COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
Fans were quick to spot a tactical change from Gareth Southgate just moments into the clash – but they were fuming about Dani Carvajal’s trolling of Bukayo Saka.
Supporters were raging more when they felt that Spain star Dani Olmo should have been sent off for ‘GBH attack’ on Declan Rice.
England received a huge boost at the break as Spanish talisman Rodri was forced off, but they found themselves trailing within moments of the second half starting courtesy of Nico Williams.
That led to Southgate turning to supersubs Ollie Watkins and Palmer – and they combined again after their exploits against Netherlands in the semi.
This time it was Watkins who teed it up for Palmer to guide it home from the edge of the area.
But Spain had a supersub of their own as Oyarzabal won it with four minutes to spare.
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:
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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.
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
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.
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
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.
