Having enjoyed a fine tournament, including a thumping 11-0 win over Austria in the group stages, they faced off against Ukraine on Thursday with the winners assured of ending the tournament in third place.
But having suffering a 1-0 defeat against an impressive Russian side in the match before, England were up against another tough rival. The game was again settled by a single goal.
The match started in tense fashion with few chances created throughout the first-half, but the winning Ukrainian strike arrived shortly after the break from a set-play corner move.
From the re-start the Three Lions applied pressure and several times the Ukraine goalkeeper was forced into last-gasp saves. But unfortunately time ran out as their opponents claimed the bronze medal.
One high point for England saw Paul McHugh collect the golden boot for scoring five outstanding tournament goals.
Spain played Russia in the Final winning 2-1, so it was they who were crowned the new European Champions.