Spain win dramatic EURO 2024 final against England

Spain capped off a memorable EURO 2024 by winning Sunday’s thrilling final against England 2-1.

Scorers: Williams 47′, Oyarzabal 86′; Palmer 73′

La Roja started on the front foot as John Stones had to be alert to thwart Nico William’s attempted strike from the left-hand side.

The opening 45 minutes at the Olympiastadion descended into a war of attrition as both countries struggled to fully break each other down.

England’s best chance of the half fell to Phil Foden, who forced a strong stop from Unai Simón at his near post with an effort from Declan Rice’s free kick.

Luis de la Fuente’s side suffered a setback at the interval as talismanic midfielder Rodri was withdrawn with an unspecified injury concern.

But they returned for the second half in flying form as Nico Williams swept home the opener from another Lamine Yamal assist inside two minutes.

Álvaro Morata fired a fresh warning shot to the Three Lions with a strike across the face of goal after Jordan Pickford had narrowed the angle.

Williams went close to doubling his tally with a drive from distance which flew just past the outside of Pickford’s righthand post.

Gareth Southgate introduced semi-final hero Ollie Watkins in place of his ineffectual captain Harry Kane in hopes of stemming the tide.

Jude Bellingham sent his country’s first response by beating three Spain defenders and a shot on the turn narrowly wide of Simón’s goal.

Yamal issued a firm rebuttal with a guided effort that forced Pickford into a low stop to preventing his side from falling further behind.

Substitute Cole Palmer later drew level by drilling in superbly from outside the penalty area to restore parity for Southgate’s side.

Pickford had to demonstrate sharp reflexes in the closing stages despite Yamal failing to properly him at the end of a Spain counterattack.

But Mikel Oyarzabal snatched the winner with the tournament’s record 15th goal as he met Marc Cucurella’s cutback just four minutes from time.

They still had to weather the storm as Dani Olmo cleared Marc Guéhi’s goal-bound header on the line after Simón denied Rice at a corner.

Spain have now won a record four European Championship crowns as England suffered back-t0-back showpiece defeats.