England lose to Spain in Euros final

After a month of football, it's not coming home after all.

Euro 2024 came to a close last night at Berlin's Olympiastadion as England faced Spain in the final.

After an uneventful first half ending 0-0, England still had hope, but moments after the second half kicked off, Nico Williams scored for Spain.

England fought back, thanks to substitute Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer brought England's hopes back to life

A spectacular shot from Palmer from outside of the box flew into the bottom corner of the goal and England's hopes of winning the trophy was reignited.

But a late goal from Spain in the 86th minute secured their win, extending England men's 58 years without a major tournament win.

Despite not performing at his best during the tournament, England captain Harry Kane earned a share of the Euro 2024 Golden Boot by scoring three goals.

He told the BBC the loss was "as painful as it could be," adding: "I think we did really well to get back into the game and get back to 1-1, and then we couldn't quite use that momentum to push on."

"It's just really disappointing" - Harry Kane

Kane also said: "It's been a tough tournament, we've had to show a lot of resilience. It's been a difficult run and we've done extremely well to get here.

"We wanted to do it for ourselves but also for the fans, everyone who's believed in us the whole way - right now it's just huge disappointment."

England manager Gareth Southgate said: "I think today we didn't quite keep possession of the ball well enough.

"As always in these games, it's was fine margins but I think overall Spain were the best team in the tournament and they deserved to win."

Questions are being raised about the future of England's manager who, despite making huge improvements to the team in eight years, has failed to achieve a major tournament win.

"Without a doubt, England have got some fabulous young players and even the young ones now have got a lot of experience of tournaments," Southgate added.

"Many of this squad are going to be in two, four, six, eight years' time.

"We have now been consistently back in the matches that matter but it's the last step that we haven't been able to do."

England will now focus on qualifying for the next World Cup which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

Prince George joined his dad, Prince William, at the final in Berlin

King Charles has written to Gareth Southgate and the team following the loss, telling them to "hold your heads high."

"Please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today - and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead."

Prince William, who was at the game with his son Prince George said: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be.

“We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards."