Palmer: 'We wanted to go one step further'

Cole Palmer has urged England to use the hurt of defeat in the final of UEFA EURO 2024 as they bid for World Cup glory in 2026.

The Chelsea midfielder scored the equaliser against Spain in Berlin, getting on the scoresheet a matter of minutes after coming onto the pitch.

But it was another substitute, Mikel Oyarzabal, who won it for the Spanish late on, with his strike sealing a 2-1 victory at the Olympiastadion.

Having impressed in his first major tournament with England, Palmer is now keen to take the pain of the loss and use it to fuel the next campaign and the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

He said: “The World Cup is in two years' time, we need to remember this feeling and hopefully push on and try to win.

“We got to another final so there are positives to take but everyone wanted to go one step further. So we're disappointed that we didn't.

“We hoped to kick on (after the equaliser) but we didn't do that so it hurts.”

 

We fell short of what we wanted to achieve this summer, but this group gave everything and have done us proud.

Your support in Germany and back home has been incredible. Thank you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YBivqQXfJe

— England (@England) July 14, 2024

After an even first half, Spain broke the deadlock right at the start of the second, with Nico Williams firing past Jordan Pickford.

But England hit back, with Palmer levelling with a precision strike as he struck Jude Bellingham’s lay-off past Unai Simon with a first-time effort.

That goal 18 minutes from time raised hopes of another comeback win, but Oyarzabal ensured it was Spain who came out on top, with Palmer admitting that they were worthy winners.

He added: “Spain have been brilliant all tournament, everyone has seen what they can do. They are a great team so congratulations to them.”