If football is going home, it is only because this final belonged to Spain. A record fourth European Championship title was their reward for a splendid performance in Berlin, even though it briefly seemed England would produce another illogical escape act.
Anything other than a 27th consecutive win for a Spanish team in a final would have been a travesty. They led when their flying wingers combined, Lamine Yamal setting up Nico Williams, and they gathered their thoughts after Cole Palmer’s equaliser. When the substitute, Mikel Oyarzabal, scored with four minutes to go, it was not a surprise. There was no misfortune to Gareth Southgate’s heartache. England were outclassed by Luis de la Fuente’s refined side and it was another occasion when Harry Kane failed to perform on the big stage.
Continue reading… The Guardian Read More If football is going home, it is only because this final belonged to Spain. A record fourth European Championship title was their reward for a splendid performance in Berlin, even though it briefly seemed England would produce another illogical escape act.Anything other than a 27th consecutive win for a Spanish team in a final would have been a travesty. They led when their flying wingers combined, Lamine Yamal setting up Nico Williams, and they gathered their thoughts after Cole Palmer’s equaliser. When the substitute, Mikel Oyarzabal, scored with four minutes to go, it was not a surprise. There was no misfortune to Gareth Southgate’s heartache. England were outclassed by Luis de la Fuente’s refined side and it was another occasion when Harry Kane failed to perform on the big stage. Continue reading…
