It’s not coming home: Spain beat England to win Euro 2024

It turns out England’s team bus is the only thing coming home, as Spain beat the Three Lions 2-1 yesterday in the Euro 2024 final to claim their record fourth European title. 🇪🇸 

Goals from Nico Williams (47th minute) and substitute Mikel Oyarzabal (86th minute) were enough to defeat England, who sprang into life after Cole Palmer equalized with 15 minutes remaining. Gareth Southgate’s side were unable to conjure any last-minute magic this time, however, handing the title to a deserving Spanish side that was the best team throughout the tournament.

Shattering records and preconceptions

While this week’s headlines will focus on England’s failure to bring home a first-ever European Championship, the real story of this tournament was Spain’s dominance, which is as unprecedented as it is surprising. In addition to passing Germany to become the country with the most European titles with four, Spain:

• Became the first nation to win three out of five Euros following their titles in 2008 and 2012.

• Finished the Euros with a perfect record, becoming the first men’s team to win all seven of their matches.

• Broke a record for most goals ever scored at the Euros with 15, surpassing the 14 scored by Euro 1984 winners France.

The manner in which Spain set these records makes their triumph all the more impressive. Following a disappointing round-of-16 exit at the 2022 World Cup, new manager Luis de la Fuente cast aside tiki-taka like it was a bad tempranillo, implementing a direct style of play that better suited his squad.

The move payed dividends for La Roja, who took Europe by storm despite starting the tournament as fourth-favorites to win the title behind England, France, and Germany. 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and 22-year-old Nico Williams are at the center of this exciting, multicultural team that exemplify a willingness to adapt and embrace change.

De la Fuenta received a lot of flak for starting then 16-year-old Lamine Yamal in the Group B opener against Croatia, but his decision paid off as the Barça winger was named the Young Player of the Tournament and then some.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Spain’s second golden generation is here, and they’re not accepting tradition for tradition’s sake. The rest of the soccer world is officially on notice. 🏆

📊 Stat: Spanish teams have now won all 23 major tournament finals (Champions League, Europa League, World Cup, and Euros) they’ve played against non-Spanish sides since 2001.