England suffered more heartbreak in a European Championship final, falling 2-1 to a superior Spain. The Spaniards struck first when Lamine Yamal set up Nico Williams for the opening goal. However, England fought back with a brilliant strike from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer to level the score.
Unfortunately for the Three Lions, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal delivered the winning blow in the 86th minute, sealing England’s second consecutive defeat in a European final. Here is a breakdown of how England’s players performed during the Euro 2024 final:
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford 7
Powerless to prevent either goal, Pickford was left exposed by his defense. He made a crucial save to keep England in the game at 1-0 and his quick thinking initiated the move for the equalizer. He made another huge stop late on to deny Yamal. While his kicking was suspect at times, he was ultimately unlucky to be on the losing side.
Kyle Walker 5
Walker had a challenging night, with a couple of early scares as Williams threatened. Williams’ goal came from Walker’s side of the pitch, and he was unable to stop the cross for the winner. He did win some duels and kept fighting, but it was not his best performance.
John Stones 7.5
Stones had an outstanding first half, showcasing both his defensive and offensive skills. He made a crucial block to deny Williams and had the confidence to carry the ball forward. This was his best performance of the Euros, even though the second half proved more difficult.
Kyle Walker faced a challenging night as Williams scored from his side of the pitch and he couldn’t prevent the cross for the winner.
John Stones had an impressive first half, making a crucial tackle on Nico Williams.
Marc Guehi’s performance in the final was a disappointing end to an otherwise good tournament for him.
Marc Guehi 5
Guehi needed Stones’ support after misjudging an offside trap, and the same happened in the second half when Stones cleared from the line after Morata got past Guehi. He then failed to track Oyarzabal’s run for the winner. Despite this disappointing end, Guehi had a good tournament overall.
Luke Shaw 6.5
Shaw dominated Yamal from the start, not giving the young star any space in the first half. Despite this being his first start since February, Shaw had the energy to get forward. However, he was caught out for Williams’ goal when the pass was spun inside and Yamal broke free to assist.
Kobbie Mainoo 6
Mainoo tried to make things happen but couldn’t quite make an impact. He was swarmed by Spain’s midfield, along with his teammates. He showed more mobility than others when he was substituted, but the quality wasn’t there on this occasion.
Declan Rice 5
Rice struggled to cope when Spain pressed and was sloppy in possession. A hacked clearance in the second half that almost led to a goal summed up his poor performance. He had a chance to be the hero with a late header, but it was saved. Rice didn’t deliver the big performance England needed.
Declan Rice struggled against Spain’s press and was sloppy in possession.
Bukayo Saka 7
Saka was once again the best of England’s attacking players. He showed intent and played a key role in Palmer’s goal, driving down the right. Saka finished the Euros strongly and can be proud of his performances in the last three games.
Phil Foden 5
Foden was fortunate when a poor pass early on didn’t lead to a Spain goal. After a good semi-final, this performance was a return to the Foden who has struggled to impact the tournament. His careless touches were uncharacteristic. He has not lived up to his Premier League Player of the Year form during these Euros.
Phil Foden was replaced in the second half after a disappointing performance.
Jude Bellingham 6.5
Playing on the left, Bellingham had more touches in the first half and caused Carvajal a few problems. He stepped up in the second half and went close to scoring before setting up Palmer’s goal with a clever layoff. However, he was still far from his best.
Harry Kane 4
Kane looked immobile and, like every game in this tournament, clearly not fully fit. He was booked for a heavy touch and lunge – a higher boot could have seen red. He gave away possession too often and was rightly substituted after an hour. It’s sad to say, but he was a passenger.
Harry Kane was ineffective, received a booking, and was substituted after 61 minutes.
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane 61) 5
Watkins had a chance to equalize in the 90th minute but couldn’t take it, unlike his performance for Dortmund.
Cole Palmer (on for Mainoo 70) 7
Palmer scored a superb goal to bring England level and made an instant impact off the bench. It makes one wonder what he could have achieved with more playing time during the tournament. He immediately improved the team.
Ivan Toney (on for Foden 89) N/A
Toney’s presence at a late corner almost led to a goal. He should have been brought on sooner.
Manager – Gareth Southgate 5.5
Southgate’s changes brought England back into the game, but the attacking unit looked rigid before that. England didn’t play poorly, but they weren’t at their best. Spain were deserved winners. Southgate has stuck by underperforming players, and they let him down in the final.
Cole Palmer’s stunning equaliser off the bench gave England hope.
Gareth Southgate endured more disappointment in the European Championship final.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Simon 7; Carvajal 7, Le Normand 6 (Nacho 83), Laporte 6.5, Cucurella 7; Rodri 7 (Zubimendi 46, 7), Fabian 7; Yamal 7, Olmo 8, Williams 8.5; Morata 6 (Oyarzabal 68, 7.5)
Manager: Luis de la Fuente 8
Referee: Francois Letexier (France) 7
Letexier controlled the game well, making the right calls for the first-half challenges by Kane and Olmo. He kept the game calm and under control, even with some tasty tackles. It was a good performance from the referee.