Southgate says Spain deserves to win but Allardyce questions attacking intent

England’s Manager, Gareth Southgate says, Spain deserved European glory after the La Roja edged England 2:1 in he European Cup final.

“As always in these games it’s fine margins but I think they [Spain] were the best team in the tournament and over the piece they deserved to win,” said Southgate.

The match had been quite cagey in the first half despite the long spells of possession by the Spaniards.

Then Niko Williams nicked in the opener after a quick counter few minutes into the second half drawing more intent from a rather English side that preferred to sit deeps and catch the Spaniards on the break.

The introduction of Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer for Harry Kane and Kobby Mainoo injected new zeal in the English side and Palmer’s equaliser evoked belief in another surprise comeback for the Three Lions but there went into another slump as the Spaniards took control of the game and deservedly got the winner in the 85th minute.

But many would feel that this England had more promise and potential than they attained and Sam Allardyce, Southgate’s predecessor shared these sentiments with the BBC:

“We had many goal scorers in the squad – Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins. Look at how many goals they scored at club level this last season. How many chances did we create for them at the Euros?

“We didn’t break defences down as well or as quickly enough as we should have done and that needs to be looked at.

“Also, we need to look at the system or systems we intend to play and make sure that the players we pick are comfortable in that system. If they are not then you are better off not picking them.”