England's long wait for a major tournament victory continues after Spain substitute Mikel Oyarzabal secured Euro 2024 glory in Berlin. The forward got on the end of Marc Cucurella's cross to win it for Spain in the 86th minute, just moments after Cole Palmer had equalised for England.
Nico Williams gave Spain the lead in the first half, and Spain's Dani Olmo cleared from Marc Guehi late on as England were left bereft. After a cagey opening, England were indebted to fine defending from Luke Shaw to repeatedly thwart the efforts of the lively teenager Lamine Yamal.
Spain dominated possession throughout the first period, but England had the most threatening attempt at goal when Phil Foden fired straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon. England then thought they had been handed a crucial advantage when Manchester City's Rodri failed to return for the second half due to injury, but Spain took the lead just 69 seconds into the second period.
Yamal drifted in from the right and his pass picked out Williams, who finished expertly beyond Jordan Pickford. Spain were dominant now, and England boss Gareth Southgate knew he had to make a change. Captain Harry Kane was replaced by semi-final hero Ollie Watkins, and soon after Jude Bellingham fired England's first decent effort of the second half wide.
Spain looked most likely to score again, with Pickford having to be at his best to keep out Yamal before a more routine stop from Oyarzabal. Then came Palmer's moment. The Chelsea man had only come on for Kobbie Mainoo three minutes prior, but when Bukayo Saka's centre was laid back by Bellingham, Palmer sent a superb low strike into the bottom corner.
England's joy was short lived though, with Oyarzabal alert to slide home Cucurella's cross to bring joy to their travelling supporters. Around 40,000 England fans were estimated to be inside Berlin's Olympiastadion, including the Prince of Wales, his son George and new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
