YOU DID US PROUD
Wills says it’s ‘not meant to be’ & Charles tells Three Lions ‘hold your heads high’ after devastating Euros final loss
England conceded in the 86th minute to lose the final in Berlin
THE King and Prince of Wales have sent condolence messages to the England squad after they lost 2-1 to Spain in the Euros final.
William told the England team: "This time it just wasn’t meant to be.
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"We’re all still so proud of you."
The royal shared his wishes in a social media post following their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The King also sent his condolences and praised the team for their efforts.
He said in a message to Gareth Southgate: "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.
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“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.
“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. Charles R”
England missed the chance to win their first major trophy since 1966.
The Three Lions had equalised after Cole Palmer came off the bench and scored.
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However, it wasn't meant to be as Spain took the lead again with just four minutes of normal time remaining.
Gareth Southgate’s men had strolled along a tightrope throughout this entire tournament, falling behind in all four of their knock-out ties.
Heartache for England as Spain clinch Euro 2024 with late winner
England had been poor throughout most of this Euros and they were thoroughly outplayed for the vast majority of the final.
There may have been late heartbreak but this was not a case of glorious failure.
Spain was far superior over the past four weeks, whereas England survived on moments.
The Three Lions' captain and striker, Harry Kane, looked distraught after he was subbed just 61 minutes into the match.
He was replaced by Ollie Watkins who bagged a 90th minute against Holland in the semi-finals.
Kane was seen with his head in his hand after he struggled to get into the game, which Spain were leading 1-0 when he came off.
Before kick-off, Gary Neville suggested why the Three Lions talisman has not been at his best.
The ITV pundit said: "He doesn't look right physically, that's what I would say, but I think he knows how to play the game. He's the very best striker we've ever had."
Colleague Roy Keane added: "I think when he's been dropping deep, not in position sense, he has looked a little bit sluggish. He just needs to be a bit sharper with his distribution.
"I think his positional sense [has been fine] it's just his sharpness isn't quite there."
Neville continued: "I think in the next couple of weeks, or maybe even quicker that, it will emerge that he's been patching himself up to get out there on the pitch. That's ordinarily what happens.
"He doesn't look right and it's something to do with his physicality, it's nothing to do with his understanding of the game."
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It comes after a BBC commentator left Alan Shearer baffled after he spoke about Alvaro Morata's career.
And check out Jordon Pickford's hilarious facial expressions ahead of England's Euro 2024 final defeat.
Exstacy to Agony for Wills and George
By Harry Goodwin & Summer Raemason
Prince William and son George went from ecstasy to agony as the referee blew the final whistle at the Euros 2024 final.
The Prince of Wales - President of the FA - and Prince George had earlier erupted with joy as Southgate's side equalized with Spain in the nail-biting clash.
The royal pair shot up and embraced as Cole Palmer fired a goal into the net, bringing the score to England 1 - 1 Spain.
In their adorable bonding moments, George, 10, was also snapped appearing to strategize with his father.
The young royal furrowed his brows and pointed towards the pitch amid the intense Euro 2024 final.
Meanwhile, Wills was spotted with an equally invested expression and open hands as he watched on the edge of his seat.
But, it all came crashing down at the full-time whistle, after a goal by Oyarzabal put Spain 2-0 up.
The Prince and his dad had their heads in their hands as England's dream of ending 58 years of heartache came crashing down.
Gareth Southgate's side had grown in confidence as the first half wore on and Jude Bellingham showed his quality to create an opening at the edge of the box.
Cole Palmer scored just seconds after coming on for England to make it level.
But then Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal scored to put Spain ahead at 2-1.
Both Wills and George looked devastated as the referee blew the final whistle and Spain were crowned victorious.