England’s wait for a first major men’s trophy since 1966 goes on after substitute Mikel Oyarzabal struck at the death as Spain inflicted a second successive European Championship final defeat on Gareth Southgate’s side.

Three years ago the nation stood on the edge of history, only for an agonising, all too familiar, shoot-out defeat meaning they had to walk past the trophy as Italy celebrated long into the Wembley night.

England overcame an unconvincing start in Germany to make another continental showpiece, but the country’s first ever final on foreign soil ended more heartbreak as silky Spain triumphed 2-1 at the Olympiastadion.

Substitute Cole Palmer’s superb equaliser had breathed new life into Southgate’s side after Nico Williams shook what had looked sturdy foundations 69 seconds into the second half.

But England could not wrest control from mightily impressive Spain, with Oyarzabal sliding home what proved the decisive blow four minutes from time. Sky Sports assesses the performers from the Berlin showpiece.

ENGLAND

Jordan Pickford – 7

Stared out the camera in the tunnel pre-match. Pressure is for tyres, as Alan Shearer quipped this summer. Was clearly instructed to be more direct with his passing to evade the Spanish press with his long-ball restarts. Screamed at his defence to squeeze up throughout but was powerless to stem the Spanish second-half tide. Vital save from Yamal kept England in the game at 1-0.

Kyle Walker – 6

Collided into Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente in what looked an innocuous incident within 12 minutes but struggled to shake off the knock. Almost twice the age of Yamal as the pair competed on either flank in a series of shuttle sprints, but it was Williams who was allowed to roam forward and score the opener.

John Stones – 7

Brilliant one-on-one challenge on Williams as he showed him down the line in the first moment of concern but was left flat-footed as Dani Olmo squandered a glorious chance for a second within four minutes of the second half. One of several players who allowed the good work of the opening 45 minutes to be spoiled moments into the second but so often put head to ball. Booked.

Marc Guehi – 6

Largely untroubled up against Alvaro Morata but needed Stones’ assistance on one occasion as he turned inside him. Wasn’t used by Pickford at restarts as much as earlier in the tournament to negate the press.

Crucially beaten by Mikel Oyarzabal to Marc Cucurella’s cross for the winner and denied a reprieve when Dani Olmo produced a courageous goal-line clearance from his header. A strong campaign from the Crystal Palace man.

Luke Shaw – 7

First start in any game since injuring his hamstring in February. Won his first duel with Lamine Yamal inside the first two minutes to set the tone. Brought greater balance than Kieran Trippier going forward.

Alive and alert, England’s best performer. It was clear here why Southgate was so cautious with his fitness. Naturally tired after being beaten by Yamal when it mattered most 69 seconds into the second half.

Declan Rice – 5

Early shot blocked by Rodri. Typically combative and sound positioning as he took a nasty set of studs to the midriff off Dani Olmo. Fortunate not to concede a penalty for holding Aymeric Laporte inside the box. A story that went somewhat under the radar was that he rarely excelled in any match all tournament after a long season with Arsenal but this was as poor as he’s been in possession. Pace of Spain’s passing and pressing was too much for him.

Bukayo Saka – 6

England’s joy offensively came down Saka’s side in tandem with Walker. Always capable of making thing happen and the one player who has regularly got fans off their seats in Germany. Others retreated into their shell and wilted under the weight of expectation and while Saka kept asking questions, this was largely a quiet night.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6

Struggled to contain Spain’s more experienced midfield as the game passed him by in the first half. Tidy enough when in possession without being penetrative. Failed to put the excellent Fabian Ruiz under enough pressure but Mainoo had a fine tournament and his time will come again. Unfazed by such an occasion and showed composure on the ball but sacrificed as England went in search of an equaliser.

Harry Kane – 3

A man with more knockout goals in the Euros than any player of any country and still won a share of the golden boot, but he became England’s liability with just one touch in the box in 180 minutes in the past two Euros finals.

Horribly isolated here and booked after lunging into Fabian Ruiz as he tried to retrieve a loose touch. Lacked fizz but saw another goalbound shot blocked by Rodri. Frustrated his team-mates with his lack of movement. Southgate answered calls for Ollie Watkins, and the only surprise was that it took until the 60th minute for Kane to be hooked.

Jude Bellingham – 5

Moved to the left to accommodate Foden as Southgate sprung a tactical tweak. Good battle with Dani Carvajal but looked every bit a man who has played over a century of games the past two seasons.

Great piece of skill to take a pass and fire wide and was instrumental in the England equaliser. Too often on the fringes, Bellingham will use part of his summer to access the bumps and niggles that have made his tournament one of moments but little consistency.

Phil Foden – 5

Deployed in the No 10 role, his best position and where he did most of his early damage in the semi-final. Reacted well to Rice’s deflected cross to steer a shot on target saved by Unai Simon but was handed unwanted defensive duties when moved over to accommodate Cole Palmer. Another evening where the Manchester City man could not quite replicate his club form for his country and was largely on the periphery.

Subs

Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 61) – 6

Reignited a joyfulness in England with his running to finally stretch the Spain defence. Injected a fresh impetus into the England attack but could not recreate his late heroics from the semi-final against the Netherlands. Booked late on as frustration boiled over.

Cole Palmer (for Mainoo, 70) – 7

Brought England energy and provided his coldest moment of an incredible breakthrough season, guiding the ball from Bellingham’s lay-off into the corner to light a spark. A positive substitution which worked again for Southgate. Has been a revelation off the bench in these finals and his fine finish got them back on terms for a spell.

Ivan Toney (for Foden, 89) – N/A

Again, given just a minute of normal time but on this occasion, Toney was unable to make an impact. Too little, too late for England.

Manager: Gareth Southgate – 6

Gareth Southgate told supporters after Watkins’ dramatic late winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals, ‘one more game’. But departs having become the first manager to take a side to back-to-back European Championship finals and lose them both.

His substitutions breathed life into England and made supporters believe again but his reign will be remembered for his pragmaticism. He had the best squad, but he failed to sculpt the best team.

Southgate’s 102nd – and potentially last – match in charge at his fourth tournament at the helm ended in disappointment and so the 58 years of hurt go on.

“We want to give everybody the night of their lives,” said Southgate beforehand. It wasn’t to be. It was a victory Spain thoroughly deserved.