United Beyond Manchester

Spain beat England 2-1 to take the 2024 European Championship.

It is not coming home. For a second straight Euros, England fail to secure a trophy after making it to the Final. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal gave La Furia Roja its first Euro title since 2012.

Spain was the better team for much of the match, as possession and chances both leaned their way. England defended well in the first half and reached the break level at zero. Unfortunately, that did not last long after the half.

Just two minutes after the break, Nico Williams found a breakthrough for Spain. The Three Lions were caught out defensively, and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal played a ball into Williams, who placed the ball past Jordan Pickford.

After the goal, England found a little more success, and substitute Cole Palmer blasted his side back into the game. Jude Bellingham created the finish for Palmer with a layoff, and the Chelsea forward smashed the ball into the bottom corner from distance.

With just four minutes remaining in normal time, Luis de la Fuente’s men found the winner. Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal got behind the England back line and placed a finish past Pickford to provide his side the decisive moment.

The English players can be proud of their tournament but will know that a trophy was needed for true success. Back-to-back losses in the Final are crushing, especially for those who were a part of the 2021 penalty shootout loss to Italy.

While Kobbie Mainoo had a frustrating night, the 19-year-old should be extremely proud of his first major tournament for his country. When given his opportunity in the knockout rounds, he took hold of the final midfield position and made it his. Everyone in Manchester red is proud of Kobbie and looking forward to his 2024-2025 season at Old Trafford.

Luke Shaw also returned to start against Spain and had an overall solid match. It remains to be seen what role he will play at United this season, but his injury recovery is encouraging for the start of the Premier League.

With the Euros and Copa America ending, fans can turn their attention to club preseason and their nations’ u23 Olympic teams.

Congratulations to Spain for their success in the 2024 European Championship.