As Euro 2024 fades into the rear-view mirror and England reflect on a spirited but ultimately heart-breaking run to the final, it’s time to look back at every performance. Here’s a match-by-match grading of England’s tournament, from underwhelming group stage to heart-break in the final.

Group Stage

England 1–0 Serbia (16 June 2024)

Grade: B+
A controlled, professional start. Jude Bellingham’s first-half header proved the difference in a match that showed England’s defensive discipline more than their attacking flair. While not electric, it was confident and secure, the kind of opening win major tournaments often require.

Denmark 1–1 England (20 June 2024)

Grade: B-
A mixed performance. Harry Kane put England ahead, but Denmark responded with a powerful equaliser from Morten Hjulmand, and for long spells England lacked energy and structure. The point was fair, but the performance signalled that cohesion was still a work in progress.

England 0–0 Slovenia (25 June 2024)

Grade: C+
A flat group-stage finish. England controlled possession but struggled to create meaningful chances. The draw was enough to top the group, but the lack of tempo and invention raised legitimate concerns ahead of the knockouts.

Group Stage Summary: B
England were steady rather than spectacular, finishing top with five points, two clean sheets, and only one goal conceded. Not thrilling, but effective.

Knockout Stages

Round of 16: England 2–1 Slovakia (aet) (30 June 2024)

Grade: A-
Dramatic, nerve-shredding, and ultimately heroic. England trailed deep into stoppage time before Jude Bellingham rescued the match with a stunning overhead kick. Moments into extra time, Harry Kane headed in the winner. The performance wasn’t smooth, but the resilience and quality in key moments were outstanding.

Quarter-final: England 1–1 Switzerland (won 5–3 on pens) (6 July 2024)

Grade: B
Switzerland grabbed the lead through Breel Embolo, but England responded well, with Bukayo Saka curling in an excellent equaliser. Penalties were a test of nerve, and England passed it perfectly, every taker scored and Jordan Pickford delivered a crucial save. Solid, composed, but still not fully free-flowing.

Semi-final: Netherlands 1–2 England (10 July 2024)

Grade: A
One of England’s most complete performances of the tournament. After conceding early, England struck back with Harry Kane’s VAR-awarded penalty and continued to push. In the final minutes, Ollie Watkins smashed in a brilliant low finish after being set up by Cole Palmer. Intelligent, aggressive, and full of belief, everything a semi-final should be.

Final: Spain 2–1 England (14 July 2024)

Grade: B-
A brave effort against the tournament’s most consistently impressive side. England struggled to control possession and were pinned back for long spells, but Cole Palmer’s well-taken equaliser gave them genuine hope. Spain, however, found a late winner, and England couldn’t summon one more moment of magic. Competitive, committed, but outplayed at key moments.

Tournament Verdict

Overall Grade: B+

Euro 2024 will be remembered for England’s grit, dramatic moments, and ability to stay alive under pressure. The group stage was sluggish, but the knockout rounds showcased resilience and a knack for rising to the moment. Bellingham, Saka, Palmer, and Watkins all produced iconic contributions.

Yet familiar issues linger: creativity in possession, slow starts, and difficulty dictating matches against top sides. Still, reaching a second European Championship final in a row, this time away from home, is a major achievement.

England didn’t return with the trophy, but they returned with pride, moments to savour, and reasons for optimism.