Spain beat England to win Euros reaction - Southgate future, Three Lions return (2024)

Good night

That's all from us for now as we say goodbye to Euro 2024.

It was another nearly moment for England and Gareth Southgate, but we'll regroup and dust ourselves down ahead of the Nations League and the 2026 World Cup.

Shearer predicts Southgate exit

Alan Shearer believes that Gareth Southgate has managed his last England game, having fallen short in the final of Euro 2024.

“I suspect he might say ‘over to someone else’. I suspect it will be Southgate’s last game,” said Shearer.

“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 (at Euro 2020) 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.”

ICYMI: Bellingham backs Southgate

Jude Bellingham has paid tribute as speculation over the England manager's future grows.

Southgate is expected to stand down from his role following defeat in the Euro 2024 final but Bellingham, one of England's top players, has given him a glowing endorsem*nt.

He said: "It's down to the manager and what the FA decide. I've got nothing but rcespect for Gareth.

"He gave me my debut in the squad, made me feel very at home. Someone who in the last year or two, our relationship has gone past football and I feel I can open up to him a lot.

"I think that speaks volumes of the kind of man he is. Whatever happens with Gareth, I'll always respect him, if he stays then I'll be even more determined to win something for hm because he deserves it.

"Sometimes the numbers, the records and statistics don't lie, he's been out most successful manager since '66. Whatever he decides he'll always have my respect and my love."

Kane releases statement

England captain Harry Kane has released a statement thanking fans for their support following last night's heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2024 final.

The Bayern Munich striker, who struggled and was taken off on the hour by Gareth Southgate, wrote on social media: "Heartbroken we couldn’t achieve what we worked so hard to. It was a long tough tournament and I’m so proud of the boys and staff for getting to the final.

Ultimately we fell short of our target and will have to live with that but as we always do we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and be ready to fight again in an England shirt. Thank you to all the fans that believed in us and supported us to the very end!"

Time for home

England's stars now head their separate ways after arriving at Stansted.

England return

BREAKING: The Three Lions squad have arrived back in England after after losing the 2024 Euro final against Spain in Berlin pic.twitter.com/ARDcUeSMxJ

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2024

Southgate's legacy and future

Mirror Football writers have provided their verdict on the England boss and whether he should continue to lead the Three Lions.

Sounds like it's time for someone new.

New job lined up for Southgate

If the England boss chooses to leave his role following the Euros defeat, he will not have to go without work it seems. ITV are ready to offer him a job it seems.

Royal message

England, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old. Congratulations to Spain. W & C pic.twitter.com/i27WXcAyKf

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 15, 2024

Southgate exit?

In years to come, we will probably look back differently on Gareth Southgate’s reign.

After all, we tend to get misty-eyed over Sir Bobby Robson’s time as England manager as he is remembered as a special human being. And rightly so.

Robson oversaw four tournaments. They did not qualify for the 1984 European Championship, got to the quarter-final in the 1986 World Cup, did not get out of the group in 1988 and reached the semi-final in Italia '90.

Southgate, like Robson, has been in charge for eight years and reached two finals, one semi final and a quarter-final. One day, we might celebrate Southgate dancing in front of the England fans in the same way as Robson’s jig of delight.

Continue reading

Winners and Losers

Our very own Tom Victor has picked out the winners and losers from England's Euro 2024 exploits.

Some difficult choices to make.

Kane speaks out

Heartbroken we couldn’t achieve what we worked so hard to. It was a long tough tournament and I’m so proud of the boys and staff for getting to the final. Ultimately we fell short of our target and will have to live with that but as we always do we will pick ourselves up, dust… pic.twitter.com/XHI54WejmF

See Also

Big stars rise to the occasion as Cleary nails comeback and Turbo torches the Titans

— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 15, 2024

David Raya consoled teammates

Club allegiance still played some part in David Raya's night as he spent some time with Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka amid his celebrations.

Candidates to be next England manager

From Thomas Tuchel to Lee Carsley. Mirror Football look at some options for the FA if Southgate departs.

Lisa Nandy's reaction to Euros defeat

Carvajal misses Spain celebrations

The Spaniard missed his nations dressing room celebrations last night after his presence was demanded elsewhere. The defender was called away for doping tests in the aftermath and missed what he described as a 'lot of things'.

View figures

Euro 2024 final viewing figures, per Jim Waterson.

BBC peak: 17.8m

ITV peak: 6m

"That's 23.8m combined. Highest combined audience of year but only slightly above semi-final," notes Waterson.

Southgate questioned

The England boss faced questions from his squad after leaving Jack Grealish out of the group. The Man City star was probably not a figure that was missed in the end but it was a controversial decision for some when it was made.

Full story

Cole Palmer's message

Chelsea star Cole Palmer cut an emotional figure following Euro 2024 defeat but was left determined to find success on the international stage.

"Obviously everyone wanted to go a step further, and we're disappointed that we didn't... [but] the World Cup's in two years' time, we need to remember this feeling and hopefully push on and try and win it."

Full story.

England goodbyes

Muller retires

With the end of a tournament often comes the end of an era. Thomas Muller has announced his retirement from international football.

Muller earned 131 caps to make him Germany's third-most capped player, behind Lothar Matthaus (150) and Miroslav Klose (137).

England depart

The Three Lions begin their journey home after a disappointing night for all. A light applause sends them on their way.

BREAKING: England team begin their journey back home after 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 tournamenthttps://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3

Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/TdXnlt55Hl

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 15, 2024

Bellingham offers Southgate verdict

"It's down to the manager and what the FA decide. I've got nothing but rcespect for Gareth.

"He gave me my debut in the squad, made me feel very at home. Someone who in the last year or two, our relationship has gone past football and I feel I can open up to him a lot.

"I think that speaks volumes of the kind of man he is. Whatever happens with Gareth, I'll always respect him, if he stays then I'll be even more determined to win something for hm because he deserves it.

"Sometimes the numbers, the records and statistics don't lie, he's been out most successful manager since '66. Whatever he decides he'll always have my respect and my love."

Cucurella hits back

The Spanish defender was targeted by Gary Neville ahead of Spain's first Euro 2024 match.

Cucurella certainly had the last laugh and made sure that Neville knew.

He really meant it!

Jude Bellingham vents his frustration after losing the Euro final to Spain: He kicked a cooler and sat angrily on the bench alone #EURo2024 pic.twitter.com/R2lqvwZdS0

— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) July 14, 2024

Bellingham frustration laid bare

England travel message

England's players and staff will be travelling back on a charter flight and will leave the airport via a private terminal, so there will not be an opportunity for the public to greet them on arrival. We thank you, our incredible fans for all of your supporter throught the tournament.

Southgate lifts lid on Kane

England boss Southgate once again highlighted that Kane came into the tournament off the back of an injury but praised his leadership following defeat to Spain.

Southgate revealed he replaced England's captain to introduce a forward who would run in behind Spain's backline.

Ouch"

Former Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini was in attendance last night and it appeared to spark some memories.

“It takes me back, seeing the English so enthusiastic and happy, remembering how quickly their mood can change," said the former Juventus star before the game.

Carragher defends Southgate

Jamie Carragher believes England's stars must first look at themselves before Southgate takes any blame for the Three Lions' defeat last night.

The former Liverpool defender doesn't believe the big players turned up at Euro 2024.