As Gareth Southgate tries to figure out what comes next, and whether he will stay as England manager, Spain know exactly what they’re going to do. That – other than celebrate being European champions – is to go for the 2026 World Cup with the same approach, the same idea.

England players were applauded by fans as they left their hotel in Berlin to head home following defeat to Spain at the Euro 2024 final.

Cole Palmer helped England equalise with Spain during the 73rd minute, but a goal from the opposition in the final minutes secured the win.

Gareth Southgate previously commended the team’s “incredible” determination in the tournament, but admitted the “best team won” in the end.

However, he hasn’t yet acknowledged whether he’ll continue to serve as manager. Over 50,000 fans travelled to Berlin to watch England play in the final.

There are five candidates initially to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, reports the Telegraph.

Eddie Howe leads the way, with Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley also options.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott will lead the search for a successor should Southgate resign after another Euros heartbreak.

Here’s a bit more reaction from Harry Kane who spoke last night saying: “It’s been a tough tournament. We’ve had to show a lot of resilience, me personally and the whole team as well. It’s been a difficult ride.

“We’ve done extremely well to get here, but ultimately were going to be judged on this game. We wanted to do it so badly for ourselves, but also for the fans and everyone who has believed in us the whole way, so right now it’s just huge disappointment.”

Harry Kane admitted Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain was “as tough as it gets” after Mikel Oyarzabal grabbed a late winner in Berlin.

The England captain said: “We couldn’t quite keep the ball and we got punished for it towards the end of the game, so it’s as painful as it could be in a football match.”

Asked why England had not been able to build upon Cole Palmer’s leveller, Kane added: “I don’t know. We didn’t quite manage the same intensity and pressure, I guess, we didn’t quite keep the ball well enough.

“It’s the last stage of the tournament, there’s a lot of tired legs, there’s a lot of tired mentality there and we just struggled. Then obviously we got caught with the ball in behind.

“These [games] are down to big moments, we had a big moment at the end there where they cleared one off the line and it could have been different, but for now it’s just really disappointing.”

“I was petrified of him coming home and killing me.” For Emma Armstrong, a survivor of domestic abuse, football went from an enjoyable pastime and hobby to something that even 11 years on has left its scars.

Emma went from a season-ticket holder at a Premier League club to someone who actively avoids the game and tries to distance herself from it because of the association between football and what she experienced.

Football is unavoidable, especially when England are in a major tournament, and it has a lasting impact far beyond the reaches of whether Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad succeed or fail.

“I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough. We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short,” said the England boss in the immediate aftermath of their Euro 2024 defeat.

“We had a little bit of momentum in the game at that point [when Cole Palmer equalised]. There’s a big chance at the end to equalise too but across the 90 minutes, I’m not sure we did enough.

“Spain press well and you have to keep the ball when you win it back. In the end, that’s the bit that takes more out of your legs.

“I think the players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chances. They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end. I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game.”

Eddie Howe is a ‘leading contender’ on the FA’s shortlist should Gareth Southgate resign as England manager.

The Times reports that the Newcastle boss is of serious interest but the FA would first have to seek permission from the Premier League club to speak with him.

A big fee in compensation would be due if an agreement was reached between the FA and Newcastle, with Howe, with his current deal thought to run until 2027.

“He brings a togetherness for a start. This group of lads are such a tight knit group.

“Since he has come in he has been the most successful England manager there is – he deserves a lot more praise than what he gets. I would have loved to win as he deserves it more than anyone.”

“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, Steve, 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.”