LIONS DID US PROUD

Spain pain in final defeat | Fans' tears as dream dies

- PAUL BYRNE, ANDY LINES

THE hearts of England's Lions were broken in Berlin last night as once again they fell at the final Euro hurdle.

Gareth Southgate wanted to make supporters' dreams come true and finally bring football home, ending 58 years of hurt.

But the long wait since 1966 for England's men to win a major trophy continues.

After a cagey first half the scores were level at 0-0, but the game exploded into life when Nico Williams put Spain 1-0 up after just 69 seconds of the second period.

The Spaniards could have gone further ahead and England captain Harry Kane was replaced after an hour by Ollie Watkins, who received a huge reception from the England fans.

Nine minutes later Cole Palmer came on for Kobbie Mainoo and sent the Three Lions fans wild two minutes later when he fired in a left foot thunderbolt from more than 20 yards to level it up. But in the 86th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain 2-1 in front to seal victory.

At the final whistle England players slumped to the floor in despair as Spain celebrated.

Southgate walked on to the pitch to console them, and then minutes later he too was consoled by a message from the King who sent his "heartfelt sympathy".

Charles told him: "Although victory may have eluded you this evening, my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.

"Please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today - and in the many triumphs which no doubt lie ahead."

Spain had been firm favourites after winning all their earlier games, including beating Germany, France and Italy.

And despite the support of their 50,000 fans, who created a wall of noise inside the Olympiastadion, England could not upset the odds.