England coach, Gareth Southgate has admitted Spain were deserved champions after the Spaniards on Sunday beat England 2-1 to win at the finals of the Euro 2024 football tournament at the at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said, “Congratulations to Spain. They deserved a win not only tonight, but across the whole tournament.”
The loss for England ended the 58-year quest of the Three Lions as they were beaten by Spain to win the prestigious trophy.
The final was a disappointing moment for Gareth Southgate’s side who were left heartbroken again in a second successive European Championship final after losing to Luis De La Fuente’s men.
The decisive moment came after Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner came after Spain’s young star wingers combined to give them the lead two minutes after the break while Lamine Yamal’s pass opened up space for Nico Williams to beat England keeper Jordan Pickford with a powerful low finish.
Cole Palmer who came on for Kobbie Mainoo, raised hopes of another dramatic comeback with a composed left-foot strike after 73 minutes.
Talented England captain, Harry Kane was out of sorts once more and was substituted on the hour.
Four minutes from time, Spain, however, snatched the win as Oyarzabal slid home Marc Cucurella’s cross to leave England the nearly men once more.
When it was time to be awarded individual laurels, Rodri emerged the player of the tournament, while teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal won young player of the tournament. Dani Olmo shared the Golden Boot. Yamal had the most assists.
