England’s EURO 2024 Heartbreak: Former Players React to Final Defeat
Criticism and Disappointment Follow England's 2-1 Loss to Spain
England’s quest for a major trophy was thwarted once again with a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the EURO 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday. Former players, pundits, and fans expressed their disappointment and criticized the team’s performance.
Gareth Southgate’s side suffered their second successive final defeat, having lost to Italy in the 2021 European Championship. Despite a strong run to the final, England’s cautious tactics were frequently criticized. The final followed a familiar pattern: Spain took the lead in the 47th Williams, but England equalized in the 73rd minute with a goal from Cole Palmer. However, Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute strike secured the title for Spain, ending their 12-year drought.
‘Bits and Pieces’ Criticism
Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton voiced his displeasure, stating, “Spain played the beautiful game and deserved to win. England looked disjointed, more like a collection of ‘bits and pieces’ than a cohesive team.”
Rio Ferdinand echoed Sutton’s sentiments, saying, “England lacked bravery. Winning requires courage and taking risks, not just waiting to react.”
Praise for Spain’s Attacking Play
Former England striker Gary Lineker and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards praised Spain’s approach. Richards noted, “England has the best squad but not the best team. Our defensive mindset under Southgate has held us back.”
Gary Neville criticized England’s poor ball possession, which stood at just 35%. “Every England manager has faced this issue. We often end up exhausted while the opposition gets stronger,” he remarked.
Southgate’s Future
Neville also commented on Southgate’s future, suggesting the England manager will need time to reflect. “Gareth has achieved a lot, but this defeat may prompt him to reconsider his position.”
England’s EURO 2024 campaign highlighted both their potential and their shortcomings, leaving fans and analysts calling for a more daring and cohesive strategy moving forward.
