COLE PALMER sent London into raptures with his brilliant goal in the Euro 2024 final.
The Chelsea star was brought on as a substitute in the 70th minute, just as he was in the previous knock-out rounds and the last group game against Slovenia.
It took him just three minutes to make the impact Southgate desired, as he curled a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.
He celebrated with his trademark rubbing of the arms, while fans across the country went wild.
Scenes from London showed how many had tuned in to watch the Three Lions in their attempt to end 58 years of hurt.
There were roars of delight around Canary Wharf as the city erupted after seeing the net bulge following Palmer’s strike.
However joy quickly dissipated as Spain retook the lead 13 minutes later, with Mikel Oyarzabal notching the winner.
Palmer’s club team-mate Marc Cucurella provided the assist for the goal, and he was cheered on by Chelsea’s social media team before the match, sparking outrage.
Fans were bemused as a post supporting Cucurella read: “Next stop, Berlin. Cucu’s on fire, Europe’s right wingers are terrified.
“Our Spanish left-back has been a standout performer at the Euros. Tidy on the ball, combative off it.
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ENGLAND fell at the final hurdle at Euro 2024, losing to a dramatic late Mikel Oryazabal winner as Spain won the tournament.
We have all the latest reaction and news on England – plus Gareth Southgate’s future – in our brilliant LIVE BLOG.
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.
“Up and down the left touchline, Marc’s leaving everything out on the pitch.
“The Blues saw what he can do earlier this year, and now he’s ready for the grand finale.
“This is your time, Marc. Best of luck.”
Fans questioned why Chelsea, as an English club, decided to cheer on the opposition, though they did make similar posts about their England players Palmer and Conor Gallagher.
