Harry Kane’s tears at the end of England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final encapsulated the agony of another missed opportunity for the national team and its captain. The Bayern Munich striker watched in despair after being substituted before Mikel Oyarzabal’s decisive goal just four minutes from time.

Kane, who had only 13 touches in the match, failed to make a significant impact throughout the tournament. “It’s hard to put into words how we’re all feeling right now,” he said post-match. “These finals aren’t easy to get to. You have to take it when it comes, and we haven’t done it again. It’s extremely painful and it’ll hurt for a long time.”

Despite sharing the Golden Boot with three goals, the loss marks another chapter in Kane’s frustrating quest for silverware. As he approaches his 31st birthday, the urgency to break his trophy drought grows more pressing.

England’s all-time top scorer, Kane, has been central to the team’s transformation under Gareth Southgate, leading them to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final. However, his missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals against France and England’s inconsistent performance in Euro 2024 have added to his woes.

Kane’s stellar season at Bayern Munich, with 44 goals in 45 games, wasn’t enough to secure a trophy as Bayer Leverkusen claimed an unbeaten domestic double. Despite the promising performances of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer, England fell short once again.

Southgate acknowledged Kane’s physical struggles during the tournament, attributing them to a lack of match fitness and a lingering back injury. “Physically it has been tough for him,” Southgate said. “He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped.”

The future now remains uncertain for both Southgate and Kane. While Southgate will take time to consider his future, Kane will be nearly 33 by the next World Cup, raising questions about his chances for international glory. Despite Bayern Munich’s dominance in German football, Kane’s best opportunity for international success may have already passed.