It was the dead of night in Berlin, the clock having ticked past midnight, yet within the depths of the Olympiastadion, a procession of England players emerged from their dressing room, each face a mask of silent disappointment. Heads were hung low, hoodies drawn up as shields against the world. Harry Kane passed by, then Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice, each a figure embodying the nation’s dashed hopes.
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Their walk that night was a long, somber one. First, the agonizing shuffle to the podium, where the coveted European Championship trophy was draped in the victorious red and yellow of Spain – a painful glimpse, then forced to move on. Then, the descent into the dressing room, a space echoing with unspoken grief and the sting of tears. And finally, this: a winding route to the waiting bus, ready to carry them away from the stadium and into the German night, their aspirations of Euro glory crushed by a 2-1 defeat to Spain. This England Euro campaign, once brimming with promise, had ended in familiar heartbreak.
Few players were willing to break the silence, to articulate the raw emotion. John Stones, however, paused, describing his feelings as “mental torture.” The Manchester City defender wrestled with the what-ifs, the could-have-beens, replaying Mikel Oyarzabal’s decisive late goal in his mind. “You think, ‘Could I have done this? Could I have done that? What if this happened?’” he confessed, the weight of the England Euro loss heavy in his voice. “You can play so many scenarios around in your head.”
But, as Stones and many others would come to realize, this defeat wasn’t a sudden shock; it had been foreshadowed. While moments of euphoria punctuated England’s journey through the knockout stages, this England Euro campaign felt, in many respects, like the least convincing of their four major tournaments under Gareth Southgate. They had navigated a path fraught with peril, often closer to collapse than triumph.
John Stones, England
In many ways, it was an enigmatic campaign. Southgate frequently referenced the overwhelming “noise” surrounding the team, a pressure that proved ultimately insurmountable. In the end, silence reigned, save for the jubilant fiesta erupting from the Spanish dressing room just down the corridor. The contrast was stark, highlighting the diverging fortunes of these two England Euro rivals.
Stones spoke of pride, acknowledging everything the England players had achieved in Germany – “how we handled ourselves, how we gave everyone these memories” – yet conceded that ultimately, “it’s just sad.” Watching the younger players depart, like Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer, who were experiencing this level of disappointment for the first time, amplified the poignant sense of loss. This England Euro journey, meant to be a breakthrough, had instead become a lesson in heartbreak.
For Southgate, Kane, and other veterans, this long, solitary walk into the night was a dispiritingly familiar experience. The ghosts of past England Euro failures lingered, casting a shadow over this latest attempt at glory.
To unravel the story of England’s summer, The Athletic spent the preceding month in conversation with numerous individuals close to the team camp, many of whom requested anonymity to safeguard their professional relationships. Their insights painted a detailed picture of the internal dynamics of this England Euro squad.
Five and a half weeks prior to the final, Kane and Southgate had taken another walk. This one unfolded at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground, where the England squad had gathered before their final pre-tournament friendly match. This earlier walk, in stark contrast to the Berlin defeat, was filled with a different kind of tension: the shockwaves of squad selection decisions impacting the England Euro preparations.
Kane harbored concerns. He and several teammates were reeling from Southgate’s final squad announcement. Having already controversially omitted Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford from the preliminary squad, Southgate doubled down on bold decisions by excluding Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish from the final 26-man roster for the England Euro tournament.
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Southgate had found it difficult to deliver the news to young players like James Trafford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah, and Curtis Jones, informing them they had missed the cut. While these youngsters may have harbored hopes, they hadn’t necessarily expected inclusion. James Maddison, however, had sensed his fate. But leaving out Maguire and Grealish was an altogether different, more emotionally charged proposition, creating ripples of unease within the England Euro camp.
Maguire was aware he was in a race against time, having been sidelined for the concluding weeks of Manchester United’s season due to a calf injury. Despite a minor setback, the experienced defender believed he would regain fitness by England’s third group game. He was understandably stunned when Southgate informed him of his exclusion from the final squad. Maguire insisted he would be fit, but Southgate deemed it too great a risk to take for this England Euro campaign.
Grealish was equally taken aback. He had delivered a positive performance as a substitute in the friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina three days prior and anticipated featuring in the final warm-up match against Iceland at Wembley. Instead, he too was summoned by Southgate and informed he had not made the final England Euro squad.
Kane and Southgate spoke after a final squad selection that left many players shocked
Maddison departed the camp almost immediately. Maguire and Grealish, however, lingered, still grappling with the shock. This sense of disbelief resonated throughout the team. Several players visited Grealish in his room, expressing their astonishment. Declan Rice publicly stated in a press conference that he was “gutted” that Maddison and Grealish, “two of my best mates in the squad,” had been omitted from the England Euro plans.
Beyond personal bonds, some players simply believed Grealish’s talent and experience in high-stakes matches warranted his inclusion. Despite limited playing time in the final weeks of Manchester City’s season, he had started both legs of a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in April. If Pep Guardiola trusted him in such significant games, why was he suddenly deemed surplus to Southgate’s requirements for the England Euro tournament? Was it a personal decision? Or were there other factors at play?
Grealish wished his teammates well before leaving camp, but he was in no mood for pleasantries with Southgate. He was deeply upset and shocked by the decision. This created a bittersweet atmosphere among the players who received confirmation of their call-ups. For many, it was not a celebratory evening in the England Euro camp.
Grealish and Maddison were both left out of the final squad
Kane was eager to discuss the situation with Southgate to gain a clearer understanding of the manager’s rationale and to effectively communicate those reasons to the rest of the squad. This walk provided the platform for Southgate to attempt to articulate his decision-making process regarding the England Euro selections.
The following evening, England suffered a defeat against Iceland at Wembley in their final warm-up match. The final whistle was met with boos from the remaining fans in the stadium. England managed only one shot on target throughout the entire match. This underwhelming performance further dampened spirits heading into the England Euro tournament.
For the first time under Southgate’s leadership, the atmosphere both within and outside the squad felt distinctly suboptimal as they embarked on their journey to a major tournament. Doubts and anxieties were beginning to surface surrounding England’s England Euro chances.
The FA had meticulously prepared their base in Blankenhain, nestled in the former East Germany, a mere 60 miles from the Czech Republic border. No detail had been overlooked in their quest for optimal England Euro preparation.
The Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land boasted an array of amenities, from basketball and padel courts to a games room, spa pools, ice baths, relaxation pods, and cryotherapy chambers. Two 18-hole golf courses delighted Kane and others, alongside golf and driving simulators. Each player’s bedroom was personalized with home comforts, family photographs, and heartfelt letters from loved ones. Artwork of players’ pets, some adorned in England shirts, added a touch of whimsy and personalization to the England Euro base.
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Meals were crafted by Danny Schwabe, the resort’s Michelin-starred chef, ensuring top-quality nutrition for peak performance during the England Euro campaign. Even the scent of home was replicated; FA officials had brought diffusers from St George’s Park, their English training base, to foster a sense of familiarity and comfort.
In the past, England players had often complained about the isolation of being confined to their bedrooms during tournaments. Under Southgate’s management, the emphasis shifted to communal areas, encouraging players to spend time together around the pool (engaging in volleyball and water polo), watching other matches on the big screen, or in the games room and juice bar. Lewis Dunk and masseur Ben Mortlock even tackled the elaborate Hogwarts Castle Lego set provided by the FA, fostering team bonding and relaxation in the downtime of the England Euro schedule.
This squad possessed a different dynamic, marked by the absence of familiar faces: Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and Jack Grealish were not part of this England Euro journey.
Established personalities within the squad included Kane, the quiet leader; Jordan Pickford, exuberantly energetic; Rice, infectious in his enthusiasm both on and off the pitch; Bellingham, radiating alpha male confidence; and Bukayo Saka, the universally adored “starboy.” Others would emerge as the tournament progressed, notably “Uncle” Marc Guehi, displaying maturity beyond his 24 years, and young talents like Palmer and Mainoo, all ready to make their mark on the England Euro stage.
Gallagher’s midfield inclusion was curtailed by Southgate
A popular pastime was “Werewolf,” the inspiration for the TV series “The Traitors.” Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham, intensely competitive in every endeavor, were key players, a shared passion they alluded to with their celebration when Bellingham scored against Serbia, securing England’s winning start to their England Euro campaign.
However, their performance in Gelsenkirchen that day was far from convincing. England hadn’t started the tournament with the same dynamism displayed by Germany and Spain. After a dominant opening half-hour, highlighted by Bellingham’s goal, they relinquished control, holding only 44 percent possession and managing a mere two additional shots on target. Concerns were mounting about England’s ability to maintain dominance throughout their England Euro matches.
Other issues surfaced. Southgate’s experiment of deploying Alexander-Arnold in an unfamiliar midfield role had not yielded the desired results. The team’s balance felt off. The manager voiced concerns post-match about the physical condition of his players, hinting at potential fatigue impacting their England Euro performances.
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The subsequent match, a 1-1 draw against Denmark in Frankfurt, further amplified these anxieties. Again, England struggled with fluency and cohesion. Alexander-Arnold was substituted once more, this time just ten minutes into the second half. Southgate appeared to abandon the midfield experiment, seemingly ready to trial Conor Gallagher in that role instead, seeking a solution to the midfield imbalance plaguing their England Euro games.
The team’s energy levels were now a significant concern. Southgate spoke of “limitations” in their pressing intensity, attributing it to the “physical profile of the team.” Kane, echoing these concerns, admitted England’s players were “not sure how to put the pressure on and who’s supposed to be going” when the opposition had possession. This lack of coordinated pressing was becoming a tactical vulnerability for England in the England Euro tournament.
A day later, a report in the London Times detailed the coaching staff’s worries about deficiencies in the team’s pressing game, specifically targeting Kane. The report revealed internal discussions where Southgate’s coaching staff had previously explained to Kane that effective pressing demanded sprinting at full speed towards the opponent upon approach. Kane, the report claimed, “has never been able to do this. He moves at half-speed towards his opponent, slowing down as he gets there.” This public critique of Kane’s pressing abilities added to the growing pressure surrounding the England Euro team.
Kane scored against Denmark but was later criticised
The report was authored by David Walsh, who had ghost-written a book with Southgate two decades prior and was recently described as “the journalist who knows him best.” While the authenticity of the specific quote about Kane’s pressing remained debatable, its detailed nature was striking. This media scrutiny intensified the pressure on both Kane and Southgate during the England Euro tournament.
Kane concluded the tournament with three goals, sharing the Golden Boot award, but he appeared uncomfortable throughout. Persistent rumors suggested he was battling a back injury, a lingering issue from his season at Bayern Munich. Publicly, however, he maintained he was fully fit, downplaying any injury concerns throughout the England Euro campaign.
The issues facing England were accumulating, but Southgate identified the most significant challenge as something that escalated in the days that followed – the pervasive “noise” and pressure surrounding the England Euro team.
Despite concerns about energy levels, tactical cohesion, creative spark, and Kane’s form, Southgate’s primary worry after the Denmark match was what he termed an “unusual environment.” This marked his fourth major tournament as England manager, and it was the first time he sensed palpable tension within the squad and the surrounding atmosphere of the England Euro competition.
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While media engagements at their Blankenhain base maintained a veneer of warmth – centered around the now-traditional daily player-versus-reporter darts challenge – some players felt under attack from former England players, including Gary Lineker, whose podcast, The Rest Is Football, labeled the performance against Denmark as “s***.” This harsh public criticism from prominent figures amplified the external pressure on the England Euro squad.
Kane responded to the pundits, asserting they had a “responsibility” to consider the impact of their words on a group of players – some experiencing their first major tournament – already under immense pressure. The weight of expectation and public scrutiny was clearly impacting the England Euro team’s morale.
Whispers emerged from within the camp questioning Southgate’s decision to exclude experienced figures like Henderson and Maguire. Even if their playing time would be limited, some players wondered if their personalities and leadership could have provided a calming influence amidst the mounting England Euro pressures.
According to sources briefed on the situation, one player confided to a member of Southgate’s staff that he had “never known anything like” the level of criticism directed at the team after the Denmark draw, particularly on social media. While backlashes had followed 0-0 draws with Scotland at Euro 2020 and the United States at the 2022 World Cup, the intensity of negativity surrounding this England Euro campaign felt unprecedented. Kane, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, and others all faced intense scrutiny.
Gareth Southgate, England, Denmark
Further adding to the off-field distractions, a newspaper accompanied Walker’s former mistress, the mother of his 10-month-old son, to the game against Denmark. Speculation surrounding another player’s marriage also surfaced in the media, creating unwelcome personal pressures amidst the England Euro tournament.
Players typically looked forward to family time the day after matches. However, Kane mentioned that some felt the scheduled seven-hour “fun day,” featuring bouncy castles and inflatable slides for the children, was “a bit too long.” “We might cut down on that in future,” he conceded – and they did, adjusting the schedule to better manage player fatigue and focus during the England Euro competition.
In the days following the Denmark game, Southgate showed his players footage from the final whistle in Frankfurt. He directly challenged their body language, stating, “They (Denmark) are on two points, we’re on four. They’re celebrating with their fans, we’re on our knees.” Southgate believed their reaction, symptomatic of the “unusual environment,” had contributed to the growing external perception of a failing England Euro campaign. However, the atmosphere would worsen before any improvement materialized.
First, the boos and jeers rained down. Then, as Southgate deliberately applauded the fans after a dismal 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne, a torrent of insults filled the air. Finally, plastic beer cups were thrown in the manager’s direction, a shocking display of fan frustration. The negativity directed at Southgate and the team was reaching a fever pitch during this England Euro group stage.
England’s progression to the knockout stage was already secured before the Slovenia match, but the mood soured dramatically at the final whistle. While primarily aimed at Southgate, the players also felt the brunt of the fan anger. Ezri Konsa informed reporters that some players’ family members had been “hit with a few drinks. My brother was hit, a few others. It was coming from all angles.” The toxic atmosphere surrounding the England Euro team was becoming increasingly concerning.
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The team’s on-field performance was simply not clicking. Bellingham, Saka, Foden, and Kane were all struggling to find their rhythm. Rice shouldered a heavy burden in midfield. Issues with team balance – midfield composition, lack of attacking width, the absence of a specialist left-back with Luke Shaw still injured – were evident. However, Southgate remained most troubled by what he repeatedly called the “unusual environment,” the suffocating pressure impacting their England Euro journey.
Reflecting after Cologne, Southgate acknowledged that the shift in mood was “probably because of me” and that it was now “creating a bit of an issue for the group.” The weight of expectation and criticism was clearly affecting the England Euro squad’s performance and morale.
Empty cups thrown at Gareth Southgate as he applauds the England supporters. @TheAthleticFC #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/rvJhL6t5OL
— Dan Sheldon (@Dan_Sheldon_) June 25, 2024
Southgate felt compelled to address individual players, including Alexander-Arnold, sidelined after two midfield appearances, and Gallagher, deeply disappointed at being substituted at halftime against Slovenia. Southgate reassured both players of their continued importance, even in substitute roles. He was encouraged by their positive responses throughout the remainder of the England Euro tournament.
However, Southgate sensed an underlying angst within the group. While not elaborating at the time, two weeks later, after a turning point, he openly acknowledged it. “I’ve talked to a lot of psychologists over the years, and one of the things that human beings want to avoid is public embarrassment,” he told ITV Sport. “We had a little bit of that mindset in the group stage. We weren’t free. We were too aware of the noise around us.” The pressure of avoiding humiliation seemed to paralyze the England Euro team at times.
One player, in particular, seemed acutely aware of the external pressure: Jude Bellingham. His man-of-the-match performance against Serbia was followed by less impactful displays against Denmark and Slovenia. Those familiar with the team environment noted his acute awareness of media commentary. Any criticism, even nuanced, seemed to resonate deeply with him, later referencing a media “pile-on.” Bellingham’s reaction to media scrutiny became a talking point during the England Euro campaign.
His demeanor became a subject of internal murmurs. The “Hey Jude” Adidas advertisement, portraying him as the national team’s savior, resonated with the public but struck some within the camp as incongruent with the collective ethos of Southgate’s England. The individualistic focus on Bellingham seemed at odds with the team-first mentality Southgate aimed to foster for the England Euro tournament.
Bellingham’s career path differed from his England teammates, bypassing the Premier League to move from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and then Real Madrid. He progressed rapidly through England’s youth ranks, spending less time with peers in his age group. Beyond a close friendship with Alexander-Arnold, he lacked the deep-rooted squad connections of others. This relative isolation might have contributed to his sensitivity to external pressures during the England Euro competition.
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On the eve of the tournament, Bellingham was elevated to the team’s “leadership group” alongside Kane, Walker, and Rice. However, his leadership didn’t extend to participating in daily media duties at Blankenhain. Less experienced players, including fringe squad members like Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Adam Wharton, stepped up to face challenging questions on behalf of the team. Bellingham’s media absence drew criticism, especially considering his leadership role within the England Euro squad.
Wayne Rooney, former England captain, highlighted this in a newspaper column, stating Bellingham “is in a position where he should be taking responsibility.” “It may be time to grow up, make decisions and say, ‘I need to help out and speak during the difficult times,’” Rooney wrote, “because if England win these Euros, I’m sure you’ll see him doing interviews.” The pressure was mounting on Bellingham to not only perform on the pitch but also embrace a more vocal leadership role during this challenging England Euro campaign.
Bellingham — and England — desperately needed a strong response on the pitch against Slovakia in the round of 16. The weight of the nation’s England Euro hopes rested on their shoulders.
England teetered on the brink of elimination. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, they trailed Slovakia 1-0, seemingly destined for tournament exit. They hadn’t registered a single shot on target. Their England Euro campaign — and potentially Southgate’s tenure — appeared poised to end in ignominy and public fury.
Then, from a long throw-in by Walker, headed on by Guehi, Bellingham conjured a moment of brilliance. Leaping and contorting mid-air, he executed a spectacular, dramatic scissor kick, salvaging England’s England Euro dreams. Bellingham sprinted away in celebration, exclaiming, “WHO ELSE?”
Well, there was also Kane. In the first minute of extra time, the captain made it 2-1. From the precipice of humiliation, England surged into the quarter-finals. This dramatic turnaround injected much-needed momentum into their England Euro campaign.
This time, Bellingham participated in post-match interviews, named player of the match by UEFA. He stated his celebration was partly adrenaline-fueled, partly “a message to a few people.” “You hear people talk a lot of rubbish,” he said. “It’s nice that when you deliver, you can give them a little back.” Bellingham’s performance and post-match comments marked a turning point in his England Euro tournament.
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A subsequent moment, where Bellingham appeared to make a crotch-grabbing gesture, resulted in a suspended one-match ban from UEFA — triggered by any further offense — and a €30,000 fine. This incident added another layer of complexity to Bellingham’s England Euro narrative.
Bellingham was the hero of the hour, but Southgate also highlighted the impactful performances of Mainoo, who had stabilized the midfield since replacing Gallagher against Slovenia, and the contributions of Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Ivan Toney from the bench. These tactical adjustments and player performances offered glimpses of hope for England’s continued England Euro progress.
Jude Bellingham, England
A palpable shift in mood enveloped the England camp upon their return to Blankenhain that evening. While acknowledging they had narrowly escaped a poor performance, the euphoria of victory lifted a significant weight. Back at the hotel, players bonded, some accepting Southgate’s offer of celebratory beers. The tension and negativity that had plagued the England Euro camp began to dissipate.
The following day consisted of a recovery session and more relaxed family time. In the evening, a surprise visit from singer Ed Sheeran, a repeat of his Euro 2020 appearance, provided further team bonding and lightheartedness. This injection of positivity was crucial for team morale during the England Euro knockout stages.
While not every player shared Kane’s enthusiasm for Sheeran’s music, the evening proved a resounding success. Players were again permitted a drink or two. Some joined Sheeran in singing. Humor arose when Ollie Watkins, an enthusiastic singer, suddenly experienced stage fright and walked off, telling Sheeran, “Sorry, this song isn’t the one.” These lighter moments helped to alleviate the intense pressure of the England Euro tournament.
More broadly, the fear of embarrassment had been, at least temporarily, overcome. On the training pitch, padel and basketball courts, and during evening games of “Werewolf,” the atmosphere was noticeably more upbeat. A renewed sense of unity and momentum emerged. The perceived gentler side of the knockout bracket also boosted spirits, with Spain, Germany, and France all positioned on the opposite side. The path to the England Euro final seemed, at least on paper, less daunting.
The six-day break before the quarter-final against Switzerland provided valuable time for recovery, recharging, refocusing, and intensive training. This extended preparation period was seen as crucial for England’s chances in the England Euro knockout rounds.
Three days before the quarter-final, widespread reports surfaced suggesting Southgate was contemplating a switch to a three-man central defense against Switzerland. With Guehi suspended due to yellow card accumulation, speculation pointed to Konsa joining Walker and Stones in central defense, with Saka and Trippier as wing-backs. This tactical speculation became a major talking point leading up to the England Euro quarter-final.
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Southgate and his assistant, Steve Holland, reacted with fury. Journalists were invited to a conference call where FA officials expressed anger and disapproval on the manager’s behalf. Southgate later questioned in a Talksport interview, “How does it help the team to give the Swiss (who might have been expecting us to play differently) three days to work out what we might do?” The overreaction to tactical leaks highlighted the heightened sensitivity within the England Euro camp.
The indignant response surprised many. Media outlets, including The Athletic, had frequently reported on potential personnel or system changes without eliciting such backlash. The possibility of reverting to a back three, mirroring Switzerland’s system, had already been speculated upon, given its use in extra time against Slovakia and Southgate’s past utilization of the system. The sensitivity around tactical information underscored the high-stakes nature of the England Euro tournament.
Extensive work on the back three formation was conducted in the lead-up to the quarter-final. Penalty shootout preparations were also intensified, focusing not only on technique (including walk-up routines and breathing control) but also assigning “buddies” to support each taker post-kick, minimizing disruption to others. This meticulous preparation reflected England’s determination to overcome past penalty anxieties in the England Euro knockout stages.
England’s first-half performance against Switzerland was their best of the tournament thus far, but a familiar second-half decline emerged. A sense of foreboding grew even before Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead with 15 minutes remaining. The pattern of strong starts followed by fading performances continued to plague England’s England Euro campaign.
Pickford’s penalty water bottle
Desperation mode activated once again for Southgate. Trippier, Mainoo, and Konsa were substituted, replaced by Eze, Palmer, and Luke Shaw, making his first tournament appearance. Salvation arrived almost immediately through Saka. The 22-year-old cut inside from the right and beat Yann Sommer with a curling shot inside the far post, forcing extra time. England appeared the more likely victors in the first half of extra time but ultimately clung on in the closing stages. Individual brilliance and tactical changes continued to be crucial for England’s England Euro progress.
Penalties loomed — historically a source of English tournament anguish, though less so under Southgate (with the Euro 2020 final being a painful exception). The specter of penalty shootouts always adds drama to England Euro knockout matches.
Their preparations appeared clinically precise. Their penalties mirrored this precision. Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, and Toney all converted, while Pickford executed a superb save to deny Manuel Akanji (diving left, precisely as instructed on his water bottle). England’s penalty practice and Pickford’s heroics showcased their mental fortitude in high-pressure England Euro moments.
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Alexander-Arnold stepped up for England’s fifth penalty, knowing a successful conversion secured victory. His response was emphatic: a thunderous shot propelling his team to the semi-finals. Celebrations erupted on the pitch and in the stands, joy replacing the preceding angst. The rollercoaster of emotions continued to define England’s England Euro journey.
The earlier anxieties yielded to elation and a sudden surge of excitement about the tournament’s potential. The semi-finals beckoned, and the England Euro dream remained alive.
Rest was minimal. England returned to Blankenhain that night, and after a recovery session the next day, only two full training sessions remained before their flight to Dortmund for the Wednesday evening semi-final against the Netherlands. The relentless pace of the England Euro knockout stages demanded quick turnaround and focus.
Southgate reflected on how “at the beginning of the tournament, the expectation weighed quite heavily, and of course, the external noise was louder than it has ever been.” “We couldn’t quite get ourselves into the right place,” he admitted. “I felt that shifted once we got into the knockout stages and definitely in the quarter-final.” Southgate acknowledged the psychological burden and the team’s struggle to overcome early tournament pressures in this England Euro campaign.
The “shift” he described was, in his view, a transition from a “fear mindset” to a “challenge mindset” – driven by the immediate challenge rather than consumed by fear of consequences. This mental shift was seen as crucial for England’s continued progress in the England Euro tournament.
However, the narrative of a complete shift didn’t entirely ring true. England had appeared fearful for extended periods against both Slovakia and Switzerland, rescued by individual brilliance in both instances. Performances remained unconvincing. They would need to elevate their game significantly against the Netherlands in the England Euro semi-final.
That necessity intensified when they conceded a seventh-minute thunderbolt from Xavi Simons. However, they responded effectively. Their equalizer, a Kane penalty awarded after VAR review for a foul by Denzel Dumfries, was fortuitous, but their play was becoming more fluid, with Foden enjoying his best 45 minutes of the tournament. England showed resilience and attacking intent despite early setbacks in the England Euro semi-final.
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Yet, the familiar pattern of second-half decline resurfaced. They spent much of the second half without registering a shot. Foden’s influence waned after his excellent first half. Kane appeared exhausted. Fatigue and inconsistency continued to be challenges for England in the England Euro knockout rounds.
Throughout his tenure, Southgate’s substitution strategy in major matches had been a point of criticism. This time, needing fresh impetus, he introduced Palmer and Watkins, replacing Foden and Kane. Two significant calls. The pressure was on Southgate’s substitutions to change the game in this crucial England Euro semi-final.
Watkins, with only a brief cameo earlier in the tournament, had earlier told Palmer they would combine for the winning goal. Palmer, receiving the ball in the inside-right channel, instinctively knew where to pass. Watkins knew where to run. He controlled the ball with one touch, then surprised Bart Verbruggen with a clinical finish inside the far post. England were through to the final. Southgate’s substitutions proved decisive, propelling England to the England Euro final.
Watkins creates another euphoric moment
The ensuing scenes were unforgettable: Watkins engulfed by his jubilant teammates, led by Kane; Rice visibly emotional, close to tears; Pickford ecstatic; every player euphoric, including those yet to play in the tournament; Southgate dancing to “Freed from Desire,” punching the air with delight. The raw emotion and shared joy highlighted the significance of reaching the England Euro final.
“One more!” Southgate yelled, raising a finger to the supporters. “Come on!” One final game. One more victory to “make history,” as Southgate later stated. The England Euro final was within reach, the ultimate test of their journey.
Fast forward to 10:53 pm local time on Sunday. The final whistle blew. As Spain’s players and supporters celebrated a well-deserved triumph, their English counterparts collapsed in despair. The England Euro dream had ended in defeat.
Rice sank to his knees. Stones lay flat on his back. Saka slumped, inconsolable. Bellingham walked off the pitch towards the dugout, then vented his frustration on a crate of water bottles. The raw emotion of defeat was palpable as England’s England Euro campaign concluded.
The first half of the final had unfolded reasonably well for England. They conceded possession to Spain but effectively neutralized their attacking threat. Foden forced Unai Simon into a difficult save just before halftime. England’s tactical approach in the first half of the England Euro final kept them in the game.
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However, barely a minute into the second half, Spain struck. Nico Williams scored after the precocious Lamine Yamal evaded Shaw on the flank. It was a devastating moment to concede, shifting the momentum decisively in Spain’s favor in the England Euro final.
Spain intensified their pressure, with Williams and Yamal dominating. Pickford was repeatedly called into action. Kane urged his teammates to persevere, but exhaustion was evident. Spain’s dominance and relentless attack put England under immense pressure in the second half of the England Euro final.
Southgate made changes, replacing Kane with Watkins, then Mainoo with Palmer. If defeat was inevitable, England would at least go down fighting. Southgate’s substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy and attacking impetus into the England Euro final.
Palmer is the latest to stir England, but this time they did not have the final word
Palmer’s impact was, once again, almost immediate. Barely two minutes after entering, he unleashed a first-time shot that beat Simon, aided by a slight deflection. England were back in the game. Palmer’s goal reignited England’s hopes and briefly shifted the momentum in the England Euro final.
For a brief period, extra time seemed likely. However, Spain regained their composure and renewed their attack. Yamal forced another save from Pickford, and then, in the 86th minute, Oyarzabal, played in by Marc Cucurella, slid in ahead of Guehi to make it 2-1. Spain’s late goal ultimately sealed England’s fate in the England Euro final.
England rallied once more, with Rice and Guehi both coming close from a corner, but Spain’s defense held firm. Spain would not be denied their England Euro victory.
Post-match discussions centered on fine margins, a common refrain in football defeats. However, this time, it felt different. England had benefited from those fine margins earlier in the tournament. They had flirted with danger for weeks. Ultimately, against a more cohesive and tactically superior team, they were outmaneuvered. England’s England Euro campaign, despite moments of brilliance and resilience, ended in familiar disappointment, highlighting the gap to overcome to achieve major tournament success.
Additional contributor: Dan Sheldon
(Top photo: Getty Images: design: Eamonn Dalton)
