Heartbreak for England as Spain clinch 2-1 victory and win Euro 2024

ITV News' Sports Editor Steve Scott reports on what could have been a historic night for England - but ended in tragedy.

England have once again missed out on the Euros trophy, after Spain secured a 2-1 victory.

The result has dashed England's hopes of lifting a major men's tournament trophy for the first time since 1966.

After a tense first half, Spain's Nico Williams scored in the 47th minute to push the side ahead.

Jude Bellingham then set Palmer up for glory, as he equalised in the 73rd minute of the match.

England's joy soon turned to devastation, as Oyarzabal's late-stage strike gave Spain a 2-1 lead.

Heartache has rippled across the country, as England fans at home and in Berlin saw their hopes dashed.

In an interview after the match, Harry Kane said: "To concede late on is obviously a really painful one to take.

"It's an opportunity missed. They're not easy to get to, these finals. We've shown unbelievable resilience and character to get to where we are."

Harry Kane said the game was 'tough' in a post-match interview.

England manager Gareth Southgate said he was proud of his team, but "devastated for everybody" following the result.

"Across the 90 minutes I'm not sure we did quite enough," he said.

Asked if he would view England making it to the final as historic, or a missed opportunity, Southgate said: "Probably both".

The England boss provided no clarity on whether he would stay on in the role past this tournament, despite hinting previously he would exit if England didn't win.

"I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now."

In a post on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told England they made their country proud, and congratulated Spain.

The King has written to Gareth Southgate to offer his commiserations, urging the team to "hold their heads high".

"All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near," he wrote.

He congratulated the the team for reaching the final, and said the nation will "continue to roar for the Three Lions today".

William, who attended the match in Berlin with his son Prince George, said on social media: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards. W.”

Father and son were photographed leaping into the air and cheering after Cole Palmer’s equaliser for England earlier on Sunday.

However, heads were in hands in the dying moments of the match.

In a press conference on Saturday, Southgate and captain Harry Kane said they hope to give the nation a “special” night.

England reached the tournament final, after a nail-biting Ollie Watkins goal against the Netherlands sent the side through in the 90th minute.

ITV News' Rachel Younger reports on the mood amongst devastated fans in Berlin.

The quarter-final match against Switzerland ended in nail-biting set of penalties, where England scored five over their opponents' three.

In the group stages, England beat Serbia 1-0 - but drew against Denmark and Slovenia, with 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

England fans poured into Berlin to witness the historic final, spending thousands of pounds, and travelling by plane, train, tram and scooter, while back at home the nation’s pubs, bars and fan zones were mobbed.

Most spectators at Boxpark Croydon in south London headed for the exit as soon as the final whistle went.

Fraser Mullen, 40, from Redhill in Surrey, said: “It didn’t feel like the same old England. We just came up against a better team.

“We defended really well. Jordan Pickford was outstanding. We made Spain look really average.

“It doesn’t feel as bad as it has in the past. The talent is there. They just need to do a bit more next time.”

England also lost Euro 2020 to Italy, where they missed out on the trophy after the final went to penalties.

The Three Lions have never won a European Championship, with the World Cup win in 1966 their last and only major silverware.

A small number of fans lingered at the match screening at London’s O2 Arena after the final ended, staring in disbelief as they watched their team comforting each other.

Several St George’s flags were abandoned on the seats as the 15,000-strong crowd departed, leaving crushed and empty drinks cups all over the floor.

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