‘Difficult’ - Newcastle United ace reveals why Gareth Southgate lost England the Euro 2024 final

Kieran Trippier has highlighted “fine margins” as the reason why England blew another European final.

Spain - regarded as the best team at the tournament - clinched a late winner to sink the Three Lions 2-1 in Berlin. Cole Palmer had equalised 13 minutes earlier but England failed to make their momentum count.

Gareth Southgate is now facing a big decision on his future, with many urging him to step down after eight years in charge. Trippier was an unused substitute despite starting the previous six games in Germany.

A knock suffered in the semi-final win over the Netherlands forced Southgate to start Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw for the first time since February. Trippier was set to enter the fray alongside Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher before Palmer's long-range strike pulled England level.

Speaking post-match, the Newcastle United talisman brushed off suggestions about a lack of effort, insisting the stats do not lie while outlining positive signs for the future. Trippier told the BBC: "The team that we’ve got is fit. "If you see the running stats, I think we’re probably the highest in the whole tournament. So that’s not an excuse.

“They (Spain) get the second goal and it’s always difficult when you’re chasing the game against a team like Spain. Football is all about fine margins. It’s one of those where the lads gave everything. 

“They will have learned a great deal from his tournament. The young players stepped up in big moments for us. They can learn a lot from this. It will make them grow."