EURO 2024: Final loss an ‘opportunity missed,’ says Kane
England’s EURO 2024 final loss was an “opportunity missed” after a series of heartaches, says Three Lions captain Harry Kane.
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EURO 2024 FINAL LOSS ‘AN OPPORTUNITY MISSED’ AFTER SERIES OF HEARTBREAKS: KANE
England’s 1-2 loss to Spain in the EURO 2024 final on Sunday was “an opportunity missed” after a series of heartbreaks the team had endured, says Kane.
Furthermore, the Three Lions haven’t won a major title since winning the 1966 World Cup and lost for the second-straight Euro final.
England lost via penalty shootout to Italy in the EURO 2020 that was held in 2021.
Moreover, Kane was reduced to tears after watching Spain’s players and fans celebrate yet another European championship title added to their 1964, 2008, and 2012 trophies.
“It’d an opportunity missed. These finals aren’t easy to get to. You have to take it when it comes and we haven’t done it again,” Kane said.
“It’s hard to put into words how we’re all feeling right now,” he added.
PRINCE WILLIAM ‘STILL PROUD’ OF THREE LIONS DESPITE TOUGH LOSS
Moreover, Prince William said he is “still proud” of Kane and the Three Lions despite another tough loss.
“This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you,” said the prince, who attended the final alongside other dignitaries including Spain’s King Felipe.
Furthermore, the wait to quench a major title continues for the 30-year-old Kane.
The England captain was limited to just 13 touches in his hour against La Roja in the final.
“We did well to get back into the game and struggled to build on that. We’ve been coming from behind all tournament, we’ve got it in the locker,” Kane said.
“We didn’t take the next step and win it. It’s extremely painful and it’ll hurt for a long time,” he added.
FINAL LOSS ‘TOUGH ON HIM,’ SOUTHGATE SAYS ON KANE’S HEARTBREAKS
On the other hand, the final loss was “tough on him,” England manager Gareth Southgate said on Kane’s heartbreaks.
“Physically, it has been tough on him (Kane). He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped,” Southgate said.
The England manager’s contract expires in December, and his future with the Three Lions remains uncertain.
Moreover, Southgate handled the Three Lions for eight years and led the team to the World Cup semifinals in 2018.
The future may still be bright for England moving forward but Southgate, like Kane, doesn’t want to talk yet beyond the final.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not just for the World Cup but the next Euros as well,” Southgate said.
“There’s a lot to look forward to but at this moment that’s not any consolation,” he added.