Sorry for Harry Kane, but England deserved to lose
Báo Thanh niên•15/07/2024
England lost to Spain in the EURO 2024 final, resulting in a second consecutive tournament of having to swallow tears of second place.
Spain wins EURO 2024 in a match of 'super subs'
England tried, but it was not enough
A 2-1 defeat to Spain in the EURO 2024 final prevented England from ending a 58-year trophyless streak in any major tournament. Gareth Southgate's men fell behind, equalised, then collapsed in the final minutes. England have every right to be regretful. When Mikel Oyazarbal scored the winner for Spain 2-1, he was inches from the offside line. Then in the 89th minute, Dani Olmo was somehow in the right place to head Ivan Toney's shot off the line. Both were moments in time that, had the wheel of fate been slightly off course, could have changed the game for England and Spain.
My Infinite Sorrow
AFP
However, perhaps the English only regret these specific moments. Because if you watch the match, it is easy to see that Spain completely deserved to win! The Spanish team controlled the game better, attacked with a more consistent and perfect rhythm. While England waited for opportunities from their individual breakthrough ability, Spain had a perfect system to overwhelm their opponents, then the opportunity came as a matter of course. Even when Spain's midfield boss Rodri left the field at the beginning of the second half to make way for Zubimendi Ibanez, coach Luis de la Fuente's team still attacked very steadily. Or before that, in the match against Germany, when Pedri left the field in tears because of a foul by Toni Kroos, Spain still had the excellent Dani Olmo to replace him, then became the number 1 scorer with 3 goals. Against a team that is well-rounded in every aspect, England could only hold out, defend at a reasonable distance to ensure safety, and then wait for the star moment of Jude Bellingham or Bukayo Saka. Coach Southgate brought into play his strength, which is the ability to make substitutions. Just a few minutes after entering the field, Cole Palmer scored against Spain. But what England did in the final was only that.
I lost with conviction.
AFP
Unlike the final match against Italy 3 years ago, England lost to Spain with complete conviction. The "Three Lions" were inferior in every index, played more disjointedly, and did not take advantage of their opportunities as well. Losing like that, there is no need to be sad for long. The opponent is good, so even though coach Southgate and his team did not do badly in the final, they still could not touch the cup.
Regret for Kane and coach Southgate
The defeat in the EURO 2024 final once again prevented Harry Kane from reaching the title. It is hard to believe that a player who has played professionally for nearly a decade, scored regularly, carried the team and captained the national team for many years like Kane has never won any official title. Did Kane's "luck" prevent England from winning the championship? How to think about it depends on your point of view. However, we must frankly admit that Kane did not play well at EURO 2024. Scoring 3 goals, Kane's mark on the game was unclear. He played as a striker, dropped deep to play the ball but had no connection with his teammates. Kane was constantly substituted early, then watched the players who replaced him score.
Kane and coach Southgate cannot lift the trophy for the first time
AFP
Kane's lackluster performance is also a problem for England. Coach Southgate has helped the "Three Lions" turn the tide through many difficult times. However, to be sustainable, England needs a more stable system. Coach Southgate and his students cannot just "live in oblivion" each match, waiting for each moment that does not always come, but must have a real path to follow.
Bellingham knocks over ice bucket after defeat
Coach Southgate has endured the pressure to build a united England team, true to the spirit of never giving up that he has worshiped throughout his career. But clearly, to win a specific tournament, to beat teams like Spain, England need more. After two consecutive EURO runners-up, England still have a steep slope to overcome. The feeling of climbing so close to the top but not reaching it is never pleasant. The "Three Lions" must have the courage to overcome the tears in Germany today, to dream of ending their thirst for titles.
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