Spain claimed their record fourth European Championship crown, overcoming the loss of influential midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time to defeat England in a dramatic final in Berlin.
Despite the setback, Spain took the lead within two minutes of the restart through Nico Williams, set up by star winger Lamine Yamal. England, true to their resilient form in this tournament, equalized in the 73rd minute as substitute Cole Palmer drove in a crucial goal just moments after coming on.
However, England’s resurgence was short-lived. Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal turned in a cross in the 86th minute, securing Spain’s third European title in the last five editions. Spain previously won the championship in 1964, 2008, and 2012, with the latter two titles bookending their 2010 World Cup triumph during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
This current generation, led by the brilliant Yamal, who played just a day after his 17th birthday, has shown potential to replicate the achievements of their illustrious predecessors. Spain demonstrated their dominance throughout the tournament and were unfazed by the majority of the Olympiastadion crowd supporting England.
England, seeking their first men’s international title since their 1966 World Cup victory, fell short in their first-ever final on foreign soil. After their painful penalty shootout loss to Italy three years ago, they became the first team to lose back-to-back Euros finals. Captain Harry Kane, at 30, is still in search of the first trophy of his prolific career, with this defeat following a season devoid of silverware at Bayern Munich.
Spain controlled the game from the start, with England spending most of the first half chasing the ball. It wasn’t until stoppage time that either team managed a shot on target, with Phil Foden’s effort easily saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon. However, just before that, Rodri was injured, colliding with teammate Aymeric Laporte while blocking a Kane shot. Spain’s standout holding midfielder was replaced by Martin Zubimendi at halftime.
Despite Rodri’s absence, Spain quickly opened the scoring. Yamal collected a pass from Dani Carvajal, darted inside, and set up Williams, who scored with a controlled, low shot across Jordan Pickford into the far corner. England, accustomed to comebacks in this tournament, needed to respond once more. Southgate substituted Kane for Ollie Watkins on the hour mark, replicating the change that secured their semi-final victory against the Netherlands.
Spain had opportunities to extend their lead, with their fans cheering every successful pass. Southgate introduced Palmer for Kobbie Mainoo, and within three minutes, England equalized. Bukayo Saka’s ball from the right was laid off by Jude Bellingham for Palmer, who scored with a low first-time effort into the corner.
Spain, however, had the final say. Oyarzabal played the ball out to Marc Cucurella on the left, then raced into the middle to turn in his teammate’s low cross, staying just onside. Spain held on for the victory, with Dani Olmo making a crucial clearance off the line to deny Marc Guehi in the dying moments.
