Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has put out a message on social media this evening, following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
England lost 2-1 in Berlin, with Spain deserved winners.
Cole Palmer gave the Three Lions brief hope after Nico Williams put the Spanish ahead. But England couldn’t capitalise when the wind was in their sails, and Mikel Oyarzabal grabbed the winner in the 86th minute.
It is a painful day for England fans.
Ultimately, many felt this was a fantastic chance to end the drought. Spain are a fantastic team, but England arguably have better players on paper.
But in Berlin, England fell short and now we will see if Gareth Southgate will remain in his post.
Tonight, Kyle Walker has given his thoughts about last night’s game and also the last few weeks.
Kyle Walker sends message after defeat in Euro 2024 final as Rico Lewis offers support
While England came up just short against Spain, the feeling for many is that England really rode their luck in Germany.
Southgate’s side never really clicked, and came within a whisker of going out against Slovakia in the quarter-final.
Too many players just did not replicate their club form. And Southgate made some odd decisions, failing to give potential difference-makers like Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins more minutes.
Walker featured in all seven games at the Euros, and has come in for a lot of criticism for his performances.
Tonight, the City right-back has taken to Instagram to express his thoughts after last night’s game. He said: “This is one which will hurt for a long time. I strongly believed this was our time, but it wasn’t to be.
“Credit to Spain who was an excellent opposition and only one team can win. Thank you to all the back room staff for everything they do.
“Finally a massive shout out to the fans who travelled and who supported back home. Time to rest up and go again in a few weeks.”
Many fans sent messages of sympathy, and City youngster Rico Lewis commented a blue heart emoji to show his support.
Walker must use Euro heartache as fuel
The England players will no doubt be gutted about how Sunday’s final went down. To come that close and not get the job done must be pretty tough to deal with.
Walker – who recently emerged as a target for Saudi Arabia – didn’t have the best tournament, so it’s important that he now rests up ready to return to City ahead of the 2024/25 season.
In 2023/24 for City, Walker was a level below what he was in the Treble-winning campaign and he needs to use this Euro final defeat as fuel now to get back on his game.
He is still one of the top players in his position in the world but there have been some signs of decline lately. Hopefully, he’ll return to his former glories under Pep Guardiola.
