Gareth Southgate said he believes there is “a lot to look forward to” for England after his youthful squad reached a second successive Euros final, but admitted that was “not any consolation” after becoming the first international manager to suffer back-to-back final defeats.

“The players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chance,” Southgate told ITV.

“They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end. I just think Spain had more control of the game.

“England are in a really good position in terms of the experience they have. Most of this squad will be around for the next World Cup and maybe the next Euros.

“There’s a lot to look forward to but at this moment, it’s not any consolation.”

Southgate added that it was “hard to reflect” on his eight years in charge but has no doubts England can be successful in future major tournaments.

“Of course to take England to two finals has never been done but we came here to win and we haven’t been able to do that,” he added.

“England have some fabulous players. We have been consistently back in the matches that matter. It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do.”