England 1 Spain 2 LIVE RESULT: Gareth Southgate future latest after heartbreaking Euro 2024 final loss – updates
ENGLAND hearts were broken by Mikel Oryazabal as Spain struck late to win Euro 2024.
The Three Lions had belief after Cole Palmer stroked home a brilliant equaliser after Nico Williams scored moments after the break.
But it was Spain, who had arguably been the best team at the tournament, who held on to win a FOURTH European Championship.
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Final TV figures
The TV viewing figures for the Euro 2024 final have been revealed.
A whopping 24.2 million viewers watched England's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin across ITV and BBC.
Over a third of England fans tuned in on ITV, with a 35 per cent share of the viewership.
As a result, the broadcaster set a new record for their highest-ever viewing share for a major men's football tournament final.
Howe on FA shortlist
Eddie How is a leading contender to replace Gareth Southgate if he steps down as England manager.
The FA are keen on hiring Howe after impressive spells with both Bournemouth and Newcastle.
However, they would need permission from his club to speak to him and an expensive compensation package is expected.
Southgate is expected to consider his future in the coming days following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Credit: Getty Southgate's message
Gareth Southgate has revealed what he told his devastated England players after the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions fell to a late 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin on Sunday night.
Speaking after the match, Southgate explained: "To lose a final is incredibly tough. Congratulations to Spain.
"They were the best team in the tournament and the best team tonight.
"I told the players I am very proud of them. They couldn't give the country any more and ultimately we lost to the better side.
"Our players couldn't have given more in terms of desire and character but we didn't use the ball well until we were a goal down.
"The players have pushed it until the 85th minute of the final game. They couldn't have given any more."
Spain break bizarre law
Spain broke a little-known law after Lamine Yamal featured in his nation's Euro 2024 success.
The winger, who turned 17 on Saturday, played 89 minutes as La Roja beat England 2-1 in Berlin to lift their record fourth Euros.
But the Barcelona winger reportedly broke a German employment law while at Euro 2024, according to German outlet Bild.
It’s claimed that under-18s in the country are not allowed to work past 8pm local time.
Athletes are given exemptions allowing them to play until 11pm.
Brutal Kane rating
Harry Kane was rated as the worst player during the Euro 2024 final.
The England captain was given a 3/10 score by French outlet L'Equipe.
None of the Three Lions players scored higher than a 6/10, with Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham all receiving the rating.
Lineker on Southgate's future
Gary Lineker has appeared to suggest Gareth Southgate could retire after England's Euro 2024 final loss.
The latest agonising defeat could lead to the Three Lions boss calling it a day on his career, according to Lineker.
Speaking post-match, he said: "I suspect this might be his last game in management."
Wenger selfie
Football fans loved what Arsene Wenger did during Gareth Southgate’s post-match interview on Sunday night.
The England boss spoke to the BBC following the Euro 2024 final defeat, with Wenger visible in the background.
He was spotted taking selfies with fans as Southgate poured his heart out.
Fans were quick to react on social media, with one writing: “Arsene Wenger taking a few selfies while Southgate gets interviewed lol.”
Another jokingly claimed Wenger’s hilarious appearance in Southgate’s interview is confirmation he’ll replace him as England gaffer.
They wrote: “Wenger confirmed.”
Bellingham shows class
Jude Bellingham showed his amazing sportsmanship after England's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The midfielder shared a touching moment with his Real Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal by embracing the Spanish defender and his two children after the medal ceremony.
Bellingham did the rounds to console all his teammates before picking out his domestic club team-mate Carvajal on the bench with his two kids.
He went over to the right-back to share a heartfelt moment, giving him a hug to say congratulations on the victory.
Credit: X formerly Twitter / @itvfootball Littler savages Southgate
Luke Littler has slammed Gareth Southgate after England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The teenage darts sensation fumed over the Three Lions boss' defensive tactics on Sunday night.
He said: "Well done Gareth, score a goal and we sit back on the penalty spot. Once again we get punished for it."
Littler also posted a clown face emoji to describe Southgate's management.
Kane 'could quit' England
Gary Lineker has hinted Harry Kane could retire from international football following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Kane suffered more England heartbreak following a 2-1 loss in Berlin on Sunday night.
Speaking on , Lineker said: "Part of [looking to] the future in my mind was what England do, what does Harry Kane do? He was not himself in this tournament."
Hinting he could quit England duty, the ex-striker added: "But I wonder. What is he, coming up to 31 now? That's exactly the time when I started to feel that way."
BREAKING: Southgate punditry offer
Gareth Southgate will be offered a punditry role by ITV if he leaves the England job, according to reports.
The report he will be offered the chance to cover the Three Lions by the broadcaster if he steps down.
Southgate's contract is set to expire in December, although the FA are keen on him to be extend his deal.
However, the England boss is understood to be considering his options.
Credit: Getty England players head home
England's heartbroken heroes have begun their journey home after losing the Euro 2024 final.
The stars were pictured leaving the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Berlin following the heartbreak of the final.
Gareth Southgate, clutching a drink in one hand, waved to those that had come to applaud the team.
The England staff and players were also applauded by the staff from the hotel as they left Berlin with their heads held high.
Credit: Sky Sports BREAKING: Kane posts emotional tweet
Harry Kane has admitted he's been left "heartbroken" by England's latest Euros agony.
The Three Lions skipper cut a devastated figure after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, but has vowed to keep fighting to bring football home.
He wrote on social media: "Heartbroken we couldn’t achieve what we worked so hard to.
"It was a long tough tournament. And I’m so proud of the boys and staff for getting to the final.
"Ultimately we fell short of our target and will have to live with that.
"But as we always do we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and be ready to fight again in an England shirt.
"Thank you to all the fans that believed in us and supported us to the very end!"
Credit: Getty Cucurella dig
Marc Cucurella has hit back at Gary Neville's pre-tournament criticism of him after helping Spain win Euro 2024.
The pundit had said: "I think he (Cucurella) is one of the reasons I think Spain probably can't go all the way."
Following La Roja's win over England in Sunday's final, Cucurella took to Instagram to respond.
Sharing Neville's comments and a snap of himself celebrating, the full-back wrote: "We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support."
Yamal picks up award
Lamine Yamal was named young player of the tournament after the Euro 2024 final.
The 17-year-old scored the winner in Spain's semi-final victory over France.
He also picked up four assists, including setting up Nico Williams' opener in the final.
Credit: Getty
Rodri named Player of the Tournament
Rodri has been named Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament.
The Spain midfielder played in six of his side's seven matches as they lifted the trophy for the fourth time.
He also scored in the last 16 victory over Georgia.
Credit: Getty Gary Lineker destroys Gareth Southgate with brutal seven-word comment after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat
England legends criticised Gareth Southgate for his “conservative” approach - as Gary Lineker took the most brutal swipe after the Three Lions once again fell short in a final.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s late strike saw Spain crowned champions of Europe and extended England’s painful wait for a major trophy.
Heartache for manager, team and country
Gareth Southgate has taken England to the latter stages of major tournaments but once again they were left wanting.
Questions will be asked about whether the Three Lions will move on without their manager but now is the time to let the dust settle on this heartbreaking defeat in Berlin.
This one hurt and will take some time to get over for the players, manager, coaches and fans.
Player ratings
SunSport's Tom Barclay was inside the Olympic Stadium in Berlin to run the rule over the England players.
He handed out two 8s and one score of 9.
At the other end of the spectrum, one England player received a measly score of 4/10.
Check out how he rated the players below.
Golden Boot goes to...
Harry Kane has come in for a lot of criticism during the tournament.
The Bayern Munich man looked well short of his best - with suspicion he was carrying an injury throughout.
Despite that, he leaves the tournament with the Golden Boot - but he'll have to share it with FIVE other players.
They are Spain's Dani Olmo, Dutchman Cody Gakpo, Germany's Jamal Musiala, Slovakian Ivan Schranz and Georges Mikautadze of Georgia.
The reason for so many winners is due to a change in the criteria.
Previously the winner has been decided on assists or minutes played if two or more players are tied for goals.
Credit: Getty Top of the Potts
Should Southgate step aside, Graham Potter is the top pick to replace him.
With the bookies, it appears to be a three-horse race.
Chelsea flop Potter, who is currently unemployed, is the clear favourite.
Newcastle United's Eddie Howe is just behind him in the betting.
The third most likely option according to bookies is a little more left field and would see a return to a foreign manager - Mauricio Pochettino.
The ex-Chelsea and Tottenham man is also currently available after departing Stamford Bridge over the summer.
Credit: PA
Southgate's quit hint
Southgate appeared to hint that he may have managed his final England game.
After the full-time whistle, he unusually referred to England as "they" and refused to commit himself in the immediate aftermath of defeat.
He said: "I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they've got now. The age of the squad.
"Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.
"There's a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation."
Southgate's contract expires in December.
Season ends in pain for Jude
After a season to remember for Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham was hoping to cap it off by leading England to Euro 2024 victory.
It was not to be, despite his last-gasp bicycle kick against Slovakia, with this feeling digging deep.
At 21-years-old, there is no doubt that Bellingham will have plenty more chances to avenge this heartache.
He was incredibly upset at full-time, even kicking a water cooler.
Credit: Alamy Pundits lay into England
England legends criticised Gareth Southgate for his “conservative” approach after the final whistle.
Gary Lineker took the most brutal swipe after the Three Lions once again fell short in a final.
The BBC host said: “It is a victory for attacking football.”
Rio Ferdinand blasted: “We said after the group stages, if you’re going to play the conservative side of things with the amount of talent we have in this squad, you have to win.
“Otherwise it will come down to it being absolutely dissected and looked at as being a negative approach.
“That falls on the manager’s toes. He sets this team out in a particular way to play.
“That’s his style of football and you have to win playing like that because these players are too good."
Alan Shearer said: “He (Southgate) will know that they haven’t performed. They didn’t have enough energy or quality on the ball.
“We would have loved to have seen him play more front-foot football.
“They have had another taste of it but you have to get over the line.
“First is first and the rest are nowhere, I’m afraid.
“I suspect it will be Southgate’s last game."
Chelsea full-back provides killer blow
Marc Cucurella supplied the inch-perfect cross to assist the goal that won Spain Euro 2024.
He dealt with the threat of Bukayo Saka after a nervy start to the game.
Cucurella lost possession deep in the English half, leading to Cole Palmer's equaliser but boy did he make ammends for La Roja.
Credit: AP
