England hearts shattered once again as big players go missing in Spain Euro 2024 final defeat

It was a tight affair in Berlin, with both teams struggling to break each other down.

But Spain won the famous trophy, with La Roja claiming victory courtesy of goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Williams, who has been linked with a summer move to Barcelona, has enjoyed a terrific tournament.

And the Athletic Bilbao star broke the deadlock in the 46th minute, with the forward converting after some fine work from Lamine Yamal.

Yamal, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday, managed to soar past Luke Shaw for the first time.

Shaw had been doing well against the Barcelona youngster, whose electric performances in Germany have established him as arguably the best young player in the world.

But on this occasion, he was unsuccessful, with Williams capitalising to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish fans.

After the 22-year-old opened the scoring, England were fortunate to avoid falling even further behind.

Spain nearly doubled their advantage just minutes later, with Dani Olmo going close.

The RB Leipzig star, who had netted three goals before the clash, looked destined to score from close range.

Yet he sent his effort wide, letting England off in the process.

Williams also managed to breach the Three Lions' backline, using his searing speed to burst through.

But he was unable to beat Jordan Pickford, who was relieved to see Williams' strike cleared by John Stones.

England, needing a leveller, decided to roll the dice.

Ollie Watkins, the hero of England's 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday night, was introduced for Harry Kane.

But it was Cole Palmer who made the nation dream once again, with the Chelsea forward bagging a sensational equaliser.

In the end, however, it was Spain who had the last laugh. Deservedly so, too.

Cruelly, with just minutes left on the clock, Oyarzabal netted to break English hearts.

This defeat will hurt, just as much as the defeat they suffered in the final of Euro 2020 three years ago.

Too many big names went missing on the night, starting with Kane.

The 30-year-old hasn't been at the races all summer and was well off the pace during the course of the competition.

Kane, against Spain, was anonymous. Whether he gets the chance to start every match in another tournament, under likely a new manager, remains to be seen.

Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, so impressive for their clubs, struggled to make their mark in the match.

And Bukayo Saka, who had been improving prior to the contest, was unable to get the better of Marc Cucurella for most of the game.

England have now lost two European Championships finals. The mood in the country will now be one of pure sorrow, rather than joy. The wait to bring football home goes on.