Euro 2024 final: Spain defeat England reaction, analysis - ESPN

A gripping Euro 2024 ended on Sunday with Spain crowned champions for a record fourth time, with goals from Nico Williams (47th minute) and Mikel Oyarzabal (86th minute) enough to given them a 2-1 win over England. Cole Palmer briefly pulled the Three Lions level with just over 15 minutes remaining.

With the confetti still settling on the pitch, ESPN's writers at the ground and at home chime in with their immediate thoughts on Sunday's remarkable final.

BERLIN — Spain have won the European Championship for a record-breaking fourth time, edging one clear of Germany, and few would argue against them being the best team at the finals. They have scored the most goals, won all seven matches — only needing extra time once — and played the best football throughout. (They are the only men's team to win all seven games at a Euros.)

While pre-tournament favourites France and England were more reactive, preferring to sit deeper and hope for some magic from one of their star players, Spain played on the front foot and beat the best: holders Italy, hosts Germany, France and England. However, to win a tournament, you also need to dig in. They did that against Germany in Stuttgart, and in the second half against France in the semifinal on Tuesday.

They also showed resilience, coming from behind against Georgia and France and reacting well to England equalising — even after losing midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time. That attitude was on display until the very last moments on Sunday, as Dani Olmo (who scored three goals at Euro 2024) headed Marc Guéhi's goal-bound effort off the line in stoppage time.

It is an exciting time for La Roja, who have now won three of the past five Euros. This team is completely different than the side