Lamine Yamal hails ‘dream’ Euro 2024 final win over England
Lamine Yamal of Spain poses for a photo with the Best Young Player trophy and the UEFA Euro 2024 Henri Delaunay Trophy after victory over England in the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin Credit: Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Teenager Lamine Yamal admits it was a ‘dream’ for him to be part of a Spain side who won Euro 2024 on Sunday night against England.
Yamal, who turned 17 last week, was also crowned Young Player of the Tournament following a sensational breakthrough in Germany.
The Barcelona hotshot scored once for La Roja and recorded four assists en-route to the Coupe Henri Delaunay.
He also started in every game for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
"I am very happy,” Yamal said after winning the Euros. “This is a dream. I'm looking forward to returning to Spain and celebrating with all the fans. It's the best birthday present ever.
"When England equalised, it was difficult. I don't know what this team is made of, but we always manage to get back up."
Young Player of the Tournament: Lamine Yamal #EURO2024pic.twitter.com/Mb8HEU2alr
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024
Spain took an early second-half lead through winger Nico Williams after he was found by an expertly weighted pass from Yamal.
The Athletic Bilbao man proceeded to beat England keeper Jordan Pickford to open the scoring.
Cole Palmer was sprung from the bench and made an instant impact when he levelled matters with a fine finish from outside the penalty area.
With extra-time looking likely, Spain had the final say when substitute Mikel Oyarzabal found the net when he turned Marc Cucurella’s cross into the back of the net.
But England still had a chance to save it - only for Declan Rice and Marc Guehi seeing their respective headers cleared off the line.
La Roja were then crowned European champions for the fourth time after winning it in 1964, 2008 and 2012 previously.
“We've competed until the very end of the final,” England boss Gareth Southgate said. “We didn't keep possession of the ball quite well enough.
“We defended well but when you win the ball back you need to get out of that pressure. And we weren't able to do that. That meant they had more control of the game and that can wear you down a bit. That said we got the equaliser and then it was wide open.
“A big chance at the end to equalise so as always it is fine margins. I think Spain were the best team in the tournament.”
Spain: Unai Simon; Daniel Carvajal, Marc Cucurella Saseta, Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand (José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias (Nacho) 83); Rodri (Martín Zubimendi 46), Dani Olmo, Fabian Ruiz Pena, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal (Mikel Merino 89); Alvaro Morata (Mikel Oyarzabal 68).
Subs not used: David Raya Martin, Álex Remiro, Daniel Vivian, Álex Grimaldo, Fermín López, Ferran Torres, José Luis Mato Sanmartín (Joselu), Jesus Navas, Alejandro Baena Rodriguez.
Booked: Dani Olmo (31).
England: Jordan Pickford; Addji Guéhi, John Stones, Kyle Walker; Jude Bellingham, Philip Foden (Ivan Toney 89), Kobbie Mainoo (Cole Palmer 70), Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Luke Shaw; Harry Kane (Oliver Watkins 61).
Subs not used: Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Dunk, Joseph Gomez, Kieran Trippier, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen, Ezri Konsa Ngoyo, Anthony Gordon.
Booked: Harry Kane (25), John Stones (53), Oliver Watkins (90).
Referee: Francois Letexier (France).
Attendance: 65,600.
