England lost 2–1 to Spain in the final of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Berlin, but King Charles III sent a message to the players telling them to “hold your heads high.” Spain took the lead in the match, but England’s Cole Palmer equalised in the 73rd minute and the game looked like it was heading into extra time. But English fans’ hearts were broken in the 86th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal nipped ahead of Marc Guehi and tucked the ball into the net to score what proved to be the decisive goal.
It was the second successive European Championship that England has lost in the final. Three years ago, when Britain hosted the tournament after it was delayed for 12 months by the COVID-19 pandemic, England lost on penalties to Italy. “All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near, and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain,” added the king, whose son Prince William attended the match in person.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was also in the crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and afterwards he said the government wanted to break down “barriers of opportunity” to playing and succeeding at football. Sir Keir, a keen amateur footballer, said, “Playing each week, I know the importance and joy that football and sport more widely brings to so many people.” “Inspired by the Three Lions, we are breaking down the barriers to.
