Berlin, 15 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Spain lived up to their top billing as they defeated England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday to claim a record fourth continental title and extend England's 58-year big trophy drought by at least another two years.

Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal slid into Marc Cucurella's low cross to fire an 86th-minute winner after their 47th-minute opener from Nico Williams was cancelled out by English sub Cole Palmer in the 73rd.

Man of the Match Williams' goal was superbly set up by Lamine Yamal who the day after his 17th birthday became the youngest player in a Euro final.

The goal ignited Spain after a cagey first half, even though influential playmaker Rodri did not return from the break - before being named Player of the Tournament in the end.

Substitute Palmer drilled England's equalizer into the bottom left corner in the 73rd.

But Oyarzabal then had the last laugh for Spain in Berlin's Olympic Stadium under the eyes of Spain King Felipe VI, who then joined the players on the pitch on a glorious day for the nation, a few hours after Carlos Alcaraz won back-to-back Wimbledon tennis titles.

"I couldn't be more happy. Today has been a wonderful day, a team has deservedly been crowned European champion. Today I'm even more proud and I hope this momentum can bring even better days," coach Luis de La Fuente said.

Williams said: "I'm euphoric, very happy. We've suffered a lot, they have players who can make the difference. We've been able to counter their weapons and had a great tournament."

Spanish records in glorious tournament

La Roja became the first team to win all seven matches at one Euros as they moved one ahead of Germany with a fourth Euro title, the previous ones coming in 1964, 2008 and 2012.

De la Fuente's team scored a finals record 15 goals in their run to the title that included victories over title holders Italy, 2018 and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, hosts Germany and pre-tournament favourites France, the 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up.

England wait goes on

England had far less flair but showed plenty of resilience as they were the first team to reach the final after coming from behind in all three previous knock-out matches, including a stoppage time overhead kick equalizer from Bellingham against Slovakia and an 89th-minute winner from Ollie Watkins against the Netherlands.

But, with the Prince of Wales looking on, Gareth Southgate's side finally ran out of luck, despite another temporary comeback effort, as not even Watkins coming on for captain Harry Kane on the hour made a difference in the end.

The Three Lions fell just short as in 2021 when they lost the Wembley final on penalties against the Azzurri.

"It's hard to put into words how we're all feeling right now. Tough game. We did well to get back into the game and struggled to build on that. To concede late on is really tough to take," Kane said.

The 1966 World Cup title remains the men's only title, with the next chance coming at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and at Euro 2028 in the Home Nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Ireland.

Slow start for Spain

Spain made two changes to the starting line-up, bringing back Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal from suspension. England, meanwhile gave Luke Shaw his first start at Euro 2024, after he spent most of the tournament recovering from injury.

Shaw made some important moves to initially stop Yamal, who however, got some space in the 23rd after Phil Foden gave the ball away just outside his own penalty area, but couldn't find the target.

England created some danger before the break as a free-kick found its way through to Foden, but he was denied by Unai Simon, who made the first save of the game.

Quick opener and late winner for Spain

The Second half had barely started when Yamal and Williams combined to give Spain the lead. Yamal collected a ball from Dani Carvajal before feeding Williams in the box for his low finish into the far corner in the 47th.

Pickford made a huge save to deny Yamal what would certainly be a second in the 66th, before England also used their own talisman Palmer to make Spain feel sorry for missing all of those chances.

Bellingham laid off a perfect ball for Palmer, who fired from a distance with his first touch of the match into the bottom corner in the 73rd.

But the momentum never really shifted and Spain kept strong on the ball and were rewarded with the winner as Oyarzabal tapped in Cucurella's pass in the 86th.

England had one final chance in the 90th as Declan Rice headed straight at Simon, Olmo cleared Marc Guehi's header on the rebound off the goal line and a final effort from Rice went over as Spain held on for a latest triumph.

Photo: EPA