Spain has been crowned the champions of Europe for a record-breaking fourth time, as they secured a 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. The month-long tournament had its fair share of ups and downs, with controversy, politics, and a disappointing record for the defeated finalists.

Spain's triumph in the tournament was undisputed, with the team delivering a stellar performance throughout. They claimed an impressive seven straight wins, surpassing Germany's record and solidifying their position as the most successful team in European Football Championship history.

One of the standout factors in Spain's success was the youthful energy of their squad. Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, made history by becoming the youngest scorer in Euro history with a record-breaking goal against France in the semifinals. In addition, Rodri, named the Player of the Tournament, showcased his talent at the age of 28. Nico Williams, who scored the first goal in the final and was named the Player of the Match, is now likely to attract offers from top European clubs.

Reflecting on their victory, Williams expressed his joy and gratitude to the fans, stating that they had made history and that Spain would savor this moment before setting their sights on the 2026 World Cup.

While Spain celebrated their success, England faced disappointment for the second consecutive European Championship. Gareth Southgate's team, hopeful of becoming the nation's first winners of the continental title, instead became the first team to lose two consecutive Euro finals. The performance of England's star-studded squad, including players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka, fell short of expectations.

The future of manager Gareth Southgate is now under scrutiny. Questions arise about his defensive mindset and its impact on the team's overall performance. England must find a way to avoid a second failure of a "golden generation" and regain their winning form.

The tournament also witnessed the potential decline of Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Portuguese forward failed to make his mark on the competition. At 39 years old, Ronaldo was isolated on the field, with his attempts to score ending in disappointment. With rumors of his retirement looming after a lackluster performance, it remains to be seen if this was his last appearance in a Portugal shirt.

Another notable disappointment was France's early exit from the tournament. With high expectations after reaching the World Cup final, the French team faltered, and Kylian Mbappe's broken nose in the opening match further hampered their chances of success.

In addition to the on-field action, the tournament was marred by controversy off the pitch. Turkish fans were stopped from parading in Berlin due to making the "Grey Wolves salute," associated with a far-right movement. This led to the suspension of Turkish defender Merih Demiral and triggered a diplomatic row between Turkey and Germany.

Euro 2024 provided thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, as Spain emerged as worthy champions. The focus now shifts to the next step for Spain and the path for teams like England and France as they regroup and plan for future international competitions.