JUDE BELLINGHAM angrily booted a water cooler after England suffered Euros final heartbreak again.
It was disappointment for the Three Lions in Berlin as they fell short to Spain 2-1 – just three years after losing on penalties to Italy in the competition’s previous final.
— MARCA in English
Jude Bellingham vents his frustration after losing the Euro final to Spain: He kicked a cooler and sat angrily on the bench alone
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(@MARCAinENGLISH) July 14, 2024
Bellingham has so often been the hero for Real Madrid and England in recent years – but there was no magical bicycle kick this time out.
And after the chance to end England‘s 58-year wait for glory slipped away, the 21-year-old’s frustrations boiled over.
A dejected Bellingham trudged off the pitch and he let out his frustrations at a water cooler.
He booted the container and its contents flew all over the dugout.
Bellingham then sat on the subs bench alone as he took a moment alone to be with his thoughts.
The midfielder’s upset was also visible straight after full-time as he collapsed to the ground and covered his face with his hands.
He then had to be consoled by captain Harry Kane and boss Gareth Southgate.
When collecting his runners-up medal, Bellingham did not look at the trophy covered in Spanish ribbons as he walked past.
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Players then went into the stands to visit their families and Jude was seen receiving comforting words from his mum Denise.
Despite the season ending in disappointment, Bellingham has enjoyed huge success as he won LaLiga and the Champions League in his first season with Real Madrid.
COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:
Jordan Pickford: 8
Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.
Kyle Walker: 6
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
John Stones: 8
A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.
Marc Guehi: 6
Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.
Declan Rice: 7
Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5
Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller.
Luke Shaw: 7
Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.
Phil Foden: 6
Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.
Jude Bellingham: 7
Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.
Harry Kane: 4
His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.
SUBS:
Ollie Watkins: 6
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
Cole Palmer: 9
What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.
Ivan Toney: 6
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
Gareth Southgate: 7
The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.
His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.
Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.
