Defeat extends England’s ’58 years of hurt’
England’s dreams of ending their long wait for a major men’s football trophy were shattered once again as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The loss in Berlin meant that the 1966 World Cup triumph remains the only major men’s trophy in England’s footballing history. This agonizing defeat extended the infamous “58 years of hurt” for English football fans, a term coined to describe the nation’s frustrating inability to replicate the glory of 1966.
The match unfolded in a thrilling fashion, with England displaying resilience by coming from behind for the fourth consecutive game. Nico Williams’ strike early in the second half gave Spain the lead, but a brilliant equalizer from Cole Palmer seemed destined to send the game into extra time. However, fate had a cruel twist in store as Mikel Oyarzabal pounced four minutes from time to snatch a dramatic victory for Spain. This heartbreaking loss mirrored England’s previous European Championship final defeat, where they lost on penalties to Italy in 2021.
The weight of this latest setback is amplified by the fact that England have yet to win a senior football tournament abroad. Their 1966 World Cup victory and the Women’s Euro 2022 triumph, both held at Wembley, stand as the only major tournament successes for England in the modern era. The significance of this drought cannot be overstated, as it has left a generation of English fans longing for a moment of international glory that seems perpetually out of reach.
Gareth Southgate, the manager who led England to this heart-wrenching defeat, has been at the helm for eight years. His contract is set to expire at the end of the year, and the outcome of the Euro 2024 final has inevitably fueled speculation about his future. Whether he will remain in charge to guide England through the upcoming Nations League campaign and the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain.
Despite the disappointment of the final, England’s journey to Berlin was not without its moments of hope and excitement. They started the tournament with a series of unconvincing performances that left fans questioning their ability to compete at the highest level. However, a dramatic victory over Slovakia in the last 16, followed by a thrilling quarter-final win over Switzerland, ignited a spark of belief among the English faithful. The team’s transformation from hesitant to hopeful was palpable, but ultimately fell short in the face of a formidable Spanish side.
The pain goes on
The echoes of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph still resonate within the hearts of English football fans, but time has transformed that glorious memory into a haunting reminder of unfulfilled potential. While the world celebrated England’s victory over West Germany, few could have envisioned that this triumph would remain their only major international success for over six decades. The years since 1966 have been a relentless cycle of near misses, agonizing defeats, and crushing disappointments.
The agony of the near misses has cut deep. The infamous “Hand of God” incident in 1986, where Diego Maradona scored an illegal goal against England in the World Cup quarter-final, remains a painful memory for many English fans. The penalty shootout defeats to Germany in the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 European Championship, with current England manager Gareth Southgate missing a crucial penalty in the latter, have added to the sense of frustration. The years of failing to even qualify for major tournaments, like the 1994 World Cup and the 2008 European Championship, have compounded the agony.
The 2021 European Championship held a glimmer of hope as England reached the final, ending a 55-year wait for a major tournament final appearance. While the majority of their games were played at Wembley, including the final against Italy, the sense of excitement and anticipation was palpable. However, despite taking an early lead, England succumbed to a penalty shootout defeat after extra time. The weight of history and the expectations of a nation proved too heavy a burden for Southgate’s team to bear. The pain of this loss was compounded by the fact that the next final arrived just three years later, only to end in similar heartbreak.
The 2022 Women’s Euro Championship offered a brief respite from the “58 years of hurt” as the Lionesses, England’s women’s national team, secured victory, defeating Germany 2-1 at Wembley. This triumph brought a sense of national pride and joy, but it could not erase the lingering disappointment of the men’s team’s continued struggles. The contrast between the women’s team’s success and the men’s team’s perpetual struggle added a layer of complexity to the “58 years of hurt” narrative.
The enduring nature of this “58 years of hurt” is a testament to the passion and dedication of English football fans. They have endured countless defeats and disappointments, yet their belief in their team remains unshaken. The hunger for international success is deeply ingrained in the English footballing psyche. The pursuit of that elusive trophy continues, fueled by a deep-seated desire to reclaim the glory of 1966 and etch a new chapter in the history of English football.
England grow into the tournament – but fall short
Despite the eventual heartbreak of the Euro 2024 final, England’s journey to Berlin was not devoid of hope and progress. Their initial performances in the group stage were far from convincing, leaving fans questioning their ability to make a serious challenge for the title. Drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia, coupled with a narrow victory over Serbia, cast a shadow of doubt over Southgate’s team. Had Denmark scored a late winner against Serbia in their final group game, England would have finished second in their group, likely facing a more challenging path to the final.
The lackluster performances sparked criticism from some England fans, who voiced their displeasure with Southgate’s tactics and team selection. The disappointment reached a peak after a lackluster performance against Slovenia, leading to some fans throwing cups at Southgate and a barrage of memes on social media depicting him as overly cautious. The pressure on Southgate intensified, with calls for his dismissal echoing through the stands.
However, a dramatic last-minute victory over Slovakia in the last 16, secured by Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick, breathed life into England’s campaign. The team’s performance in this game was far from convincing, but the result ignited a spark of hope among the English fans. The mood further lifted in the quarter-finals against Switzerland, where England trailed for much of the game before Bukayo Saka’s late goal sent the game into extra time. England eventually emerged victorious on penalties, with Jordan Pickford’s crucial save from Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick proving decisive.
England continued their dramatic progress in the semi-final against the Netherlands, falling behind once again before Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute equaliser sent the game into extra time. England eventually won on penalties, securing a place in the final. While not playing their most impressive football, England’s resilience and ability to come from behind showcased their fighting spirit. The national mood shifted from skepticism to cautious optimism, with England fans dreaming of a fairytale ending to their long wait for a major international trophy. However, the final defeat to Spain dashed those dreams and left a lingering sense of disappointment.
Who shone as they came so close?
Despite the heart-wrenching defeat, there were still individual moments of brilliance that will be remembered for years to come. Cole Palmer, the young Chelsea forward, became only the fourth player to score in a men’s final for England, joining the legendary Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, and Luke Shaw. His goal, a moment of individual brilliance, offered a glimmer of hope in the face of defeat.
Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich striker, continued his record-breaking run as England’s all-time top scorer, netting three goals in the tournament, securing a share of the Golden Boot. His ability to find the back of the net consistently, despite the lack of a trophy at the club level, has cemented his status as one of England’s most prolific strikers.
Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder, showcased his immense talent with two goals, including the sensational last-gasp equalizer against Slovakia. His performances in the tournament, combined with his Champions League and La Liga victories with Real Madrid, have established him as one of the most sought-after young players in the world. His stunning goals and all-around contributions on the pitch have strengthened his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award given to the best male footballer in the world.
Ollie Watkins, the Aston Villa striker, played a limited role in the tournament but made a significant impact with his last-minute goal against the Netherlands. His ability to seize the moment and secure a place in the final highlighted his potential as a key player for England in the future.
Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal winger, emerged as a hero with his late equalizer against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and his decisive penalty in the subsequent shootout. His performance in the shootout was particularly significant, as he overcame the trauma of missing a penalty in the 2021 final. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure showcased his mental toughness and his importance to the England team.
What now for Southgate and England?
The Euro 2024 final defeat has cast a shadow over Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager. His contract is set to expire at the end of the year, and the outcome of the tournament has certainly fueled speculation about his future. Southgate has acknowledged the need to consider his options, emphasizing that now is not the right time to make a decision. He will undoubtedly engage in discussions with the relevant stakeholders, including the Football Association, to determine his next steps.
England’s next assignment is the 2024-25 Nations League campaign, with their first game scheduled for September 7th against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Their homecoming match will be three days later against Finland. England’s performance in the Nations League will be crucial in determining Southgate’s future and setting the tone for the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup. If Southgate decides to step down at the end of his contract, he will oversee the Nations League games but will not be in charge when qualification for the 2026 World Cup begins next year.
The future of English football remains uncertain. The “58 years of hurt” continues to weigh heavily on the nation’s sporting psyche. The quest for international glory will continue, with a new generation of English footballers eager to etch their names in the history books. The journey will be arduous, fraught with challenges and setbacks, but the pursuit of that elusive trophy will continue, fueled by the passion and dedication of the English fans.
- England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain extends their “58 years of hurt,” with the 1966 World Cup remaining as their only major men’s football trophy.
- The heartbreaking loss adds to England’s history of near misses, including a previous European Championship final defeat to Italy in 2021.
- Gareth Southgate, the manager at the helm during this defeat, faces uncertainty about his future as his contract expires soon.
- Despite the disappointment, England’s journey to the final had moments of hope and excitement, showcasing their resilience and ability to compete at a high level.
- The significance of England’s drought in winning a senior football tournament abroad has left fans longing for international glory that seems elusive.
- The defeat emphasizes the challenges England faces in replicating past successes and highlights the ongoing quest for a major men’s football trophy outside their home country.
