King Charles sends message to England after Euro 2024 heartbreak

King Charles has urged the England squad to be proud of their efforts this summer despite their crushing defeat to Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final.

England went into the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way but, despite a brief moment of excitement stemming from Cole Palmer's equaliser, were comfortably second-best against a Spain side whose glory was sealed thanks to an 86th-minute strike from Mikel Oyarzabal.

It was a heartbreaking moment for the England players and manager Gareth Southgate, but King Charles insisted he had nothing but pride towards their efforts.

"Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high," he wrote.

"All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.

"But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and 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 I have no doubt lie ahead."

Southgate is facing an uncertain future following the conclusion of the tournament, having admitted earlier this summer that he would likely leave his role if England failed to get their hands on the trophy.

"I need to have those conversations with important people behind the scenes," Southgate told his post-match press conference. "I'm obviously not going to discuss that publicly first. Without a doubt, England have got some fabulous young players.

"Even the young ones have got a lot of experience in tournaments. Many of this squad are going to be around in two, four, six, eight years time. We have now been consistently back in the matches that matter. It's the last step that we haven't been able to do."

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