Spain 2-1 England: Oyarzabal Shines as Spain Triumphs in Euro 2024 Final Player Ratings

Mikel Oyarzabal struck late on for Spain to break English hearts in the Euro 2024 final, winning the contest in Berlin 2-1.

Hopes were high for England to end their silverware drought on Sunday night, even if they were facing up against the standout team of the tournament. Gareth Southgate would've been content with his side's first-half efforts, but the Three Lions failed to build on the momentum gained from Cole Palmer's equaliser after the break.

Spain came again having been pegged back, and Oyarzabal ghosted into the England box to tap home Marc Cucurella's cross with less than five minutes left to win the tournament for the impressive Spaniards.

There was a slight change to England's setup compared to pre-match projections, with Southgate reverting to the system deployed without much success during the first four games of the tournament. The back four returned, although Luke Shaw's inclusion made sure of greater balance.

England were happy to cede territory to Spain, who showed off their ability to control matches in the opening ten minutes through serene possession play and a fierce counter-press which ensured the Three Lions barely made use of the ball.

Southgate's side did start to gain momentum, though, and it was clear from early on that they wanted to take the final as deep as possible. England took their time at every dead ball, played for set pieces, and often went direct to avoid the Spanish press. This made for a fairly stodgy opening 45 minutes with just a couple of shots on target at both ends, but Southgate would've undoubtedly been pleased with his side's efforts, especially without the ball.

England would've been further emboldened by Rodri's half-time withdrawal, but before they could even fathom the Manchester City man's exit, they found themselves behind. A slick Spain move was rounded off by Nico Williams after Lamine Yamal had cut inside and found his wing twin.

Luis de la Fuente's side went through the gears in the aftermath, and England appeared on the ropes. Dani Olmo and Yamal both went close, and Southgate was forced into changes. Entering the final 20 minutes, the Three Lions were still in the game.

Once again, it was a Southgate change who made the difference. Palmer, within minutes of entering the fray, finished superbly from a smart Jude Bellingham lay-off to restore parity from nowhere. England then had a chance to get at their opponents, but they failed to go again despite having all the momentum - letting Spain off the hook. La Roja asserted control once more, appearing ominous, and with less than five minutes remaining, substitute Oyarzabal tapped home the all-important winner to break English hearts.

There was a late sequence of chaos with Unai Simon parrying Declan Rice's header into danger, but Dani Olmo was on hand to deny Marc Guehi's rebound.

Spain masterfully saw out stoppage time to win their fourth European Championship.