Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has reacted to England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final by sending a touching message to his team-mates on his social media account
James Maddison has praised his England team-mates for making the nation proud in the wake of their defeat in the Euro 2024 final.
Despite an underwhelming start to the tournament, England battled their way through to Sunday’s showpiece final in Berlin where they came up short against Spain, who plundered an 86th minute winner to seal a 2-1 win.
Further criticism has been levelled at the Three Lions and manager Gareth Southgate as the nation digests a second successive European Championship final loss – but Maddison leapt to the defence of his colleagues on social media.
In a post on his Instagram story, Maddison wrote: “So proud of that group of lads. Fell at the last hurdle but doesn’t take away the amazing moments this group the country once again [love heart emoji].”
The Tottenham playmaker, 27, was included in England’s 33-man provisional squad but was one of the unlucky few who missed out on a place on the plane to Germany.
England made a slow start to the tournament, winning just one of their three group matches. They then came within 90 seconds of an embarrassing exit in the Round of 16 against Slovakia before Jude Bellingham rescued them at the death.
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After coming up short again three years on from losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties, it remains to be seen whether or not Southgate will continue in his role.
Speaking post-match, Southgate, who’s contract expires later this year, refused to be drawn on his future. He said: “Now is not the time for me to discuss that. I understand the question of course, but I need to speak to the right people – we will go from there.
“It has been an amazing experience to lead a team to a final, but at the moment to come up short is very painful.”
In a statement released shortly afterwards, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We came to Germany to win the tournament, and we didn’t want it to end this way. We are all hurting tonight, but we should be incredibly proud.
“I would like to thank Gareth, [assistant manager] Steve Holland, all of the players and the support team for their huge commitment and hard work to try to win the trophy for the country. They will be more disappointed than anyone to fall just short.
“This is our fourth major tournament final in four years for the Three Lions and the Lionesses, and our ambition to win major tournaments is stronger than ever.
“Our wonderful fans have supported us with pride and passion here in Germany and back at home. Everyone involved with England wants to make the country proud, and we really appreciate their support.”
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