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It was a “heartbreaking” ending for England as they gathered beside the Henri Delaunay Cup to watch Spain celebrate victory.
Spain won a record fourth European Championship title and left England in agony as Mikel Oyarzabal’s 87th-minute goal cemented a 2-1 victory.
“Heartbreak for England… absolute heartbreak,” Don Goodman said on Optus Sport.
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The Royal Family was among the many England fans who took to social media to express their heartbreak.
Harry Kane shakes hands with Prince William, Prince of Wales and President of The FA, as he collects his Runners Up Medal. Getty
“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,” King Charles wrote.
“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.”
“It is a hard defeat for England to take but in some ways, it is a victory for attacking football,” former England striker Gary Lineker said on BBC Radio.
Jude Bellingham kicks drinks bucket over. Getty
“England were not brave enough on the evening to make the next step,” former Celtic striker Chris Sutton added.
Fans at Box Park in England were seen leaving the venue before the game had ended, while many others held their heads low as they waited for the final whistle to go.
Social media has been flooded by the debate over the certainty of Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate’s future.
Despite taking the Three Lions to back-to-back Euro finals, Southgate has been unable to end a trophy drought.
English fans have expressed their concerns over the style of football Southgate brings, with former players leading an uproar of calls for him to part ways with the team.
Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England, consoles Jude Bellingham. UEFA via Getty Images
“I suspect it will be Southgate’s last game. From where he took over and where they are now,” England great Alan Shearer told BBC radio.
“There will be great disappointment at home. Yes, we could have played more attacking football but they have got to the final. But when you are here, you have got to get over the line.
“The reality is he got us to a final three years ago and got us to a final here, and hasn’t won. That will hurt him and maybe he will think it’s time for someone else.”
“I suspect Gareth Southgate may have had enough,” Lineker said.
“It is a tough, gruelling job.”
A dejected Gareth Southgate manager walks past the trophy. Getty
Southgate’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year and he remained coy about his future following the match.
“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now,” he told ITV.
“I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now, the age of the squad.
“Most of this squad are going to be around, not only for the World Cup, but for the next Euros as well. So there’s a lot to look forward to. But at this moment that’s not any consolation.”
England skipper Harry Kane offered his support for his manager as he dodged questions about the matter.
“We’ve made it clear we love the manager, but that’s his decision. This is not the time to talk about that now,” Kane said.
“That’s down to him. He’ll go away and think about it. Right now we’re all just hurting.”
