for years to come. EPA -
Barring one mistake, he was superb given he was returning from a long spell out. Just one lapse against Yamal in the lead-up to Spain’s opener but, that’s all it takes against a top-quality team. Showed what England were have been missing on the left-hand side. PA -
A disappointing game. Sloppy with his passing when his team needed to keep possession. Good steal from Williams as he broke into the box. Forced a good save from Simon at the death. AFP -
Looked a little overrun and overawed at times. Had to concentrate mostly on defensive duties. Beautiful tackle to dispossess Olmo on the edge of the area. Lovely quick feet under pressure in one attack. Misplaced a few passes, which his side could ill afford. His time will come. AP -
Lively and sharp. Excellent pass to slip Walker free into the box. Fantastic work in setting up Palmer’s goal. One of England’s best players again. AFP -
Not his best game but showed flashes. Did well to set up Kane just before half time. Brilliant turn and strike on the edge of the area. Careless passing at times but laid on a lovely cushioned pass for Palmer to score. Looked tired. EPA -
Despite being given licence to roam, he didn’t have the impact he did against the Netherlands as Spain denied him space. Lovely layoff to Bellingham. Really inventive snap shot at the back post from a free kick just before the break. AFP -
Maybe the end of the line for England’s record goal scorer at major tournaments – in the starting XI, at least. Far too static yet again. A poor tournament despite his three goals. The only possible excuse is that he was carrying an injury, in which case, why was he starting? AP -
SUBS: (On for Kane, 60’) What a difference he made with his running and energy up front. He unsettled the Spain defence and gave his side options. A poor touch when put in by Bellingham at the end meant he couldn't repeat his semi-final heroics. Getty Images -
(On for Mainoo, 69’) The lad is a game-changer. Alongside Watkins, he galvanised England. The finish for his goal was sheer quality. Should have had more time on the pitch during the tournament. Getty Images -
(On for Foden, 89’) PA
