King Charles urges England team to ‘hold heads high’ after Euros defeat

King Charles has urged the England team to “hold your heads high” in a message to Gareth Southgate where he praised their “really great achievement”.

England fans were commiserating after Spain pulled ahead 2-1 in the 86th minute after Mikel Oyarzabal managed to meet Marc Cucurella’s low cross into the box and put the ball past Jordan Pickford.

Gareth Southgate’s team was visibly devastated after having reached the final in Berlin but missing out once more on lifting the Henri Delaunay Cup.

Related: Harry Kane cuts sorry figure on a desolate night for England

But in a letter published on X, King Charles said : “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.

“All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.

“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.”

The Prince of Wales also told England’s football team “we’re all still so proud of you” after they lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain.

Prince William, who attended the match in Berlin alongside his son Prince George, said: “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

Spain has won a fourth European Championship final, after England conceded a goal just two minutes into the second half from winger Nico Williams.

The prince said on social media: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards. W”

Keir Starmer said the England team had made the country proud, stating in a post on social media site X: “You made your country proud, England. Congratulations to Spain.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan posted on X: “Skill, speed, courage and conviction. So proud of the England team for an amazing tournament. You’ve done us proud.”

The archbishop of canterbury, Justin Welby, has offered his “prayers” for England manager Gareth Southgate after the Three Lions were defeated.

In a post on X, Welby said : “Despite the result, you have won something no one can take away: our deepest admiration, and a place in the history books. Congratulations to Spain on your victory and a wonderful tournament.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said : “What a fantastic effort by Gareth and the team.

“Although they didn’t get over the line tonight the whole country is immensely proud of them and grateful for the memories that will last a lifetime.’’

• This article was amended on 15 July 2024. An earlier version referred to Prince William as the Duke of Cambridge; also, it said Spain had won a second European Championship final in succession; in fact, Italy won the previous competition.