New Delhi: Spain have been crowned champions of the UEFA Euro 2024 after England failed to win the trophy twice in a row. Talking to the press later, English manager Gareth Southgate has said that his side made some memorable performances but in the end were outdone by Spain who he felt were the better side on the day.
Despite Cole Palmer scoring an equalizer in the 73rd minute, England were unable to take the game home and lost 2-1 to La Roja. Southgate felt that despite putting brilliant efforts on the field in the first half where they defended brilliantly, they didn’t “keep the ball well enough”. He admitted that his side couldn’t play against Spain’s counter-press.
After the equalizer, England had briefly reignited the attack on Spanish goal post but Mikel Oyarzabal ensured that the Spain went home with their fourth Euro title. Southgate mentioned that the physical issues they had come with to the tournament had finally taken toll on them.
Playing with a back four, the 53-year-old felt that the Spanish counter-pressure was better as they have slightly different profile of players than the English side. Reflecting on the game, he felt it wasn’t the tactical design that was at fault but their lack of ball possession costed them the game.
When asked about his future with the team, Southgate didn’t hint much as he was yet to talk to the powers that be. He maintained that it was hard to reflect on his subsequent time as the coach of the side after such heartbreaking loss. Having led his side to two major trophy finals, questions still arise why Southgate hasn’t managed to take this team beyond the finishing line despite having a team full stars such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden With World Cup 2026 around the corner, these are the questions England will be keen to answer quickly.
England coach reflects after yet another loss in the finals of a major tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
