MILLIONS of England fans were heartbroken last night as the Three Lions fell at the final hurdle on their way to Euros glory.
Nico Williams caught England napping when he put Spain ahead just 70 seconds after the restart.
Gareth Southgate’s side had grown in confidence as the first half wore on, but had to come from behind.
Jude Bellingham showed his quality to create an opening at the edge of the box but flashed his left-foot shot wide.
Cole Palmer scored just seconds after coming on for England to make it level.
But then Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal scored to put Spain ahead at 2-1.
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Supporters on the sofa at home and in pubs and fan zones had roared on Gareth Southgate’s men to bring it home and end 58 years of hurt.
But they were left drowning their sorrows when Spain lifted the trophy at the end of the final in Berlin.
Fans praised Southgate for taking England to the second Euros final in a row.
But many also called for him to step down in the hope that a fresh face can finally bring the best out of an elite group of players.
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Welder Cam Skinner, 23, of Cramlington, Northumberland, said: “Spain have been amazing and were always going to be favourites – but it still really hurts.
“Gareth Southgate has done a good job but that could well be his last game.
“I’m still proud of the squad and it gives us hope that we will win a major tournament within the next few years whoever is in charge.”
Not this time.
The boys did England proud but it wasn’t to be. Well played Spain.
Wrong Direction
Harry Styles looks glum after Spain score.
Harry StylesCredit: Splash England fans despair
Is it all over?
A fan of England reacts on a goal for SpainCredit: AFP
Oh no
Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal scores to put Spain ahead at 2-1.
Fans go wild
One fan roars with delight at the 02 Arena in Greenwich, south east London
England fans celebrate at the O2 ArenaCredit: AFP Geordies celebrate
There were scenes of chaos among England fans in Newcastle when Cole Palmer levelled the game.
Pints of lager went flying into the air while flags were waved around above supporters’ heads.
NHS worker Jade Donnelly, 26, said: “The goal was absolutely unreal.
“The celebrations were amazing. I got soaked with beer and god knows what else but that’s what happens when you go to fan zones.
“I think we can go on and win from here.
“It might have to be through extra time but we can definitely do it.
“The atmosphere is incredible.”
Royal limbs
Keir Starmer, Prince George and Prince William celebrate
Celebrations in the VIP boxCredit: PA Quality knows quality
Moments before Palmer netted his equaliser, domestic goddess Nigella Lawson tweeted: “I approve of this substitution.”
Come on England!
It’s 1-1 and all to play for after Palmer puts England level.
A fan celebrates in BerlinCredit: Reuters
COME ON!
Palmer scores to make it level!
Time for a sub
Cole Palmer comes on for Kobbie Mainoo. Can Chelsea’s one-man-band turn it around?
Come on ColeCredit: AFP Bellingham nearly nets it
Almost.
England fans in BlackpoolCredit: Dave Nelson Where there’s a Will
Prince William and Prince George can’t hide their frustration
Prince George and Prince WilliamCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) Reaction from the Toon
Deadly silence fell upon the fan zone in Newcastle when Spain took the lead just moments after the second half kicked off.
Dozens of fans hadn’t even made it back from the bars and toilets when the ball hit the net.
Health and safety worker Josh Oliver, 26, said: “England have switched off after half time.
“I thought the first was about 70-30 to Spain.
“But England to 1-0 down so many times and we often come back so I am staying positive.
“I still believe we will win this.
“We just need to stay calm and stay positive.
“This is what England do and we have been here before.”
Oh Keir
Sir Keir Starmer looks downcast after England concede.
Keir StarmerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)
Fans at Boxpark Wembley
The pints remain firmly on the table at Boxpark Wembley.
Fans at Boxpark WembleyCredit: Tom Bowles England behind
Nico Williams caught England napping when he put Spain ahead just 70 seconds after the restart.
England fans despairingCredit: AFP Oh dear…
Spain score.
The whistle blows
It’s goalless at half time. A confident Three Lions side have had lots of chances so far but are yet to hit the back of the net.
Nervy England fans in ManchesterCredit: Reuters Labour of love
Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy seem a little less than elated in the VIP section at the Olympiastadion.
Keir Starmer and Lisa NandyCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) By George…
A frustrated-looking Prince George seems to want a goal
Prince George with dad Prince WilliamCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)
On a knife edge
It’s all to play for with both England and Spain looking dangerous.
A nervous fan in BerlinCredit: PA Legends of the game
Sol Campbell and Patrick Kluivert are also at the game
Sol Campbell & Patrick Kluivert (L) look onCredit: Getty Celebs in the stands
Ed Sheeran and Damian Lewis in the England stand at the Olympiastadion.
Ed Sheeran and Damian LewisCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) Come on ref…
England fans in at the Brandenburg Gate feel that the Three Lions have been hard done by.
England fans lament a decision against the Three LionsCredit: PA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
