Spain 2-1 England: Player ratings as La Roja create history to break Three Lions’ heart | OneFootball

Spain claimed a record fourth European Championship after emerging as 2-1 winners over England in Berlin this evening.

La Roja went in front through Nico Williams before substitute Cole Palmer equalized, but the Three Lions couldn’t turn it around like in the semi-finals when Mikel Oyarzabal, who also came off the bench, netted an 86th-minute winner.

A 58-year wait for another major tournament success continues for England, who unfortunately became the first nation in Euro history to lose consecutive finals, while they will be celebrating in the streets of Madrid.

Having won their first title in 1964, the Iberian nation added two more crowns to equal Germany before they pulled ahead after winning all seven matches at Euro 2024. They became the first European nation to win seven games at a major international tournament (Euro/World Cup) and only the second overall, along with Brazil at the 2002 World Cup. They scored 15 goals this summer, the most by a nation in a single tournament in Euro history.

Here’s how the players rated at the Olympiastadion:

Spain

Unai Simón – 6.5 – Had to be alert to prevent Foden from putting England in front before half-time; nothing he could have done for Palmer’s equaliser, though was in the right place to deny Rice late on.

Marc Cucurella – 8 – Drowned out the noise and was a constant presence down Spain’s left flank, where he dovetailed with Williams, or moved centrally to provide De la Fuente’s men an extra body. Produced a peach of an assist for Oyarzabal’s winner.

Aymeric Laporte – 7 – The former Manchester City centre-back delivered a composed and reassuring performance; only his partner, Le Normand, completed more passes.

Robin Le Normand – 7 – Never looked fazed against England’s attack; came up big in several moments.

Dani Carvajal – 7 – Back in the starting lineup following his suspension, Carvajal would often be in direct battle with his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, who often got the better of the showdowns.

Fabián Ruiz – 8 – Another excellent selfless midfield display from the PSG man who has arguably been Spain’s most important player this tournament.

Rodri – 6.5 – Enjoyed another metronomic opening half — dictating Spain’s play from his “quarterback” role — before coming off injured at the break.

Nico Williams – 8.5 – Understandably, given his quickness, Spain would often attack down Williams’s flank, and the oft-reliable winger repaid his teammate’s faith by breaking the deadlock.

Dani Olmo – 8 – Put in a solid shift as Spain’s number 10, displaying neat touches and flicks to progress possession. However, he will be remembered for a late off-the-line clearance in this game.

Lamine Yamal – 7.5 – Became the youngest player to make an appearance in a European Championship final, surpassing Renato Sanches’ previous record of 18 years and 327 days for Portugal against France in 2016. He celebrated this moment with another assist: the first Spanish player to register four assists in a single UEFA European Championship tournament. It is also the joint most any player has ever assisted at a single Euro that Opta has on record (1980 onwards).

Álvaro Morata – 6.5 – Displayed immaculate hold-up play, but the Atlético marksman was feeding off scraps. Produced one speculative shot from distance before he was subbed off.

Martín Zubimendi (for Rodri 46) – 7 – Picked off from where Rodri left.

Mikel Oyarzabal (for Morata 68) – 7 –He’s now scored 12 goals for Spain, nine of which have come as a substitute, including his last five in a row. He’s the fourth substitute to score a winner in a Euro final, after Oliver Bierhoff for Germany in 1996, David Trezeguet for France in 2000 and Éder for Portugal in 2016.

Nacho (for Le Normand 83) – N/A – A late sub.

Mikel Merino (for Yamal 89) – N/A – A late sub.

England

Jordan Pickford – 6.5 – A mixed performance from Pickford, who appeared both comfortable and shaky. He couldn’t be blamed for either of Spain’s goals.

Marc Guéhi – 7 – Capping off a wonderful tournament with another assured performance, he is likely to become a regular fixture in England’s team moving forward.

John Stones – 7 – Easily his best performance at these championships, having made numerous key interventions as well as showcasing his trademark long-range shooting.

Kyle Walker – 6 – Couldn’t have been given a more tasking responsibility with him needing to deal with speedster Williams. To his credit, Walker was rarely undone by the Spanish winger.

Luke Shaw- 6.5 – After back-to-back positive cameo appearances, the Man Utd full-back made his first start at Euro 2024, and it couldn’t be in a more significant game. Considering everything he gave a good account of himself.

Declan Rice – 6 – Oft-reliable in the middle of the park, but the swarm of red shirts around him seemed to have put Rice off his game. Not his best.

Kobbie Mainoo – 5.5 – Given a stern examination in an intriguing midfield battle, though undoubtedly playing beyond his years, Mainoo was somewhat below the standard he had set from previous outings.

Bukayo Saka – 6 – We rarely saw him isolate Spain’s left-back as he did in previous matches in this championship. Saka was one of England’s biggest attacking threats heading into this game but was subdued.

Jude Bellingham – 6.5 – You could tell he was up for the game right from the start, and Bellingham seemed to be everywhere, setting up Palmer’s fantastic equaliser.

Phil Foden – 5 – Had the first real chance for England on the stroke of half-time, but the Man City forward was off balance, but still managed to get his shot on target.

Harry Kane – 5 – His yellow card at 24:44 was the third earliest card shown in a Euro final, after Gerard Pique v Italy in 2012 (24:27) and Costinha v Greece in 2004 (11 minutes). This was another disappointing outing for the England captain.

Ollie Watkins (for Kane 61) – 6 – Unable to recreate those semi-final heroics, picked up a yellow card for his troubles.

Cole Palmer (for Mainoo 70) – 6.5 – Scored 142 seconds after coming on as a substitute – England’s quickest such goal in Euros history. He has never let Southgate down when called upon.