Nico Williams fired his second goal of Uefa Euro 2024 as Spain took the lead against England in the final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Livewire Williams latched on to fellow winger Lamine Yamal’s diagonal pass inside the penalty area on the left and emphatically accepted an opportunity in plenty of space to give La Roja an ideal start to the second half, finding the far corner of the net beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s dive.
The 47th-minute strike was the first real chance in the final. Spain had 69 per cent of first-half possession but lacked precision with their deliveries and final passes, while England struggled to use the ball to meaningful effect, although Phil Foden did well to stretch and moderately test David Raya with a far-post volley from a free-kick.
Nico Williams has given Spain the lead in the Euro 2024 final!#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #ESPENG pic.twitter.com/vSVmAaioFS
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 14, 2024
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Euro 2024 final: Spain goal ‘brilliant’
Dani Olmo went close as Spain carved England open again soon after the opener, although the three-time champions lost hugely influential Manchester City midfielder Rodri to injury at the break, replacing him with Martín Zubimendi.
“England never got started at all,” former Three Lions striker Alan Shearer told BBC Sport. “Brilliant play from the two wingers.
“Yamal is waiting to find Williams and he sets it up so, so well for him. He is just left in acres of space and is waiting. It’s a great finish.”
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Nico Williams goal
Williams celebrated his 22nd birthday on Friday and has been one of the stars of the tournament, his speed and skill on the left almost matching the brilliance of 16-year-old Yamal, who has produced three assists and scored a sensational equaliser in Spain’s semi-final victory over France.
The Athletic Club player went close again as Spain pushed for a second, drilling a fierce shot from distance narrowly wide.
Spain vs England: Three Lions ‘have to wake up’
“It hasn’t been a problem when England have gone behind in previous games,” said Shearer, calling on England manager Gareth Southgate to make changes.
“They have had a reaction and they have to do the same again today. But they are playing against better opposition who will exploit the spaces if they leave space in behind.
“They have got to wake up. They haven’t got going this second half. England are on the ropes. They are giving the ball away and it’s coming straight back to them.
“Someone has to be brave and get their foot on the ball and have quality. We need players on the pitch now who can take the ball and be brave and take it when they are under pressure.”
