Shattered England stars are consoled by their families and WAGs after heartbreaking last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final – but King sums up feelings of a proud nation as he tells Gareth Southgate’s side: ‘Hold your heads up high’

King Charles and Prince William tonight paid tribute to the England squad, hailing them the ‘satisfaction of a nation’ and to ‘maintain your heads up excessive’ after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking Euro 2024 closing defeat to Spain. 

Gareth Southgate’s males have been unable to make historical past as they misplaced 2-1 in Berlin, because the Three Lions as soon as once more missed out on glory. 

Tens of millions of followers had packed into bars and pubs in hope of seeing England lastly declare their first victory for the reason that World Cup of 1966. 

And tremendous sub Cole Palmer had given the nation perception when he struck a superb equaliser within the 73rd-minute, after his staff had gone behind at the beginning of the second half. 

It despatched boozers into wild celebrations, with beers launched into the air as followers sung ‘it is coming come’ – whereas in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Prince William and his son, Prince George, punched the air in delight.

However the hopes and expectations of a nation got here crashing down minutes later when Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal slotted the profitable purpose previous Jordan Pickford within the 86th-minute. 

Crestfallen followers have been left in disbelief and holding their heads of their palms after England got here agonisingly near victory. 

The defeat left William and George visibly surprised, with the Prince of Wales later seen consoling England’s dejected skipper, Harry Kane – as King Charles urged the squad to ‘maintain your heads excessive’ and hailed them the ‘satisfaction of a nation’.

The defeat echoed England’s bitter loss at Euro 2020, when the squad got here in as runners-up. 

On the pitch, goalkeeper Pickford and Cole Palmer have been left holding their heads of their palms, whereas a distraught Jude Bellingham was comforted by Southgate after collapsing to the ground.  

In a touching message to try to carry spirits, the Prince of Wales instructed the staff ‘we’re all nonetheless so happy with you’ after they misplaced the Euro 2024 closing to Spain.

William, who’s the president of the FA and later offered runner-up medals to the Three Lions, mentioned: ‘It simply wasn’t meant to be.’

Spain claimed a 2-1 win whereas England fell on the final hurdle for a second European Championship closing in succession.

The prince mentioned on social media: ‘This time it simply wasn’t meant to be. We’re all nonetheless so happy with you. Onwards. W’

And King Charles urged the aspect to ‘maintain your heads excessive’ in a message to Gareth Southgate the place he praised their ‘actually nice achievement’.

He mentioned: ‘Though victory could have eluded you this night, nonetheless my spouse and I be a part of all my household in urging you and your assist staff to carry your heads excessive.

‘All those that have participated in sporting actions at any degree will know the way totally despairing such a consequence can really feel when the prize was so close to – and can be a part of me in sending heartfelt sympathy, at the same time as we congratulate Spain.

‘However please know that your success in reaching the European Championship closing is a very nice achievement in itself, and one which brings with it the satisfaction of a nation which is able to proceed to roar for the Three Lions in the present day – and within the many triumphs which I’ve little doubt lie forward.’

Followers watching the newest defeat have been left dejected – with most on the Boxpark Croydon, in south-east London, having left earlier than the ultimate whistle went.

Fraser Mullen, 40, from Redhill in Surrey, mentioned: ‘It did not really feel like the identical previous England. We simply got here up towards a greater staff.

‘We defended rather well. Jordan Pickford was excellent. We made Spain look actually common.

‘It does not really feel as unhealthy because it has up to now. The expertise is there. They only have to do a bit extra subsequent time.’

A small variety of England followers lingered on the match screening at London’s O2 Enviornment after the ultimate ended, staring in disbelief as they watched their staff comforting one another.

A number of St George’s flags have been deserted on the seats because the 15,000-strong crowd departed, leaving crushed and empty drinks cups everywhere in the ground.

England followers filed out of the fanzone at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin after the ultimate whistle, whereas Spanish followers stayed to have fun.

Rhys Love, 19, who had travelled to Berlin with buddy Sam Kelsall from Guildford, Surrey, mentioned: ‘It is disappointing however the individuals aren’t unhappy.

‘It will have been sensible however it wasn’t to be. Our journey was fairly low cost in comparison with what some individuals spent to be right here.’

Mr Kelsall, 19, added: ‘It was price it to be right here for that purpose.’

Talking after the loss, former England legend Alan Shearer mentioned: ‘It hurts… It is actually disappointing.’

Some 50,000 supporters travelled to Berlin to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s males.  

Businessman Phil Riggins, 64, from Brockley, London, was among the many military of England followers within the German capital. 

He instructed MailOnline: ‘Its typical of England’s luck. We simply cannot discover a technique to recover from the road.

‘I believed when Cole scored my dream was going to return true. Spain have been rattled. There have been ten minutes when England’s title was on the cup.

‘Declan Rice… If solely! That ball simply wouldn’t go into the web and we had three photographs in a single attacked.

‘It’s a actual disgrace. As a result of I believe that is likely to be the tip of some of our senior gamers like Harry Kane and Kyle Walker. ‘

As he talked, he wiped tears from the face of his 11-year-old son Ruben who’d painted on England flag started to smear.

‘I’m in my 60s, so I suppose it is for the kids to look ahead and hope for in the future to show we’re the perfect.’

Kate Schofield, 19, from Sheffield, hugged her boyfriend Paul, and wiped away tears.

The politics scholar mentioned: ‘I’ve simply seen England lose and among the gamers have been crying. I am unable to cease crying myself.

‘it’s simply so unhappy. It has been a fantastic get together all through this match and we appeared like we have been going to go and win it. I am unable to imagine we’re going dwelling as soon as once more with no cup

‘I phoned my mum and pa a minute in the past they usually have been each crying as effectively after they watched on tv.

‘They mentioned as quickly as they noticed Harry Kane trying so upset , they began crying as effectively. I reckon everyone’s coming again dwelling.’

Willie Jackson, 33, of Newport, added: ‘I suppose we misplaced to the higher staff. Spain has been wonderful in almost each recreation they performed.

‘However for many of the recreation we have been equal with them. Plainly we have simply bought a nasty luck vibe about us

‘I am simply gonna go and get some drinks now and try to overlook this ache.’

In Newcastle, tearful followers slumped to their knees because the full-time whistle signalled a gut-punch defeat.

Supporters crammed right into a fan park in Instances Sq. have been left crestfallen because the Three Lions’ 58 years of harm continued.

Traipsing off into town centre, supporters hugged one another, disconsolate on the consequence.

College scholar Taylor Hesketh, 21, from Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside, mentioned: ‘We stood off Spain and confirmed them an excessive amount of respect and we bought punished. However Spain deserved it. They have been the higher staff they usually’ve been greatest the staff within the match.

‘It hurts so much however I am happy with the staff. I am happy with the truth that each time we appeared down and out we fought again. We refused to simply accept defeat all match and we bought inside a whisker of additional time tonight.

‘Proper now it appears like a punch within the abdomen. Shedding a closing does not really feel nice – however no less than we’re in them now.

‘For years the nationwide staff has underachieved and now we’re in finals, so I’ve bought numerous respect for Gareth Southgate.

‘Although we misplaced, he deserved a knighthood.

Round 1,800 Three Lions supporters sank greater than 7,000 pints cheering on England within the outside fan zone.

Earlier than kick-off followers have been whipped right into a frenzy after being proven a reel of essential England targets through the years – together with Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup-winning hat-trick.

VIP tables – priced at £140 every – have been snapped up as quickly because the Netherlands have been brushed away within the semi-final.

A string of tackles by Manchester United defender on Spain’s teen sensation Yamine Lemal, 17, have been greeted by loud roars as supporters urged the Three Lions ahead.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka’s mazy runs have been met with cheers – whereas palms have been on heads when midfielder Phil Foden linked with a free kick within the final minute of the half.

Followers stored the religion as Spain dominated possession and held their palms on their heads when Phil Foden examined Unai Simon with a half-volley on the stroke of half time.

However they have been surprised into silence after Yamine Lemal opened up the England defence and slipped in Nico Williams to place Spain forward two minutes into the second half.

Regardless of delirious scenes when Cole Palmer’s beautiful end put England degree, punters have been drowning their sorrows at full-time.

Coley McFarlane, 22, a home abuse advocate from Middlesbrough, mentioned: ‘I believe we had a large slice of luck in attending to the ultimate however I am nonetheless happy with the lads.

‘England had by no means made a closing on overseas soil earlier than and earlier than Euro 2020 we hadn’t been in a closing since 1966.

‘We’re reaching milestones that different England groups might solely dream of, so I am attempting to remain optimistic.

‘The World Cup is in two years and we’ll smash it.’

The post-match evaluation came about in kebab retailers and fried rooster joints as supporters debated Southgate’s substitutions and staff choice.

Retail employee Josh Barry, 20, mentioned: ‘I do not assume you might fault the gamers, they gave their all for the shirt they usually have been heartbroken at full time.

‘It is simple to get disillusioned with all the cash within the fashionable recreation, and it meant so much to see them care a lot.’

Earlier, Phil Foden had England’s first actual shoot on purpose sending a hopeful nation into overdrive after his chip at purpose was stopped by the Spanish keeper earlier than the tip of the primary half. 

It was by and enormous the perfect alternative in a cagey and scrappy opening 45 minutes, which noticed England skipper Harry Kane getting a yellow card for a poorly timed deal with towards Fabian Ruiz. 

But it surely was heartache for the Three Lions with Spain taking simply little over a minute of the second half to open the scoring.

Spain’s two wonderkid wingers mixed to ship Spaniards the world over wild, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal snapping a move to Nico Williams who smashed it  throughout Jordan Pickford.

The purpose left hundreds of thousands of England supporters surprised, with followers packing out pubs and streets groaning in despair as they held their heads of their palms. 

But it surely despatched Spanish supporters right into a frenzy in Berlin – and sparked tense scenes in some elements of town.  

An announcer on stage on the fanzone at Brandenburg Gate within the German capital reminded crowds to ‘be type to one another’.

She mentioned: ‘It is a soccer match, this isn’t a conflict.’

One man was stretchered out of the gang in the direction of the tip of the primary half of the sport after he appeared to undergo a medical episode. 

Within the Berlin fanzone, Spanish followers cheered, waved flags and threw drinks within the air after their nation scored.

Teams of law enforcement officials holding riot helmets gathered to the aspect of the crowds because the second-half began.

Whereas within the stadium, ugly scenes appeared to interrupt out as followers clashed with one another after the match.  

England followers on the O2 Enviornment groaned and held their heads of their palms in despair as Spain scored the primary purpose of the Euros closing.

Supporters on the venue in London clutched their pints and have been biting their nails nervously as they watched a replay of Spain’s purpose on the 16-metre display screen.

One spectator at Boxpark Croydon threw a big Gareth Southgate masks onto the stage after Spain scored the opening purpose.

The group broke into a quick chant of ‘I am England ’til I die’, however then went quiet.

Among the many crowd watching the historic match within the German capital unfold have been members of the British royal household. 

Prince William arrived on the match along with his 10-year-old son, Prince George because the pair watched the motion in Berlin. 

Wearing good blue fits and ties, the pair of royals joined the 1000’s contained in the Olympiastadion.

William took to Twitter to share a video of the pair strolling the pink carpet into the Olympiastadion, together with the submit: ‘Hey, Berlin!’ 

Avid soccer fan George, who turns 11 later this month, appeared nervous as he sat subsequent to his father – who’s the President of the FA – to cheer on the Three Lions. 

William, 42, appeared extra relaxed, laughing and joking with visitors on the sporting spectacle.

The long run King was additionally seen speaking to new Prime Minister Keir Starmer – who confronted calls earlier this week to present Brits a time without work, ought to England win the Euros. 

Later, each the royals appeared pissed off after England didn’t capitalise on an important probability earlier than the primary half.  

The royal pair’s look adopted simply hours after the Princess of Wales attended the ultimate of Wimbledon within the afternoon, accompanied by daughter Princess Charlotte, 9. 

Kate offered the Wimbledon trophy to Carlos Alcaraz  because the Spaniard gained the Grand Slam for a second yr in a row.

Kate, 42, who has stepped away from public royal duties whereas present process most cancers remedy, noticed the Spanish reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz tackle veteran Novak Djokovic, profitable in three units.

Again within the Berlin and Phil Foden’s influencer son Ronnie was main the Three Lions’ military of cubs tonight cheering on England.

The five-year-old – who has a staggering 4 million followers on Instagram – was snapped cheering on his father, 24.

Sporting an England shirt, the teenager was seen holding a home-made signal saying: ‘Carry it dwelling daddy!’

Becoming a member of Ronnie and the opposite youngsters roaring on the Three Lions have been England’s glamous teams of WAGs, who have been out in pressure. 

Conor Gallagher’s girlfriend Aine Might Kennedy was joined by Bukayo Saka’s accomplice Tolami Benson and goalkeeper  Aaron Ramsdale’s spouse Georgina Irwin. 

However after a tense first half with no targets scored to this point, the wives and girlfriends have been clearly hoping for a growth within the recreation. 

Tolami gave the impression to be scrolling via her cellphone because the match approached half time. 

In the meantime whereas Aine Might pulled a fairly fed-up expression as she watched on. 

Olivia Naylor even posed together with her hand on her hip, as she joined the crowds to assist John Stones. 

Aaron Ramsdale’s spouse Georgina went all out with facepaint and an England high – however even she maintained a impartial expression as the sport progressed. 

Earlier all of the wives and girlfriends posed for a gaggle picture, which was posted on Aine Might’s account, forward of kick-off tonight. 

Aine Might – who’s the girlfriend of Conor Gallagher – minimize a glamorous determine in a pair of jean shorts and her accomplice’s England shorts.

The 23-year-old posed alongside Ellie Anderson, who’s the girlfriend of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

The mother-of-two additionally donned a pair of sunshine denim high-waisted shorts, a cropped England high and white sandals. 

On her on Instagram, Ellie posted an image of her and Ollie’s brother Jordan, who was additionally a footballer.

Ellie’s boyfriend Ollie scored a wonderful purpose within the ninetieth minute of England’s final match on Wednesday evening and was deemed man of the match.

In the meantime, Dani Dyer appeared equally glamorous in a white mini skirt, matching ruched high and a England shirt.

Additionally within the stands cheering on Gareth Southgate’s males was British pop icon, Ed Sheeran. 

The Form of You singer, decked out in a pink England away package, has been a key ally of the squad having met the staff earlier through the match. 

Sheeran, who was additionally noticed within the stands on the semi-final conflict , mentioned: ‘Every part is coming collectively on the proper level’. 

Earlier,  Ant and Dec, Amanda Holden and WAG Dani Dyer led the celebrities supporting the Three Lions on social media to a hopeful victory within the Euros 2024 closing on Sunday.

Former Love Island star Dani, 27, is in Berlin, Germany, to assist her England participant accomplice Jarrod Bowen and posed for snaps earlier than the match started.

She teamed her white England shirt with a reasonably ruffled skirt and wore sun shades perched on high of her head.

Dani posed in one other snap together with her actor dad Danny, 46, forward of the sport earlier than heading to fulfill another WAGS for a couple of drinks.

She was seen celebrating with participant Conor Gallagher’s accomplice Aine Might Kennedy and ahead Ollie Watkins’ girlfriend Ellie Alderson.

In the meantime Amanda Holden dressed to impress in full England gear in addition to a novelty hat as she watched the match in Spain. 

Elsewhere Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan, 32, posed in a pink England high and denims together with her husband Jacob Blyth forward of the sport.

She penned within the caption: ‘It is coming dwelling apparently!’

Soccer fan KSI, 31, appeared in nice spirits as he arrived on the closing in Berlin in his England shirt.

Elsewhere Kate Beckinsale and Amanda Holden cheered ‘it is coming dwelling’ forward of the match earlier within the day.

She playfully sipped on a Guinness and posed within the bar with a gaggle of Spanish followers. 

TV duo Ant and Dec shared a snap of their England shirts as they passionately penned: ‘Come on lads!!!’ within the caption.

Three Lions followers got here out in pressure earlier through the day. with tens of 1000’s of individuals crowding into cities up and down the nation. 

As pleasure for the sport constructed earlier within the day. Three Lions followers packed into cities up and down the nation, turning the streets pink and white.

Huge crowds crammed London, with 1000’s of punters marching on Leicester Sq. singing ‘It is Coming Dwelling’. 

In Trafalgar Sq., followers set of pink and white flares – sparking a warning from police, who have been pictured clashing with among the supporters. 

In the meantime, in Newcastle boozers have been at capability hours earlier than kick-off as footie fanatics bagged their spots.

Supporters packed right into a sold-out fan zone within the metropolis hours earlier than kick-off – and had already downed 3,000 pints by 6pm.

By 8pm, greater than 1,800 can have crammed in to look at the match on an enormous display screen, the place followers have been whipped right into a frenzy after being proven a reel of essential England targets through the years – together with Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup-winning hat-trick.

Bar employee Tom Brodie, 30, mentioned: ‘We’ll get via 7,000 pints tonight simply.

‘Everyone seems to be in good spirits. Nobody is concerned that it’s a Sunday. It is like a Friday evening in Newcastle.

Gasoline engineer Shaun Chapman, 26, from Middlesbrough, out along with his mates for the large match, had a imaginative and prescient of how the ultimate would play out.

He mentioned: ‘I believe it’s going to be 1-1 draw and England will win on penalties. We have ridden our luck all the best way – if we do not win it this yr, we by no means will.

‘However you earn your personal luck – the gamers have refused to simply accept being crushed. If we do deliver it dwelling, then Gareth Southgate needs to be knighted and bow out on a excessive.’

Because the match carried on, followers in Newcastle have been pressured to be affected person throughout a goalless first half.

Eager supporters on the entrance tried to carry the ambiance by blowing a hooter however the stress was palpable.

Cries of ‘go on’ have been shouted every time Gareth Southgate’s males tried to push ahead.

Steven Lister, 28, an engineer, mentioned: ‘I believe we’re doing fairly effectively.

‘Spain aren’t actually threatening us. We have to hold stopping their broad gamers which we have managed to take action far.

‘It is troublesome to say what wants to vary within the second half.

‘We simply have to hold it tight after which go from there.

‘They can not get the ball off Saka in order that’s encouraging. We have to hold giving him it.’

Aaron Mokeller, 27, mentioned: ‘I believe we have to take Harry Kane off for Ollie Watkins.

‘I wish to see Anthony Gordon get on as effectively to present us extra of an attacking risk.

‘I haven’t got a lot confidence for the second half.’

Earlier, joiner Alfie Clarke, 21, from Barnsley, south Yorks, mentioned: ‘Everyone seems to be up for it and feeling assured. I reckon it’s going to be 2-1 with Saka and Kane to attain.

‘We have been ingesting since 11am this morning – if we win we’ll be ingesting till 11am tomorrow.’

Regardless of rain showers, crowds have been buoyed up as an acoustic guitarist performed renditions of Three Lions (on a shirt), Hey Jude by The Beatles and Oasis hit Wonderwall.

Newcastle college scholar Hayley Watkinson, 21, mentioned: ‘Regardless of the consequence tonight, it will be a particular evening.

‘Gareth Southgate has had some criticism however the staff has been getting higher and higher. We have been unfortunate towards Italy within the closing in 2021 once we misplaced on penalties. Tonight I hope that luck will probably be on our aspect.’

Leon Metcalfe, 27, a amount surveyor from Durham, Co Durham, added: ‘I can completely imagine we’re within the closing – we’re the perfect staff on this planet. Southgate is a legend.

‘I’ve taken the time without work work tomorrow as a result of I simply know we’re going to win – 2-1 and a Harry Kane penalty within the ninetieth minute.

‘If that occurs I will be out till Tuesday.’

In Manchester, town centre was remodeled into an enormous fan zone as greater than 4,500 England supporters packed out the Progress Centre in Ardwick.

A sea of white shirts flooded into the outside venue – lower than a mile from Piccadilly station

The jubilant crowd, undeterred by metropolis’s  gloomy skies and unseasonably low 16C temperatures, wrapped themselves in St George’s flags to maintain heat. 

Among the many punters entering into the swing of issues was 34-year-old Lee Wright, who declared: ‘Tonight’s the evening. It is lastly coming dwelling.’

Talking to the Solar, the soccer lover added: ‘If we win, I am undoubtedly pulling a sickie tomorrow.

‘It is historical past within the making and I’ve no intentions of going to mattress if we batter Spain.’

Tens of millions of punters have been predicted to take tomorrow off – with practice drivers and rail employees throughout the nation having already brought about mayhem on Sunday after snubbing time beyond regulation hours, resulting in tons of of practice cancellations. 

The Metropolitan Police has already rolled out an anti-social behaviour order throughout Westminster till 2am on Monday. 

It comes as giant crowds took over the centre of the capital. 

Glenn Sanderson, 29, who travelled from Southend-on-Sea in Essex to look at the ultimate on the O2 Enviornment in London, mentioned he’s ‘assured’ the England males’s staff can observe within the footsteps of the Lionesses.

The England supporter mentioned: ‘I’m assured, I would not say it is a assured win however I believe the best way we have been taking part in – we have been build up one thing for a very long time, and in the present day I believe we would do it.

‘If the boys’s staff are going to observe the ladies’s staff, the below 21s did the identical factor a few years in the past as effectively – it is the following step within the development of soccer.

‘If the ladies can win it – so can the boys.’

Craig Miles, 36, travelled from Cookham in Berkshire to look at the ultimate at Boxpark in Croydon, south-east London, as a part of a gaggle of 10 mates.

Mr Miles mentioned: ‘I believe we will win. I believe it is our time.

‘I used to be on the closing at Wembley once we misplaced to Italy three years in the past. That was fairly painful.

‘On paper we’ve a greater staff (than Spain), however they’re taking part in higher.’

On the O2 Enviornment in London, followers ready for the ultimate with a mass sing-along.

Sporting England flags, shirts and hats, supporters on the Greenwich venue danced and sang alongside to a reside band performing karaoke classics together with the Killers’ Mr Brightside, I Need To Break Free by Queen and the Human League’s Do not You Need Me.

Fireworks and smoke went off on the entrance of the stage whereas lyrics have been projected on the 16-metre display screen behind the band.

Some 50,000 England followers travelled to Germany to cheer on the Three Lions 

1000’s packed right into a fanzone on the  

An announcer on stage on the fanzone at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin reminded crowds to ‘be type to one another’.

She mentioned: ‘It is a soccer match, this isn’t a conflict.’

One man was stretchered out of the gang in the direction of the tip of the primary half of the sport after he appeared to undergo a medical episode.

Within the Berlin fanzone, Spanish followers cheered, waved flags and threw drinks within the air after their nation scored.

Teams of law enforcement officials holding riot helmets gathered to the aspect of the crowds because the second-half began.

England followers on the O2 Enviornment groaned and held their heads of their palms in despair as Spain scored the primary purpose of the Euros closing.

Supporters on the venue in London clutched their pints and have been biting their nails nervously as they watched a replay of Spain’s purpose on the 16-metre display screen.

One spectator at Boxpark Croydon threw a big Gareth Southgate masks onto the stage after Spain scored the opening purpose.

The group broke into a quick chant of ‘I am England ’til I die’, however then went quiet.

Lee and Vanessa Hancock, from Howden, Yorkshire, had travelled to Berlin to look at the ultimate within the fanzone with 12-year-old daughter Eleanor.

Mrs Hancock, 50, mentioned: ‘We knew we would not get tickets for the match, however we wished to be in Berlin as a result of it is a greater ambiance.

‘We have had a tremendous weekend. I do not assume the primary half of the match has been too unhealthy, I believed Spain might need bought one in.’

Mr Hopkins, 50, who booked the journey a month in the past, added: ‘We have got a flight dwelling at 6am so I hope it does not go to additional time.’