“We simply didn’t have the defensive resilience and energy levels today. The opponent was simply the better team. We knew they were capable of scoring from distance, and that’s exactly what happened: they punished us with a well-taken long-range goal. And we also knew that their left-footed striker Yamahl was a danger, but we still allowed him to get in on that weak foot and score. That first goal really took our breath away, and then the second. The one that came a few minutes later was the final straw. That’s the cruel reality of football: this time we didn’t get it done. But you have to admit that we lost to a truly excellent Spanish team. They outclassed us in every area of the pitch: their technical quality, tactical discipline and physical intensity were all way above ours that day. We can’t make any excuses, they were simply the better team for 90 minutes.”
This is a hugely disappointing end to our European Championship campaign, especially given the high expectations we had going into the tournament. We truly believed we had the quality and experience within our squad to go all the way and defend our title. Failing in the quarter-finals is hard to accept. As captain, I take responsibility for not being able to rally the troops and get the best out of the team when it mattered most. I thought we prepared diligently and had the right game plan, but Spain disrupted our rhythm and never allowed us to play our natural, flowing game. They deserve full credit for that.
We now need to go back, regroup and reflect on where we failed. There are no shortcuts: we need to be extremely honest with ourselves about the areas we need to improve. The European Championship is the pinnacle of international football and winning it requires the highest levels of performance over a long period of time. We clearly didn't achieve that this time. But I know the quality is there in this team. We have a talented group of players who have achieved great things together in the past. This defeat will hurt, but I am confident we can bounce back stronger.
The World Cup is fast approaching and that will be our priority from now on. We owe it to our fans to put in a great performance on that stage and show what we are truly capable of. For now, congratulations to Spain. They were the better team today and deserve to improve. We will learn from this experience and come back hungrier than ever. That is the only way we can move on from this disappointment."
The stage is set for a thrilling European Championship final on 10 July. Following their semi-final victory, the Spanish national team will face the winner of the Netherlands-England clash in the second semi-final. Both semi-finals promise to be thrilling encounters, setting the stage for what should be a dramatic championship decider. Spain have once again proven their mettle on the international stage, powering through a tough tournament to reach the final. Luis Enrique’s side showcased their possession-based game plan, wearing down their opponents with their technical quality and relentless pressing. The likes of Pedri, Gavi and Ferran Torres have been particularly influential, forming the creative core of a well-drilled Spanish unit.
Reaching the final is testament to the depth and versatility of the Spanish squad. They have had to overcome several injury setbacks, with key players like Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique missing part of the tournament. But the team has come together, with fringe players stepping up when called upon. The experience and leadership of veterans like Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba have also been crucial. Now, Spain will be eager to win the European title and cement their status as the dominant force on the continent. A win would be their fourth European Championship triumph, further underlining their credibility as an international powerhouse. Luis Enrique and his players will be determined to get the job done and add another major trophy to their impressive collection.
Their opponents in the final, meanwhile, will be determined to upset the odds and deny Spain glory. Both the Netherlands and England have demonstrated their quality throughout the competition, producing thrilling performances to reach the semi-finals. The Dutch, led by the inspirational figure of Virgil van Dijk, have rediscovered their boldness on the international stage. The combination of experienced heads like Van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong, and the youthful exuberance of players like Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, have made this a formidable proposition.
England, on the other hand, have been buoyed by the emergence of a new generation of stars. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Mason Mount have injected a dynamic energy into the Three Lions' play, complementing the leadership and experience of Kane, Sterling and Rashford. Gareth Southgate's side have shown the mental resilience and tactical flexibility needed to succeed at the highest level. The winner of the Netherlands v England semi-final will be brimming with confidence heading into the final. They will believe they have the quality and belief to topple the Spanish heavyweights and lift the prestigious European Championship trophy.
