JUDE BELLINGHAM produced a classy gesture despite suffering heartbreak in the Euro 2024 final.
Bellingham played all 90 minutes as England lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin on Sunday.
The Three Lions held firm in the first half as the two sides went into the break at 0-0.
But Nico Williams stunned Gareth Southgate’s men with a strike moments into the second 45.
Cole Palmer then equalised for England with a stunning hit 15 minutes from time.
Yet Spain still found a way through as Mikel Oyarzabal netted a winner with just a few minutes left on the clock.
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The timely goal destroyed England’s morale.
And Spain cruised through the final moments before celebrating a famous victory.
There are now question marks over Southgate’s future after losing another crunch game.
While doubts could surround Harry Kane, with the captain barely making an impact.
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However, Bellingham showed his classy nature earlier in the match after seeing an opponent break down in tears.
Spain star Rodri appeared to pick up an injury just before the break.
And he started crying at the half-time whistle as he limped off the field in agony.
Despite being on the other team, Bellingham went over to Rodri before consoling him.
The amazing gesture showcased the midfielder’s compassionate style of play.
And Rodri was nowhere to be seen in the second half as he was subbed off entirely.
England fans may have been forgiven for thinking the Man City star’s absence had handed their side the advantage.
But Spain scored just moments into the second half before Oyarzabal’s late impact ended things once and for all.
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Bellingham was left with his head in his hands at the final whistle.
And he then kicked a water cooler before collecting his silver medal.
England ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreak
COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:
Jordan Pickford: 8
Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.
Kyle Walker: 6
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
John Stones: 8
A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.
Marc Guehi: 6
Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.
Declan Rice: 7
Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5
Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller.
Luke Shaw: 7
Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.
Phil Foden: 6
Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.
Jude Bellingham: 7
Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.
Harry Kane: 4
His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.
SUBS:
Ollie Watkins: 6
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
Cole Palmer: 9
What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.
Ivan Toney: 6
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
Gareth Southgate: 7
The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.
His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.
Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
