The resigned silence of 55 million fans settled in The Torch pub with Mikel Oyarzabal's precise finish in the 86th minute. The 10 million pints of beer, shared among the 3.5 million spectators gathered in 35,000 pubs like this one in the shadow of Wembley, were not enough to end England's 58-year drought of international trophies.
Jim Mason, 32, nervously bit his number 10 Bellingham shirt fearing the worst, amidst a sea of St. George's Cross flags waving at The Tordjen: "Spain has been better from the start, but we were improving, and we thought Jude could make the difference at any moment. And if not him, Palmer, Watkins, or Toney, capable of causing an upset."
"It is worth remembering that half the country demanded Southgate's head after the goalless draw with Slovenia," Mason recalled. "It was clear that Harry Kane was not in form, and I've seen Bellingham tired and not playing at his level in the last few games."
"The good thing was that this time we weren't the favorites," noted Geena Payne, as Palmer, the night's surprise package, lifted the fans from their seats with the 1-1. "We haven't been guilty of overconfidence or let ourselves be infected by a sense of superiority, as happened with the English 'Lionesses' when we lost to the Red in the women's World Cup."
Connor Evans, 71, witnessed England's last international trophy triumph in 1966, in that legendary 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final. His son Aaron decided to surprise him and pay 422 pounds (500 euros) for a family table at Wembley's BoxPark, next to the stadium where he once saw Bobby and Jack Charlton, Bobby Moore, and Geoff Hurst play.
The thunderous noise of the immense venue, with the familiar chorus of "Sweet Caroline," did not deter Connor, who admitted to being "ready for the new battle," after 58 years... "We had a team with great players back then, just like now. We lacked that final push three years ago against Italy that distinguishes champions, but we are very close now."
The Euro final brought an extra 48 million pounds (55 million euros) to pubs and bars in the British Isles, according to estimates by Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Bar Association. As previously planned by the former Conservative government, before the electoral defeat, venues were granted permission to extend the alcohol curfew from Sunday until 1 a.m. on Monday.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, a big football fan and Arsenal supporter, traveled to Berlin hoping to inspire the team with his recent winning spirit. Starmer penned a personal thank-you letter to coach Gareth Southgate "on behalf of the entire nation," expressing his pride in reaching the final: "As three years ago, and whatever happens, you must know that you have united the country and we are all behind you."
"The last thing you need is a politician telling you what to do," Starmer added. "You have come this far through hard work and earned it (...) You should all be proud of what you have achieved, and I hope you feel the strength of the millions who will be kicking every ball for you."
Keir Starmer was compared to Southgate by his own biographer, Tom Baldwin, drawing a parallel between the recent election and the Berlin final: "Like Southgate, Starmer has been distinguished by caution. Like Southgate, he has received much criticism for not taking more risks. That strategy paid off politically. And the truth is that football and politics have much in common, but also significant differences."
Prince William, who traveled to Germany with his son George was more succinct in his message to Southgate: "We believe!" William, an Aston Villa fan, praised Ollie Watkins' performance and goal against the Netherlands, subtly hinting at selecting him for the final lineup.
King Charles, who had never been known as a "football fan," joined the fever by posing recently with actor Idris Elba in a display of white shirts, and also sending Southgate a message likely shared by millions of Britons at the crucial moment...
"If I could urge you to secure victory before we need wonderful goals in the last minute or face the drama of penalties. I am sure the nation's stress, collective heart rate, and blood pressure would be greatly relieved. Good luck, England!"
In Scotland, eliminated in the group stage, the fans sided with Spain due to their historic rivalry in football and rugby with their southern neighbors. The pro-independence newspaper The National featured Rodri on the front page, dressed in red, kicking an English fan disguised as a ball.
In a sarcastic editorial, the Scottish publication publicly supported Spain in these terms: "Every summer, they fill your beaches. They drink your beer. They liven up your squares. They have fried breakfasts instead of trying your wonderful food. They retire in your villages and drain your public services. It's time for revenge!"
Hours before, the red flags and shirts had cheered on Carlos Alcaraz in his triumph on the All England Club?s center court against Novak Djokovic. The two-time Wimbledon champion, booed on Friday by the crowd for predicting that "Sunday will be a great day for Spain," did not back down at the microphone and even said: "I've done my job, now it's up to the footballers." The night was capped off by Gary Lineker on the BBC: "Congratulations, Spain!"