Former England captain Steven Gerrard has delivered a damning assessment of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final collapse, suggesting the team's mental fragility proved decisive in their 2-1 defeat to Spain.
In his role as a pundit for ITV Sport, the Liverpool legend didn't hold back in his analysis, pointing to what he described as a "psychological barrier" that prevented Gareth Southgate's side from lifting their first major trophy since 1966.
The Mental Block That Cost England
Gerrard observed that despite England's talented squad and previous tournament experience, they seemed overwhelmed by the occasion when it mattered most. "There's definitely a psychological barrier," he stated. "When you get that close and you're a player, you can feel it and sense it."
The former midfielder, who experienced his own heartbreaks in an England shirt, suggested the weight of expectation and history became too heavy for the current generation to bear during the crucial moments in Berlin.
Second-Half Struggles Prove Costly
England appeared to be growing into the game after falling behind to an early Spanish goal, with Cole Palmer coming off the bench to equalise in the second half. However, Gerrard noted that just when momentum seemed to be shifting, old habits resurfaced.
"Just when you think England are growing and getting a foothold in the game, they concede and you're back to square one," he explained, highlighting the pattern that has plagued England in recent major tournament finals.
Contrasting Spanish Mentality
Gerrard contrasted England's nervous performance with Spain's composed display, particularly in how Luis de la Fuente's side managed the game after retaking the lead. The Spanish team displayed the championship mentality that England sorely lacked when protecting their advantage.
"Spain showed that know-how, that mentality, that streetwise nature to see the game out," Gerrard noted, praising their ability to control proceedings during the tense final moments.
Where Does England Go From Here?
The analysis raises serious questions about how England can overcome this mental hurdle in future tournaments. With many of the current squad likely to feature in the 2026 World Cup, addressing this psychological block becomes paramount.
Gerrard's comments suggest that talent alone isn't enough to win major tournaments - the mental strength to perform under extreme pressure separates champions from nearly-men in international football.
