UEFA’s suspension is due to Morata and Rodri’s actions violating conduct standards. The organization stated that the players failed to adhere to general principles of conduct, breached the rules of decency, and used the football event to express political statements.

Morata and Rodri will miss Spain’s upcoming match against Serbia on September 5. The Gibraltar FA had objected to the players’ behavior, describing it as highly provocative and disrespectful following Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.

Why players chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish”?

Gibraltar, located at the southern tip of Spain and under British sovereignty since the 18th century, has been the subject of a longstanding territorial dispute with Spain. Despite Spain’s claims over Gibraltar, the region has been a full UEFA member since 2013.

The incident highlights the ongoing political sensitivities surrounding Gibraltar and the broader implications of political statements in international sports.

In an official statement, Southgate, who took over in 2016, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to have led the national team: “It has been the honour of my life. I’ve given it everything. But it’s time for a change and a new chapter.”

The coach, who leaves the position after 102 games at the helm of the team, says goodbye with his head held high, highlighting the achievements made during his management: “We led England to two European Championship finals and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. I’m very proud of this team.”

Who are the candidates to manage England?

After the surprise resignation of Gareth Southgate as manager of the English national team, the English Football Association (FA) already has in mind some possible candidates to replace him. However, a name that is conspicuous by its absence is that of Pep Guardiola, current Manchester City coach.

According to The Guardian newspaper, three names are at the top of the list of possible successors to Southgate: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has won praise for his engaging style of play and ability to develop young talent. Graham Potter, the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion has impressed with his innovative tactical approach and his ability to get the most out of his players. And finally, Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea coach, has extensive experience in European football and has shown that he is capable of winning titles with top teams.

Apart from the names mentioned above, and as reported by Sky Sport, Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino is also among the candidates to replace Southgate in England. The English Football Association is reportedly considering his name to take over as manager of the England national team.

The dream with Guardiola

Guardiola has not hidden that he is curious to manage a national team and in England he would have a real team to be able to shape it. In addition, he knows a good part of the players since he has faced them or, some, he has them in the same team. On the other hand, the Daily Mail claimed that Guardiola was the FA’s great dream to lead the English national team after the European Championship, when Southgate was contemplating leaving.

It should be noted that Guardiola, who has a contract with Manchester City until June 2025, does not seem to be a viable option for the FA at the moment. The next few hours could be decisive for the future of the English national team. The FA is expected to announce a decision on the new manager soon, who will have the difficult task of filling Southgate’s shoes and leading the team to further success.

During Gareth Southgate’s era as head coach of England, the English have returned to playing championship matches: a Euro Cup final defeat in 2020, a quarterfinal appearance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and now another Euro Cup final defeat in 2024.

Despite having a very talented side, Southgate’s England has come up short but also cemented itself as one of the top national teams in the world.

England’s title drought

England’s title drought since their 1966 FIFA World Cup victory has been notable. From various Euros and World Cup tournaments, the English have not been able to achieve success since the days of the Beatles.

In total, 21,169 days have come and gone since England won a championship of any kind. This drought is being labeled as the “England Curse.” Will the 2026 World Cup finally be the title that snaps England’s unlucky streak?

England was considered one of the main candidates to win Euro 2024. Led by Jude Bellingham, the English squad was able to win the final, however, the fate was different and they were defeated 2-1 by Spain.

England coach Gareth Southgate’s approach was criticized throughout the tournament, due to non-offensive approaches throughout Euro 2024, in addition, the English national team has great players and could not be crowned champion once again.

England loses to Spain at Euro 2024 final: the funniest memes and reactions

Southgate’s current contract with England runs out in December, but it looks like the English FA is planning to extend the manager’s deal for the years to come, at least until the 2026 World Cup.

Before the Euro 2024 final, The Telegraph reported the FA wanted Southgate to continue coaching England regardless of the result against Spain. But now that the Three Lions lost, we’ll have to wait and see whether the front office still wants this.

Gareth Southgate admitted Euro 2024 could be his last chance with England

Speaking to German outlet Bild ahead of this year’s European Championship, Southgate admitted that anything short of an English triumph in Germany could cost him the job with the national team.

“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football,” said Southgate before the Euros. “I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’, as at some point people lose faith.”

Southgate’s record as England manager

In eight years in charge of the English national team, manager Gareth Soutghate has recorded 64 victories, 20 draws, and 19 losses in 103 games coached. Here’s his record at major international tournaments with England:

• 2018: World Cup semi-finalist
• 2019: Nations League semi-finalist
• 2020: EURO finalist
• 2022: World Cup quarter-finalist
• 2024: EURO finalist

Spain took the lead early in the second half with a goal from Nico Williams in the 47th minute. England’s Cole Palmer equalized in the 73rd, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With just minutes remaining, Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive goal in the 86th, sealing the win for Spain.

The 27-year-old Oyarzabal’s goal came after a brilliant assist from Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. Oyarzabal outmaneuvered defender Marc Guehi and fired the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, clinching the title for Spain.

Spain’s path to become UEFA Euro champions

Spain’s journey to becoming UEFA Euro champions was marked by an impressive unbeaten run, with six wins and one draw. In the group stage, they secured victories over Croatia (3-0), Italy (1-0), and Albania (1-0).

In the Round of 16, Spain dominated Georgia with a 4-1 win. The quarter-finals posed a challenging test against hosts Germany, which ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time and then in extra time a last minute goal by Mikel Merino secured a 2-1 victory.

The semifinals saw Spain face off against France. Despite an early goal from Kolo Muani, Spain rallied with goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo to win 2-1, earning their spot in the final.

In the final, Spain faced England led by Jude Bellingham. Nico Williams scored early in the second half, but England’s Cole Palmer leveled the score. Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Oyarzabal connected with Cucurella’s cross to secure a 2-1 victory, giving Spain their fourth Euro title.

Gareth Southgate decided to send Palmer in 70 minutes into the game, and it didn’t take long for the substitution to pay off. Only three minutes after taking the field, the 22-year-old scored the equalizer for England.

Bukayo Saka made a great job on the right, with Jude Bellingham touching the ball just in time to set up Palmer, who found the back of the net with a perfect finish that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon couldn’t stop.

The English fans, who were left in shock by Nico Williams’ opening goal for Spain only a few minutes earlier, went wild at the Olympiastadion, where they’re occupying most of the seats.

US viewers:

UK viewers:

Palmer with another heroic moment for England at Euro 2024

Only a few days ago, Palmer had already made a crucial appearance for England at the European Championship. When it looked like the extra time against the Netherlands were inevitable, the Manchester City product came up with an assist for Ollie Watkins to send England into the Euro 2024 final.

“I swear on my kids’ life, I told Cole Palmer earlier today, we’d be coming on and he’d set me up and I’d score. And it happened,” Watkins told the media after scoring the game-winning goal for England in the semifinals.

The Manchester City player had been key in the first half to control the game and provide balance to the Spanish team. However, at the start of the second half, Rodri was forced to leave the field due to a muscle discomfort.

His replacement was Martin Zubimendi, who came in ready to contribute to La Roja’s midfield. However, Rodri’s absence is expected not to be suffered by the Spanish national team and not to give in to pressure from England.

Rodri out of the Euro 2024 Final

Rodri did not come off in the second half of the decisive match between England and Spain due to injury. Rodri is expected to undergo medical tests in the coming hours to determine the severity of his injury and estimated recovery time.

Rodri’s absence is a hard blow for Spain, as he is one of the most important players in the team. However, coach Luis de la Fuente is confident in the depth of his squad and the ability of his players to overcome this adversity.

Shortly after coming back from the break, Spain kept the aggressive style shown in the first half, and it quickly paid off. Yamal cut inside from the right, eventually finding Williams open in a perfect position to finish it off.

As soon as the ball went in, the Spanish fans at the Olympiastadion went wild, with the English crowd left in shock. While it was Williams who got on the scoresheet, Yamal was given the deserved credit for the goal that broke the deadlock in Germany.

US viewers:

UK viewers:

Spain looking for third European Championship title

The Spanish national team reached this game with only one goal in sight: to become the winningest nation in UEFA Euro history. Even with a young squad featuring the likes of Yamal (17) and Williams (22), La Furia gave reasons for optimism.

Spain reached the Euro 2024 final tied with Germany for the most European Championship titles with three trophies each, so a fourth success would make them the sole leaders on the all-time champions list.

The play in question took place only 34 minutes into the game at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Despite stopping the Al Nassr defender with both arms around him, the Arsenal star wasn’t punished as the refs didn’t intervene.

Since it was a rather uneventful first half, this situation was the one that gave most to talk about on social media. Fans were left in shock as the game continued like nothing happened, with the refs missing what seemed to be a clear penalty for Spain.

“How in the world is that Rice rugby tackle on Laporta not a penalty;” @LUFC_WorldWide wrote. “Rice doing a Hulk Hogan impression on Laporte, no penalty – remind me why we have VAR again?,” @philipoconnor complained.

Dani Carvajal tells Bukayo Saka to “stop crying”

While the overlooked penalty for Spain may have been the most controversial situation in the first half, another moment that went viral was Dani Carvajal’s reaction to Bukayo Saka calling for a yellow card on the Spanish defender.

The Real Madrid right-back made a gesture to the Arsenal winger to stop crying, which of course led to countless posts on social media. Needless to say, the Euro 2024 final has already heated up.

The Chelsea player is being booed due to a controversial handball incident inside the box during the quarter-final match against Germany. The referee’s decision not to award a penalty in favor of the Germans sparked the fans’ ire.

At the Olympiastadion, German fans make their displeasure with Marc Cucurella known by booing him every time he touches the ball. Despite the presence of a significant number of Spanish and English fans, the boos from the German contingent are particularly noticeable.

Marc Cucurella’s incident against Germany

Spain faced Germany, the tournament hosts, in the quarter-finals at the Allianz Arena. Marc Cucurella started the entire match without being substituted by coach Luis de la Fuente Castillo.

With the match at 1-1 and in the 105th minute of the quarterfinal series, Jamal Musiala’s shot hit Marc Cucurella’s hand, prompting the Germans to protest to referee Anthony Taylor, but he did not award a penalty kick. However, the referee did not give a penalty.

After the controversial play of the match that went around the world, the referee’s explanation focused on the position of the Spaniard’s arm, almost parallel to his body, alluding to the fact that it was close to the torso.