Gareth Southgate revealed his pride in the beaten Three Lions following England’s crushing Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain.
England became the first side to lose back-to-back European Championship finals, having lost to Italy on penalties three years prior.
A late Mikel Oyarzabal goal did the damage this time around after a splendid strike from substitute Cole Palmer cancelled out Nico Williams’ earlier effort.
But a dignified Southgate admitted he told his players to keep their heads held high despite yet more Euros heartbreak.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, the England boss said: “To lose a final is incredibly tough. Congratulations to Spain. They were the best team in the tournament and the best team tonight.
“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
“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.”
Fatigue appeared to play a part for England in the latter stages of the contest, with Southgate pointing to the ‘physical toll’ a gruelling club season had on the squad.
He added: “So many of our players came into the camp having missed the end of the season. That physical toll was definitely an issue for us – but that’s exacerbated when you don’t keep the ball.
“You have to hold your hands up and admit Spain were better.
“I think the team have done the country proud by reaching the first final away from England and the second final in succession.
“But we had an opportunity to win – and we haven’t been able to take it.
“The physical issues took their toll on four or five players. When the winning goal went in we were trying to get Gallagher on for Bellingham because he was cramping up.”
Ultimately though, it’s another final defeat. Questions about his future have already been raised, with Southgate hinting this could be the end of his journey as England boss.
The 53-year-old claimed: “It’s hard to reflect so soon after a defeat like this. To take England to two finals has never been done, but we came here to win and we haven’t. We haven’t been able to take that last step.
“I need to have conversations with important people behind the scenes rather than publicly. Many of this squad will be around in two, four, six years time.”
