A football fan who got a tattoo of the words “England Euro 2024 Winners” has said he intends to keep the permanent ink despite the team’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final.
Dan Thomas, 29, from Swindon, Wiltshire, got the tattoo, including a depiction of the Henri Delaunay Cup, on his left leg days before the final, but says he does not intend to cover it up after the loss.
England’s wait for a major men’s trophy since the country won the World Cup in 1966 goes on after substitute Mikel Oyarzabal hit the net in the 86th minute.
It was a second successive European Championship final defeat for Gareth Southgate‘s side.
But Mr Thomas remains confident the Three Lions will win the next tournament in 2028 and plans potentially to alter his tattoo in four years.
“We came close, I don’t regret the tattoo,” the data consultant said.
“If anything, I don’t think it’d be hard to change the four into an eight in four years’ time. I won’t be covering it up. Absolutely no regrets and I still love it.”
Mr Thomas described the result as “bittersweet” and praised the team for reaching the final.
“Bittersweet after the game, the result wasn’t what we wanted, but a great achievement to reach yet another final,” he said.
“It’s only a matter of time before we win something.
“I think England played well. I’d say [Marc] Guehi was the stand-out player in the match, however [Kobbie] Mainoo has made the difference over the course of the tournament.”
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The superfan has urged other England fans to get their own tattoos to show support for the Three Lions ahead of the next tournament.
“I don’t really tend to look at the comments on my tattoo. Other people’s opinions don’t phase me,” the data consultant said.
“I’d encourage others to do the same in following tournaments to get behind the team.”
Mr Thomas considered getting a similar tattoo in 2021 when England faced Italy in the Euro 2020 final and had hoped this year’s tattoo would help to secure Southgate’s team victory.
He spent two and a half hours at the Reign Barbers and Tattoos parlour in Swindon getting the artwork on his leg, which was livestreamed and received 42,000 views on TikTok.