Another tournament, another heartbreak for England.
Albania and Georgia entertained us, Austria made us believe it could be their time and Belgium under performed for the 20th tournament in a row.
We waved goodbye to football legend Toni Kroos, Ronaldo cried like a baby, and Ollie Watkins enjoyed a once in a lifetime moment.
Ultimately, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams stole the show from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, as Spain unearthed the next generation of superstars.
Here’s what we’ll always remember about Euro 2024…
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JUNE 24: Luka Modric of Croatia disappointed after the 1-1 during the EURO match between Croatia v Italy at the Red Bull Arena on June 24, 2024 in Leipzig Germany (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Modric Heartbreak
There’s always major tournament heartbreak and Luka Modric gave the people what they want as the camera panned in on his face as Italy struck a 98th-minute equaliser knocking Croatia out.
Made in the EFL
19 of England’s 26-man squad have a strong English Football League background. Hold the phone, there is life outside of the Premier League?
Germany’s Saxophone turncoat
The Germanic Kenny G wannabe became a Dutch saxophone player during their semi-final showdown with England. Just play the one about Baker Street mate.
Ronaldo’s Gazza Moment
After 34 years, there has finally been a higher profiled set of tears than Gazza at World Cup Italia ’90. An inconsolable CR7 cried for days after missing a penalty vs Slovenia.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JULY 01: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected as he is consoled by teammates ahead of the second half of extra-time during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at Frankfurt Arena on July 01, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Pickford’s Cheat Sheet
Is that how Pickford passed GCSE science back in the day? Answers on a bottle… so simple yet brilliant.
Public serenade
A police officer was serenaded by hundreds of England fans before kick-off against Holland because he looked like Gareth Southgate. Wasn’t in a waistcoat, thankfully.
Mask of Zzzzzzzzorro
An underwhelming Kylian Mbappe will be remembered more for his facial wear than his football at Euro ’24 as France put everyone to sleep.
Toney’s no look penalty
Ivan Toney became an internet sensation as well as an England hero when he scored a penalty without even looking. Do not take that approach when crossing the street, Ivan.
Taking the Mikautadze
While he might not become a household name with that many syllables, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze put himself well and truly on the map by scoring three goals and assisting one which has caught the attention of some of Europe’s top sides and finished joint topscorer in the tournament.
Who else?
Sadly, for Jude and all of England, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal in the final. Still, Bellingham’s spectacular strike to rescue England from last 16 oblivion will live long in the memory.
You Gunok be Serious?!
Forgive the weak pun, but jaws will hit the floor for decades to come as Turkish fans bore their grandkids about Mert Gunok’s miraculous save that knocked out Austria in the round of 16. Still don’t know how he stopped it.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JULY 02: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote netcam.) Mert Gunok of Turkiye saves the headed shot of Christoph Baumgartner of Austria during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Austria and Turkiye at Football Stadium Leipzig on July 02, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
You shall not pass
Portugal’s Diogo Costa saved three penalties in a row during a shootout with Slovenia. Brick wall.
Own goals galore
Mbappe, Ronaldo, Kane, Morata, Gakpo – all fell short in the race for the golden boot. Own goals came top with 10 scored in total. The worst part is this isn’t even a tournament record, as 11 were scored at Euro 2020.
The Killers
We all saw it online. Showing the final whistle of England’s semi-final triumph on the big screen directly into guitar anthem Mr. Brightside. A true rock’n’roll moment.
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