Shattered England stars are consoled by their families and WAGs after heartbreaking last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final – but King sums up feelings of a proud nation as he tells Gareth Southgate’s side: ‘Hold your heads up high’

King Charles and Prince William tonight paid tribute to the England squad, hailing them the ‘pride of a nation’ and to ‘hold your heads up high’ after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Gareth Southgate’s men were unable to make history as they lost 2-1 in Berlin, as the Three Lions once again missed out on glory.\Millions of fans had packed into bars and pubs in hope of seeing England finally claim their first victory since the World Cup of 1966.

And super sub Cole Palmer had given the nation belief when he struck a brilliant equaliser in the 73rd-minute, after his team had gone behind at the start of the second half.

It sent boozers into wild celebrations, with beers launched into the air as fans sung ‘it’s coming come’ – while in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Prince William and his son, Prince George, punched the air in delight.

But the hopes and expectations of a nation came crashing down minutes later when Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal slotted the winning goal past Jordan Pickford in the 86th-minute.

Crestfallen fans were left in disbelief and holding their heads in their hands after England came agonisingly close to victory.

The defeat left William and George visibly stunned, with the Prince of Wales later seen consoling England’s dejected skipper, Harry Kane – as King Charles urged the squad to ‘hold your heads high’ and hailed them the ‘pride of a nation’.