England lost 2-1 to Spain in the Euro 2024 final following an underwhelming performance, with Declan Rice unhappy with Jordan Pickford in the opening stages of the match in Germany. Declan Rice clashed with Jordan Pickford after the England goalkeeper encouraged pressure from Spain during the first leg of the Euro 2024 final. The Three Lions faced a daunting task against Spain in the final in Berlin, and they began hesitantly. With Spain pressing high up the pitch, England decided to compete on their own terms, a risky strategy.
Gareth Southgate had instructed Pickford to play out from the back, so he tried to pass the ball out fast to Phil Foden. However, Fabian Ruiz grabbed it from Foden, and the Spain midfielder released Lamine Yamal on the wing, forcing Marc Guehi to stop the ball for a corner. That style of play created disagreements in the England camp, with Rice confronting his goalkeeper. The Arsenal midfielder was spotted encouraging Pickford to “calm down” as the Everton goalkeeper became agitated.
Pickford pleaded his case, appearing to indicate that Foden, not he, was to blame for losing the ball. Rice ultimately walked away from the heated exchange.
Declan Rice pictured in a heated altercation with Jordan Pickford, leaving Rio Ferdinand red-faced.
England lost to Spain in the Euros for the second time in a row, as Gareth Southgate failed to guide the Three Lions to victory. England’s hopes for another international title are over for at least another two years. Mikel Oyarzabal converted Marc Cucurella’s cross, turning dreams of winning Euro 2024 in Berlin into nightmares of loss. England finished second place at the European Championships for the second time in a row, causing disappointment and dejection.
Frustration was evident both during and after the match among the England players. Spain, on the other hand, was eager to quell any moment of England’s exuberance, allowing them to savor glory. Mirror Football looks at some of the moments you might have missed throughout the stress and excitement of the Euro final. Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford clashed. England endured a disappointing 90 minutes at the Olympiastadion. Misplaced passes and imprecise play were exacerbated by an open defence, allowing Spain to cut through Southgate’s side with remarkable effect in the second half of play.
There was also a hint of England’s frenzied play in the first half, as Jordan Pickford attracted pressure before sending out to Phil Foden, who had the ball snatched away from him. Declan Rice approached his goalkeeper and instructed him to ‘cool down’. Pickford pressed his argument back to the Arsenal midfielder before Rice exited the conversation. Following Spain’s second goal, the former West Ham hero engaged in a heated conversation with Kyle Walker, as irritation grew over England’s failures.
