Spain 2-1 England player ratings: Harry Kane has night to forget as Williams shines

Euro 2024 stardom was clinched by Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday evening, as La Roja broke England hearts with a deserved 2-1 victory in the final.

Neither set of attackers could make inroads in a rather tedious opening 45, but just two minutes inside the second period, a devastating Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams link-up ended with the latter clinically finishing first-time into the far side of the net.

Gareth Southgate‘s substitutes once again had the desired impact, though, as Cole Palmer levelled with a composed finish from 20 yards, but Mikel Oyarzabal poked home the winner that secured Spain’s record-breaking fourth Euros crown.

Here, Sports Mole provides player ratings from La Roja’s dramatic success in the German capital.

Spain player ratings vs. England: Wing kings shine in second half

© Reuters

GOALKEEPER

Unai Simon – 7/10

Had nothing to do for most of the first half until a late Phil Foden volley, which he covered his near post well for. Could not do a lot for Palmer’s goal but made a critical save from Declan Rice‘s header at the death, even if he did push it straight back into the danger area.

DEFENCE

Dani Carvajal – 6/10

Should thank his lucky stars that he did not concede a first-half penalty when lunging in on Shaw, who just skipped past him in time. Solid but not spectacular.

Robin Le Normand – 7/10

Put in a terrific sliding tackle to stop Jude Bellingham in his tracks in the first half, where he was a standout performer. Mostly effective in the air too.

Aymeric Laporte – 7/10

Expert positioning throughout and was accurate with his passing. Put in a number of crucial clearances too; he has not lost his touch since leaving Manchester City.

Marc Cucurella – 7/10

Did not have much of an attacking impact in the first half and was also made to work by Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker. However, his pass for Oyarzabal was chef’s kiss.

MIDFIELD

Rodri – 7/10

The omnipresent force in the Spain midfield, Rodri was absolutely everywhere in the first half. However, the Manchester City fulcrum was cruelly forced off with an injury after just 45 minutes

Fabian Ruiz – 7/10

Sprayed long passes across the field for fun and put in some good challenges too. Not accurate with his long-range shooting, though.

Dani Olmo – 8/10

Booked for catching Rice in the midriff in the first half but was unplayable in the second. Mesmerising link-up play and a vital goal-line clearance right at the death.

ATTACK

Lamine Yamal – 7/10

Got absolutely no change out of Luke Shaw early doors, but let the ball run across his body brilliantly before setting up Nico Williams for his fourth assist of the tournament. Much, much more effective in the second 45 and deservedly collected the Young Player of the Tournament prize.

Alvaro Morata – 5/10

Let England off the hook with a misplaced pass to Olmo, which would have sent the RB Leipzig man away. Just like his opposite number Harry Kane, was not a goal threat whatsoever, but still helped to create space for his fellow attackers.

Nico Williams – 8/10

Was Spain’s main outlet in the first half but still struggled to get the better of England’s sturdy centre-backs. That all changed with a clinical first-time strike at the start of the second half, and he was involved in everything good for La Roja in the final third. A performance that warranted a winners’ medal.

SUBSTITUTES

Martin Zubimendi – 7/10

Stepped into Rodri’s shoes for the second half and did so effectively, winning all five of his duels. Easy to see why he has been linked with some big clubs recently.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 7/10

Provided a different kind of focal point to Morata and just about stayed onside to poke home the goal that triggered Spain pandemonium. His name will forever be etched into Euros history.

Nacho Fernandez – 6/10

Helped the champions shut up shop right at the death.

Mikel Merino – N/A

Came on for the final few minutes.

England player ratings vs. Spain: Jordan Pickford earns his keep but Kane has night to forget

© Imago

GOALKEEPER

Jordan Pickford – 8/10

Just the one save to make in the first 45 as he received terrific protection from his defence. Kept England in the game with some crucial second-half stops and could not be blamed too much for either goal.

DEFENCE

Kyle Walker – 4/10

Got sucked inside during the attack that led to Spain’s goal and left Cucurella with far too much time and space to pick his pass for Oyarzabal. Needs to move on from this one quickly.

Marc Guehi – 5/10

Showed terrific strength to shield the ball from Morata right at the end of an impressive first half, but was outwitted by Oyarzabal for Spain’s winner. Late header cleared off the line by Olmo.

John Stones – 6/10

Made a fantastic early block to thwart Williams and was an incredibly composed presence early on. Was a bit off the pace alongside his fellow defenders following the break. Booked.

Luke Shaw – 7/10

Made his first start in over five months and won almost all of his opening battles against the hitherto effervescent Yamal. Did not enjoy such luck in the second half but was undoubtedly England’s best defender.

MIDFIELD

Declan Rice – 6/10

Snuffed out an early Spain attack with some brilliant tracking back but wasted two gilt-edged headers right at the death.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10

Showed good strength on the ball in particular, but did not have too much of an influence on proceedings as Spain dominated the ball. Still, can leave Germany with his head held incredibly high.

Jude Bellingham – 7/10

Battled away in the final third and set up a promising chance for Harry Kane by nicking the ball off of Dani Carvajal. Also provided a deft touch to set up Palmer, albeit in vain.

ATTACK

Bukayo Saka – 6/10

No bright spark from the Arsenal man in the first half, but was at least involved in the build-up for Palmer’s equaliser. Apart from that, not a lot to write home about.

Phil Foden – 5/10

Had England’s first shot on target after a poor opening 45, where he gave the ball away close to his own goal to tee up a Spain chance. Not a good tournament for the Manchester City man.

Harry Kane – 4/10

Anonymous at the start and picked up an early booking for catching Ruiz on the ankle. Substituted early in the second half after a final to forget, but three goals for the tournament still sees him share the Golden Boot.

SUBSTITUTES

Ollie Watkins – 5/10

Could not replicate his semi-final heroics and had no impact after replacing Kane. Four touches, one yellow card.

Cole Palmer – 7/10

Ice running through his veins as always. An absolutely exceptional first-time finish to draw England level, and many may ask why he was not a regular starter throughout the tournament.

Ivan Toney – N/A

Brought on as a final throw of the dice, but it was too little too late.

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