England fans expressed their heartbreak after Spain scored in the final minutes of the Euro 2024 final to clinch a 2-1 victory.
Three Lions supporters groaned and held their heads in their hands in despair after Spain’s second goal.
Fans at the O2 Arena in London began to leave the match screening before the end of the Euros final, heading for the exit as the game rolled into four minutes of extra time.
Most spectators at Boxpark Croydon in southeast London also headed for the exit as soon as the final whistle went.
Fraser Mullen, 40, from Redhill in Surrey, said: “It didn’t feel like the same old England. We just came up against a better team.
“We defended really well. Jordan Pickford was outstanding. We made Spain look really average.
“It doesn’t feel as bad as it has in the past. The talent is there. They just need to do a bit more next time.”
Fans looked dejected after the match, with many staring in disbelief as they watched their team comforting each other.
England fans had paid thousands to travel by air, road and rail to Berlin for the match.
Those who had not managed to get tickets wore the team shirt and draped themselves with England flags, while some sported red and white face paint as they packed out the designated fanzones.
Back at home spectators flooded pubs, bars and fan zones to cheer on the Three Lions.
Earlier in the match, pints were thrown into the air at the O2 Arena and Boxpark Croydon as fans celebrated England’s first and only goal, from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Prince of Wales and Prince George watched from a box in the Olympiastadion.
After the match, Prince William shared his commiserations to the England team “we’re all still so proud of you”, adding: “It just wasn’t meant to be.”
The King told the team to “hold your heads high” following their defeat, saying in a message to Gareth Southgate and his players that reaching the final was 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”.
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Sir Keir said the English team had made the country proud, tweeting: “You made your country proud, England. “Congratulations to Spain.”
