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With 101 goals scored and 7 own goals, the numbers from this edition of the European Championship show a significant decline compared to the last two tournaments. In the 2016 edition in France, there were 108 goals scored. At Euro 2020, there was an all-time record of 142 goals.
Over roughly a month of matches, Spain triumphed in the final against England. Gareth Southgate’s squad reached their second consecutive final, having lost the previous one at home to Italy. Against Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, the Three Lions succumbed to goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
This tournament likely marked the final European Championship for Cristiano Ronaldo, who would bid farewell to his Portugal team after participating in six editions, beginning with Euro 2004 in Portugal.
Today's football scene appears to lack the talent of two decades ago, possibly contributing to the underwhelming nature of the Euros held in Germany. A generational turnover is underway: players like Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal are emerging as future Ballon d'Or contenders, but it’s Kylian Mbappé who has taken the place of Messi and Ronaldo in the pantheon of great footballers.
The regret for the missing stars is felt more acutely in Italy compared to other nations with more effective turnovers. Italy has not participated in the World Cup since 2014 and had a disappointing run in the recent European Championship, falling far short of expectations.
