England boss Gareth Southgate makes complaint after heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain

But England lost 2-1 in Berlin, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal giving La Roja the trophy.

While the defeat was tough to take, Spain were the better team. They were also arguably the best side of the tournament, winning all seven of their matches.

And Southgate feels England's lack of quality when on the ball cost them dear.

"I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough," said the 53-year-old.

"We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short.

"We had a little bit of momentum in the game at that point [when Cole Palmer equalised].

"There’s a big chance at the end to equalise too but across the 90 minutes, I’m not sure we did enough.

"Spain press well and you have to keep the ball when you win it back. In the end, that’s the bit that takes more out of your legs.

"I think the players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chances.

"They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end.

"I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game."

In a separate interview with the BBC, the former Middlesbrough boss doubled down on his comments.

"We've competed until the very end of the final," he said.

"I think today we didn't keep possession of the ball quite well enough.

"We defended well but when you win the ball back you need to get out of that pressure. And we weren't able to do that.

"That meant they had more control of the game and that can wear you down a bit.

"That said we got the equaliser and then it was wide open. A big chance at the end to equalise so as always it is fine margins.

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"I do think they were the best team in the tournament."

Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, feels England didn't have enough control of the ball during the clash.

And he even said the Three Lions' midfield was like a 'hot knife through butter at times' as he analysed the defeat.

"In these games you have to get control of the ball," he said.

"Tonight the midfield was like a hot knife through butter at times. You can't be so open in these games, you have to be more resolute.

"It was too easy for Spain to get up the middle and through the pitch."