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.
‘Prize Was So Near’
King Charles, in a message to manager Gareth Southgate and the team, said: “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.
“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 opportunity which stops the new generation of footballers from taking to the field and will celebrate those who keep the beautiful game alive in our communities and clubs,” he added.
Later, when the prime minister’s official spokesman was asked if Mr. Southgate deserved a knighthood, the spokesman said, “He has provided great leadership, he has done the country proud, but I wouldn’t get into commentary around honours.”
Nandy Talks of Uncovering ‘Next Generation of Stars’
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The whole country is incredibly proud of England’s performance at Euro 2024 in reaching the final and we congratulate Spain as winners. The Three Lions have once again been a huge inspiration for our future lions and lionesses.”She said, “We will make sure that the legacy of recent successes are genuinely felt in communities, far and wide across the country.”
“We’re absolutely committed to making sure every child has access to the sports they love both in schools and in grassroots clubs to not just help uncover the next generation of stars but to help create a healthier nation and change lives for the better,” added the MP for Wigan.
A Football Governance Bill, which Ms. Nandy says is her department’s priority, is likely to be included in the King’s Speech on Wednesday.
But the Premier League warned of the “unintended consequences” of the legislation.
It was one of a number of bills that were shelved when the general election was called, but Labour is set to reintroduce it, possibly slightly amended.
