Featured Image Credit: BBC / Getty
Topics: Gary Lineker, Football, England, Euro 2024, Spain, Gareth Southgate
Ryan Smart
Topics: Gary Lineker, Football, England, Euro 2024, Spain, Gareth Southgate
Gary Lineker summed up what many England fans will have been thinking after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin, with substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the winner on 78 minutes.
It was more final heartbreak for England, who lost to Italy on penalties at Wembley three years ago.
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For manager Gareth Southgate, it could be his last tournament in charge - although the 53-year-old has stressed that he will take the time to make a final decision on his future.
England had only three shots on target in Berlin, with one of those being Cole Palmer's 73rd-minute equaliser. Phil Foden hit an off-balance effort straight at Unai Simon in the first half, while Harry Kane saw an effort blocked.
Spain, meanwhile, planned their pressing techniques to perfection, and looked more dangerous every time they took the ball forward.
Despite starting on opposite wings, key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams even moved to the same side on one stage to cause England even more problems.
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And speaking on BBC after the final, Lineker delivered a brutal seven-word assessment that many England fans will have agreed with.
He stated: "It is a victory for attacking football."
His comments came after pundit Alan Shearer had said: "We would have loved to have seen him play more front-foot football.
"They have had another taste of it, but you have to get over the line. First is first and the rest are nowhere, I'm afraid."
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Southgate has yet to confirm his future as England boss, although Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett says that he believes the Three Lions will soon be looking for a new manager.
He said on Monday morning: "I think he'll go.
Everything that's happened out here ... he knew all about that, he pretended he didn't. But it hurt him. He's ready for a club job. He wants a club job. I fully expect him to leave."