England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final tonight as the Three Lions bid to win a first major men’s trophy for 58 years and make history.
After coming so close to glory at the last Euros, losing to Italy in a heartbreaking penalty shootout, Gareth Southgate has another chance to end England’s long wait. His captain Harry Kane has also been heavily criticised throughout the tournament, and Kane is desperate to win the first trophy of his career in glorious style this evening.
England’s route to the final in Berlin has been a rollercoaster ride: Jude Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick prevented a dismal defeat by Slovakia, before a tense penalty shootout victory over Switzerland and Ollie Watkins’ pinpoint 90th-minute winner to stun the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Now they face a talented Spain side inspired by the brilliant teenaged winger Lamine Yamal, and England will have to be at their best as they chase a famous triumph. Follow all the build-up and team news from England v Spain in the Euro 2024 final below:
England v Spain Euro 2024 final
- England face Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion at 8pm BST
- PREVIEW: England’s fate and a key advantage over Spain can end 58 years of hurt
- ANALYSIS: The simple idea that made Spain the most dangerous team in Europe
- TEAM NEWS: Luke Shaw set to start ahead of Kieran Trippier at left wing-back, say reports
Spain – England
Spain team changes
Luis de la Fuente has made two changes to the Spanish line-up that defeated France in the semi-final.
Jesus Navas and Nacho are dropped from the back line with Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal restored to the line-up after serving one match suspensions.
Now we wait for the England team news to drop.
Spain line-up
Spain have released their line-up early! Here it is:
Spain XI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata
How Gareth Southgate changed England fortunes and rebranded patriotism
Southgate, you’re the one. The one manager in England’s century and a half of playing international football to take them to two finals. The only one to reach a final on foreign soil. The one who, if Spain are beaten in Berlin on Sunday, will have a claim to dislodge Sir Alf Ramsey from the top of the list of England managers.
Win Euro 2024 and it will complete an eight-year journey for Gareth Southgate; one of largely smooth, and sometimes unexpected, progress over the first five years, but a rockier ride during the last three, when there have been questions if the manager who took England forwards has then taken them back again.
Slovakia could have been his Iceland, almost bringing England back to 2016. Southgate’s reign has felt in endgame every game; because of some of the hostility from outside, because of his restlessness, because of the pressure he has put on himself. He has remained the FA’s ideal manager, but with the possibility he could sack himself.
BBC or ITV: Who should fans choose for the Euro 2024 final?
The BBC and ITV will both broadcast the Euro 2024 final live, and the BBC is set to enjoy a significantly larger share of the viewing figures. Three years ago, a peak of 31 million people tuned into the Euro 2020 final, which England lost to Italy on penalties.
But which channel should fans tune into this time?
Over on the ITV side of things Mark Pougatch brings a calmness as the main presenter but it is the trio alongside him that make the show with Gary Neville’s articulate analysis is placed very deliberately between the child-like joy of Ian Wright and the furrowed brow of a deeply unimpressed Roy Keane. On top of that Christina Unkel has been a smart addition in the VAR room, speaking with clarity on the rules of the game, even when she doesn’t like them.
For the BBC, Kelly Somers helms pitchside coverage well with Gary Lineker the ever-present in the studio. He’ll be joined by Rio Ferdinand and Juan Mata this evening but all three will be at the match this time while Guy Mowbray, one of the best lead commentators, is joined by Alan Shearer during the match.
In terms of commentary, ITV’s coverage will be lead by Sam Matterface who will be joined by Lee Dixon and hopefully the great Ally McCoist.
Perhaps the answer is a blend of the two: ITV for the pre-match build-up, BBC for the in-game experience. The polls are predicting a landslide, but this time ITV will back itself – with good reason – to at least sweep up more than the 19 per cent of audience share that it won in the last men’s Euros final.
How to watch England v Spain
Spain v England will kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
The match will be shown live on both BBC One and ITV 1, with viewers having their choice of pundits, commentators and broadcaster and will also be streamed live via the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and apps, and ITVX’s website and app.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
The Gareth Southgate mantra defining England’s Euro 2024 charge
There was a delightedly simple statement from Gareth Southgate, having got over so many complications and questions. “I am a proud Englishman.” That is why he took the job in the first place but it obviously had a greater feeling after delivering the national team to a second final in three years and just a third in history. It also has a greater meaning.
In the elated aftermath of his side’s 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands, Southgate enthused about traditional continental qualities like an England team that “had 60 per cent of the ball against the Netherlands”, to go with so many modern sports science approaches that have fired this team so far. There was also something quintessentially English about this, though.
Spain v England: Where is the Euro 2024 final being held?
The showpiece game of this summer’s tournament will take place in Berlin, in the city’s Olympic stadium – the aptly named Olympiastadion.
Though the Allianz in Munich and the BVB Stadion in Dortmund are perhaps the two most well-known stadiums in the country, the venue was chosen for the final and several other games at Euro 2024.
The stadium, which seats around 75,000 spectators, has hosted every German Cup final since 1985, and hosted the (in)famous 2006 World Cup final, where Italy won on penalties after Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt.
It is currently used by 2. Bundesliga side Hertha BSC.
England v Spain head-to-head
Tonight will be the 28th meeting between these two sides, with fixtures dating as far back as 1929. The Three Lions have won 14 previous meetings, losing 10 and drawing three.
The two sides last met in the Nations League in 2018. Spain won 2-1 at Wembley in September of that year, while England won the return fixture 3-2 in Seville courtesy of goals from Raheem Sterling (2) and Marcus Rashford. Only seven players from the squad that day are invilved at Euro 2024 – Kane, Pickford, Gomez, Trippier, Walker, Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Dunk.
England have met La Roja on six occasions in international tournaments. The first game came at the 1950 World Cup, when Walter Winterbottom’s side were beaten 1-0 in the group stage.
In 1968 the two sides met again at a tournament, this time at the quarter-final stage of Euro 1968, where England won 3-1 over two legs to secure progression to the finals tournament in Italy a month later.
The two sides also drew 0-0 at the group stage of the 1982 World Cup, and two years before that England had beaten Spain 2-1 at the group stage of Euro 1980.
The most recent match was at the quarter-final stage of Euro ’96, where the Three Lions progressed on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Gareth Southgate admits Spain are favourites but believes England have key factor that could decide final
17:55 , Chris Wilson
Gareth Southgate says England will have to be “perfect” to beat Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The manager stressed that the resilient manner of the squad’s progress through the tournament has created a “togetherness” and “spirit” but that will be essential as the team “will have to find everything that we have got from within”.
England have a chance to make up for their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy at Wembley, as they prepare to compete in their first tournament final on foreign soil.
Lamine Yamal is a complete talent and ready to make Lionel Messi’s shirt his own
17:45 , Chris Wilson
If Lamine Yamal already stands out for his speed, consider the evolution of his career. It was as recently as May 2022 when word started to get around the wider game that Barcelona had another one. When one of the scouts that discovered Andres Iniesta was asked by senior football figures about whispers that the club had “one very special player”, the response was instantaneous. “Lamine Yamal.” There usually tends to be a relatively long build-up from that, as hype builds for a few seasons. Not here.
A year after that, when just 15, he was scoring a spectacular curling long-range goal against France in the under-17 European Championships semi-final. A year after that, which was Tuesday night, he was scoring an almost identical goal in the actual European Championships semi-final against a France team filled with stars.
Back home hopeful England fan predicts Harry Kane hat trick
17:39 , Chris Wilson
Brad Ferwin, 35, who is watching the match at a BBQ in the back garden of a friend in south London after arriving back from Germany after the Switzerland game, predicted a resounding 3-1 victory for England.
The teacher said: “This team is still young but has an exciting depth. Despite their age they have total professionalism, not a dentist chair in sight.
“We have such potential when it all clicks. But my favourite thing? We can now score penalties!
“Of course Gareth deserves to take us to the World Cup. He just needs an assistant manager to introduce more flair and a more attacking style of football to the team. Then we’ll win it probably.”
In a last-minute message to the Three Lions, the 5-a-side legend offered sage advice: “Nows your time. It’s best to shoot sooner than later.”
Lamine Yamal becomes youngest-ever men’s Euros goalscorer with world-class strike against France
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to score at a men’s European Championship on Tuesday, when he netted a wonder goal for Spain.
Lamal, 16, fired a long-range shot into the top corner from outside France’s penalty area, equalising for his nation after Randal Kolo Muani’s early opener in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
With his goal, the winger broke a 20-year record; at Euro 2004, then-18-year-old Johan Vonlanthen scored for Switzerland against France, four days after Wayne Rooney set a record by scoring against the Swiss.
We’re nervous … but we’ve got Pickford, and I’ve had a shot
Jamie Brooks (2L) and Ross Davis (R) are nervous. Really nervous.
“But we’ve had a couple of shots,” says Jamie. “So we’ll be alright.”
Could we beat Spain at penalties? Ross laughs. “We’ve got Jordan Pickford, don’t we!”
There’s no love lost for the local lad.
From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final – Ollie Watkins is England’s unlikely hero
Bobby Charlton, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins. There is an incongruous presence on the rather short list of players who have scored a semi-final winner for the England football team. Charlton was England’s record goalscorer and Kane is now. Charlton was a knight of the realm and, if England win Euro 2024, Kane may become one in retirement, too. Then there is Watkins; formerly of Weston-super-Mare, a footballer who was playing in the Conference South at the age Kobbie Mainoo was starring in a European Championships semi-final; who, at the age Jude Bellingham is now, was plying his trade in League Two for Exeter.
Watkins may be a perfect product of Gareth Southgate’s England. There are echoes of Kieran Trippier scoring in a World Cup semi-final in 2018, something only Charlton and Gary Lineker had previously done for the country. Southgate’s England have reversed a national trend of underachievement. They have also given some unlikely lads a rare status. Watkins will go from Weston-super-Mare to West Berlin, to the Olympiastadion. Whatever happens – and there is no guarantee he will even get on the pitch – he will remain indelibly associated with Dortmund.
…
The first England fans have started moving into the Newcastle Fanzone already, where 2,000 Geordies are expected to cheer on the Three Lions.
No-one is thinking about work tomorrrow.
James’ “Laid” is blaring on the loudspeakers. Several punters are already a couple of pints down. The crowds are swelling by the minute.
And everyone is thinking the same thing: It’s coming home.
We’re boss at pens now, so bring them on!
England fans are gathering in Newcastle this afternoon ahead of the Euro final against Spain.
Terry Starling, 31, and Lauren O’Donnell arrived early to the Central Park Fanzone by the train station, where 2000 fans are expected, and have managed to grab themselves a barrel on which to put their drinks.
Asked what his expectations for the game were, Terry said: “It’s coming home. It has to, doesn’t it? “It’s been building up to this,” said Lauren.
“This has to be the worst we’ve played in any tournament I can remember,” said Terry. “I wasn’t alive for the others. But last game was the best I’ve seen England play.
“I think we’ve hit form at the right time. So, hopefully we’ll keep that (Yamine) Lamal quiet and we’ll batter Spain 3-1. That’s the plan.”
Terry said he “nearly passed out” when Ollie Watkins scored the late winner for England against Holland in the Euros.
And one final question on everyone’s minds. Can you take penalties, or will it all be too much to watch?
“Well strangely, we’re boss at pens now, said Terry. “So if it goes to pens, it’s definitely coming home!”
Team news
Here’s a reminder of some early team news.
Southgate is likely to have some decisions to make for the final. Luke Shaw has been playing an increasingly bigger role in the quarter-final and semi-final, and might be considered fit enough to start, in place of Kieran Trippier – nevertheless, early reports indicate that Southgate will stick with the Newcastle man in the starting eleven.
Ollie Watkins laid down a marker with his late goal to send England through to the final, and could be pushing Harry Kane for a role as the starting forward, after the captain has not had the impact at the tournament he would have wanted.
Spain were without key players Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal through suspension for their win over France, but both are expected to return to face England. Pedri however will remain unavailable through injury.
Predicted XIs
EnglandXI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Kane, Bellingham.
SpainXI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Dani Olmo addresses Golden Boot race with Harry Kane – and England captain’s lack of trophies
17:05 , Chris Wilson
Spain take on England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday with personal awards as well as collective glory on offer in Berlin.
While both nations will primarily be seeking to end waits for another men’s international trophy – one rather longer than the other – there’s also the Golden Boot award to settle, with at least one player from each nation in the running.
Dani Olmo has three for Spain, with Harry Kane on the same number for England – they’ll share the award if that remains the case, along with four others. One goal for each, though, and they’ll be a step toward a solo win and a team success, too.
Sam Tattersall, 29, from Nottingham, shaved a red St George’s Cross into his hair before travelling out to Berlin for the Euro 24 final.
The barber said: “We decided on Friday to do a little trip to Berlin and because I’m a barber, I was going to get my hair cut and I thought I’d go for it with the St George’s cross because football’s coming home.
“We got here at 2am, my cousin drove us and we set off from Nottingham at 10.15am yesterday.”
He said he had not got tickets for the final but was looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere in Berlin. He added: “I keep forgetting about my hair and noticing people looking at me. I wish I had done it with permanent dye not a spray because it’s coming off in the rain.
“If we lose it’s going to have to go on Tuesday, but if we win it could stay for a year!”
Uefa confirm baffling Golden Boot decision ahead of Euro 2024 final
16:55 , Chris Wilson
Uefa have confirmed how the Golden Boot will be awarded after the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, with Harry Kane still in the running to claim it for a second major international tournament.
Scoring from the penalty spot against Netherlands in the semis – after also finding the target against Denmark and in extra time against Slovakia – put Kane level at the top with Dani Olmo of Spain, Cody Gakpo of Netherlands, Jamal Musiala of hosts Germany, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze and Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz.
Until now, though, if it stayed the same way that would simply mean the qualifying criteria came into force: the top scorer with most assists claimed the award, with minutes played the next differentiator if players were still level.
But ahead of the final Uefa have announced that the Golden Boot this year will instead be shared between all players who finish level with the most goals.
Hundreds of rail services have been cancelled today with workers choosing to watch the game instead of work overtime.
16:50 , Chris Wilson
Hundreds of Sunday trains have been cancelled across Britain as staff exercise their right not to work overtime on the day of the Euro 2024 final.
The leading intercity operator, GWR, is warning passengers: “Sickness and England reaching the final of the Euros are likely to reduce the number of colleagues available for overtime shifts.”
So bad is the disruption caused by train crew choosing to watch the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain that National Rail is warning passengers on the Great Western line linking London Paddington with South Wales and the West of England: “Do not travel after 6pm.”
Read the full story from Simon Calder:
Euro 2024 Golden Boot standings: Harry Kane, Dani Olmo and Jude Bellingham battle to be top scorer
16:45 , Chris Wilson
Europe’s best strikers have been vying for individual honours as well as team success as they aim to top the scoring charts at Euro 2024.
Footballing greats such as Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres, Alan Shearer and Gerd Muller are among those who have won the prestigious prize throughout the history of the Euros, and the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Dani Olmo are hoping to join them this time around.
It hasn’t been an extremely high-scoring campaign so far in individual terms, but that just means there are still some in the running who haven’t had a prolific tournament – one big game in front of goal could change everything.
Team news – Luke Shaw set to start
Shaw’s return to the starting eleven will be a welcome sight for some. Though both players are similarly solid in defence, the lack of a naturally left-footed left-back occasionally harmed England’s attacking efforts in previous matches.
Trippier is perhaps less keen to make overlapping runs when attacking too – something that Shaw did to great effect when he scored the opener in the Euro 2020 final.
While both players are similarly effective from dead-ball situations, Shaw’s desire to get forward – and his effectiveness when he does – could prove vital come the end of tonight’s match.
Central London in chaos as thousands of Three Lions fans swarm capital
16:40 , Chris Wilson
Flares, road signs and morph suits were out in full force as thousands descended on both Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square hours before kick off.
Police had to fight back crowds of over-exuberant England fans some carrying road signs others on piggyback as they sing ‘Hey Jude’ and threaten to spill out in the busy road.
The Met Police warned that an anti-social behaviour dispersal order is in place across Westminster until 2am. A spokesman said: “Crowds of people gathering and drinking in central London streets could be in breach of this order.
“We encourage those to enjoy themselves safely at local licenced premises.”
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
Euro 2024 is drawing to a close with just the final ahead, where Spain will face England in Berlin on Sunday.
That match will see either La Roja pick up their first trophy in over a decade – or the Three Lions win their first in very nearly six.
One more match, the biggest of all, could of course influence decisions over who has had most impact at the tournament or who will win the official awards, but here at the Independent we’re getting our votes in now ahead of the final to have our say on the best goals, games and individuals, plus the team of the tournament and what our biggest takeaway from Germany is.
Our writers have been at the tournament throughout and can therefore give an insightful perspective on what they’ve seen so far.
Get involved by signing up and joining the comments section below!
Team news
New reports are suggesting that Luke Shaw is set for a shock start at left-back tonight.
The 29-year-old played his first competitive football since February earlier on at Euro 2024, though he is yet to start at the tournament.
Eyebrows were raised when Southgate decided to name Shaw in his squad for Germany, though with Kieran Trippier putting in mixed performances so far, it may make sense to utilise the squad’s only natural left-back.
Pub opening hours extended for Euro 2024 final as England face Spain
Pubs across the UK will stay open late on Sunday for England’s match against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the government has confirmed.
To mark the occasion, pubs will be able to remain open two hours later than usual, not having to close until 1am. Under current rules, most will close at 11pm.
The government says it has extended the licensing hours to mark this event of ‘exceptional national significance,’ as it did last Wednesday for England’s triumphant semi-final match against the Netherlands.
Read the full story from Albert Toth:
Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 ranked and rated
16:25 , Chris Wilson
England are into the Euro 2024 final after Ollie Watkins hammered homean injury-time winner against the Netherlands to send the nation into raptures. Spain now await in the showpiece on Sunday as the Three Lions try to end a 58-year major tournament drought.
Watkins emerged from the bench to score the winner, which was assistedby fellow substitute Cole Palmer. It’s far from the first time at this tournament that Gareth Southgate has altered the outcome of a match with his changes, yet his reputation as a cautious manager who refuses to utilise his subs seems to persist.
During every England game, the cries across pubs, living rooms and social media insist that the England boss make immediate changes by bringing on a very specific player that the armchair manager knows for sure will definitely, 100 per cent win the Three Lions the game. Of course, this is a different player for each armchair manager but the certainty is always there.
Prince William in Berlin for Euro 2024 final
Thousands of England fans have travelled to Berlin with a party atmosphere now taking place in the German capital. Many are enjoying a pre-match drink at the Reichstag Euro 2024 Fan Zone.
Among those lucky enough to have a ticket for the game is Prince William, who has left behind his wife, Kate Middleton, who is at the Wimbledon men’s final.
Also back home, thousands of people are starting to fill fan zones, parks and pubs to watch the final.
But it’s not all cheer. Hundreds of rail services have been cancelled today with workers choosing to watch the game instead of work overtime.
Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate will make one England change for their Euro 2024 final on Sunday against Spain.
England face La Roja in Berlin after a stunning win against the Netherlands on Wednesday following Ollie Watkins’ late strike.
And the former Three Lions striker insists Luke Shaw, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back, could offer an extra dimension in attack.
England fans caught queuing from 9.48am just to get into the pub
16:02 , Barney Davis
Hundreds of desperate England fans formed an orderly line to get into The Crooked Billet in Clapton, east London hours ahead of opening time.
With London fan parks selling tickets for £50 and reports of scalpers selling the Mayor of London’s 02 Arena tickets, walk-ins got there early for the free entry hipster hotspot.
Will they be still standing by kick off at 8pm?
Trent Alexander-Arnold: England cannot have doubts heading into Euro 2024 final
Trent Alexander-Arnold feels it would be a “crime” if England allowed any doubts to creep in as they prepare for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Gareth Southgate’s squad beat the Netherlands in a dramatic semi-final on Wednesday night with a late goal from Ollie Watkins to book a trip to Berlin.
It is the first time an English men’s team has reached a major final overseas – and a second successive European Championship showpiece for a side who lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley three years ago.
England vs Spain referee: Who is Euro 2024 final official Francois Letexier?
Francois Letexier will take charge of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday night.
The 35-year-old French official, a FIFA-listed referee since 2017, has been the man in the middle in three matches so far at Euro 2024: Spain’s last-16 win over Georgia, and the group-stage clashes between Denmark-Serbia and Croatia-Albania.
Letexier refereed the 2023 UEFA Super Cup final between Manchester City and Sevilla and was the fourth official for the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. He has also been selected to officiate at the Paris Olympics this summer.
England v Spain referee
How Gareth Southgate changed England fortunes and rebranded patriotism
Southgate, you’re the one. The one manager in England’s century and a half of playing international football to take them to two finals. The only one to reach a final on foreign soil. The one who, if Spain are beaten in Berlin on Sunday, will have a claim to dislodge Sir Alf Ramsey from the top of the list of England managers.
Win Euro 2024 and it will complete an eight-year journey for Gareth Southgate; one of largely smooth, and sometimes unexpected, progress over the first five years, but a rockier ride during the last three, when there have been questions if the manager who took England forwards has then taken them back again.
The dark truth behind England football and the ‘high stakes’ on and off the pitch
15:00 , Luke Baker
“I was petrified of him coming home and killing me.” For Emma Armstrong, a survivor of domestic abuse, football went from an enjoyable pastime and hobby to something that even 11 years on has left its scars.
Emma went from a season-ticket holder at a Premier League club to someone who actively avoids the game and tries to distance herself from it because of the association between football and what she experienced.
Football is unavoidable, especially when England are in a major tournament, and it has a lasting impact far beyond the reaches of whether Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad succeed or fail.
A brilliant, if harrowing, piece by Sonia Twigg:
WATCH: Gareth Southgate discusses whether England win in Germany would be ‘fate’
Germany won Euro 96 on English soil, so would England returning the favour on German soil at Euro 2024 be fate? Gareth Southgate ponders that question
The Euros has lost its unique selling point – it is no longer a great tournament
Having had his finalists lavishly praised in comparison to other sides at the Euros, Spain coach Luis De La Fuente made a point of being respectful to everyone else’s style.
That hasn’t been unanimous within his squad, however. Some in the Spanish camp do naturally feel their football is superior, and haven’t been all that impressed when they’ve sat down to watch the rest of Euro 2024.
It is a fairly widespread feeling, as illustrated by how often the subject has been brought up in press conferences. Didier Deschamps’s constant comments about “changing the channel” if you don’t like it have informed the mood, although many viewers will obviously feel the final will be much better for his dour France team not being in it.
Euro 2024 could do with a good finish, if only so the last memory of it is one of excitement. The sporting legacy of Qatar 2022 in terms of pure football, as an example, would have been rather different had it ended with France efficiently beating Croatia rather than the epic Argentina win we saw. This summer’s mood has so far been mixed, but probably tilts towards unimpressed. In South America, the commentary has been scathing.
A big question as we come to the end is whether Euro 2024 has actually been “good”.
Spanish football’s cultural crisis is not over – but Euro 2024 brings hope
14:20 , Luke Baker
As justified as the praise has been for Luis de la Fuente’s management of a brilliant Spanish team, there was one “severe criticism” from his tenure, which the coach admitted was “totally deserved”.
That was when he applauded the disgraced Luis Rubiales, at the press conference when the disgraced former federation president insisted he would not resign after his unsolicited kiss on Jenni Hermoso. De la Fuente later pleaded for “forgiveness” for “an inexcusable human error” that did not reflect his “values”, but there are those in Spanish football who think it will “haunt him for his career”.
That would admittedly change if his team beat England in the Euro 2024 final, to secure Spain’s fifth men’s trophy and fourth European Championship, but it does add a few layers to this historic match – as well as a twist worth considering.
An important piece by Miguel Delaney:
Gareth Southgate reveals timeline to decide on England future after Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate insists he has still not decided on his future, but that he will likely take a decision quickly after Euro 2024 regardless of what happens.
The England manager has considered the “angry” reaction back home after underwhelming performances at the tournament, admitting that he almost certainly would have gone had the team been eliminated in the group stages, although he half-joked that might not necessarily have been his choice.
When directly asked whether he has decided if the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday would be his last game, Southgate simply said: “no.”
“The way my emotions have gone over the last five weeks, it would be ridiculous for me to think about anything beyond Sunday,” Southgate said. “We’ve got time to make a decision.”
Gareth Southgate expects no fairytale final – England must ‘make it happen’ to win Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate believes everything is in place for England to win Euro 2024 – but warned success won’t just fall into the players’ laps or simply happen as a culmination of the hard work put in so far.
The Three Lions boss spoke in glowing terms of the effort the squad have put in to reach this stage to face Spain, not just during this summer in Germany but over a number of years, as well as again reinforcing his belief that the togetherness of the group has led to a gradual improvement in performances as the tournament has gone on.
However, his last public words to the group ahead of Sunday’s final in Berlin emphasised that they’d have to once more earn victory in a tough environment, despite the possible storylines and symmetries around Southgate and England winning in Germany, almost three decades after this year’s host nations won on English soil at Euro 1996 following Southgate’s own missed penalty.
“Look, I’m not a believer in fairytales but I am a believer in dreams, and we’ve had big dreams. We’ve felt the need and the importance of that, but then you have to make those things happen,” he told media at the Olympiastadion ahead of the final.
“And fate, the run that we’ve had, the late goals, the penalties: all that doesn’t equate to it being our moment. We have to make it happen tomorrow. We have to perform at the level that we need to. Of course it would be a lovely story but it’s in our hands and our performance is the most important thing.”
The ‘bittersweet’ moment driving Luke Shaw to bring England a new dimension
13:40 , Luke Baker
A select group only has three members. For more than half a century, it had just two: Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, the West Ham double act who were the only men to score for England in the final of a major international tournament. Then, belatedly but rapidly, they had company. At Wembley against Italy, Kieran Trippier crossed in the second minute, Luke Shaw met it on the half-volley and a player who had then scored just three goals in his entire career had put England ahead in the Euro 2020 showpiece.
Shaw has not ended up bracketed with Hurst and Peters in another respect; his goal did not bring silverware. But for 65 minutes of football and 15 of half-time, it was set to. If many another could have been forgiven for imagining that they were the player who had brought England a trophy, Shaw is adamant he did not during the time before Leonardo Bonucci equalised.
“To be honest, I definitely wasn’t thinking that but of course at that moment it was a very special feeling,” he said. “It is quite bittersweet considering what happened after with the result so for me the goal it didn’t really matter,” he said. “After that game, it was the most hurt I have ever been. It was very hard to take, even more the fact that I scored so it was tough but I think we learnt a lot from that night.”
England fans gathering in Berlin
The England fans are gathering in Berlin ahead of tonight’s seismic encounter and there’s a party atmosphere
WATCH: Declan Rice urges Gareth Southgate to stick around for 2026 World Cup
The England squad is keen for Gareth Southgate to stay on as manager to see the World Cup in 2026, according to Declan Rice.
The manager has been widely criticised during Euro 2024 but now has the chance to go one better than the penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
His contract expires in December and it has not been confirmed if he will stay in place. “He’s top,” Rice told reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Meet Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Spain wonderkid lighting up Euro 2024
Lamine Yamal has starred in Spain’s run at Euro 2024 and his skill could spell heartbreak in the final for Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Bence Bocsak recounts the Barcelona wonderkid’s rise through the Spanish youth teams to this summer’s tournament in Germany.
England’s most patriotic estate prays for Southgate redemption
The mastermind behind England’s “most patriotic estate” has given his verdict on the Euro 2024 final.
Chris Dowse, 45, has helped to deck out the Kirby estate in Bermondsey, London with more than 300 England flags attracting international media attention ahead of the climactic game in Berlin.
Mr Dowse told The Independent: “My message for the team is to go one better than last time – they’ve got it in them. Go out there and do what you can and bring the trophy home. And when you do make sure the parade route comes to see us on the Kirby estate.”
On what has changed with this England team on the brink of historic success, he said: “I just feel we’ve got a very, very good squad of young players who seem like they all play Sunday league football together. They all look like mates who could quite easily go on lad’s holidays to Ibiza and it rubs off on the pitch. They play as a team not just loads of individuals doing it for themselves.
Asked if he wants Gareth Southgate to stay on regardless of the result tonight, he said: “To be fair that’s down to Gareth. I don’t want anyone else coming in but I’d have him for the foreseeable for the sake of 1996.
“I’m praying more than anything Gareth gets to put his penalty miss to bed and bring home that trophy! Saka did it against Slovakia now it’s Gareth’s turn.”
England v Spain talking points
Shaw thing
Luke Shaw made his long-awaited comeback from injury as he came off the bench in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland, racking up his first minutes since a hamstring problem he suffered at Manchester United in February.
The 29-year-old – who celebrated his birthday on Friday – had hoped to be available earlier in the competition as Southgate opted to bring just one recognised left-back in his 26-man squad but a setback delayed his return as he then went on to play the second half of the win over the Dutch.
Now though, Shaw, who opened the scoring in the Euro 2020 final, is in line for his first start of the summer, especially with fitness concerns over stand-in Kieran Trippier.
England v Spain talking points
102 and out for Southgate?
Having become just the third England manager to take charge of over 100 games, Southgate’s future remains up in the air, regardless of Sunday’s result.
Southgate was widely criticised by pundits and former players earlier in the tournament and also had empty beer glasses thrown at him from the stands following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
He has now, though, led England to only a third major final in the history of the men’s team and two of them have been under his stewardship. His contract with the Football Association runs until December and reports have surfaced claiming they want Southgate to remain at the helm but it remains to be seen what happens in the days and weeks after the final and whether it is the last time he is in the hotseat.
England v Spain talking points
Kane to get the boot?
There is no way England skipper Harry Kane will be dropped for the final, despite being substituted in half of their games at the Euros.
England’s all-time leading goalscorer might have faded in some games but his three goals mean he could still claim the golden boot at Euro 2024 to add to the one he won as top marksman at the 2018 World Cup.
He is set to share the award with a number of other players, one of whom is Spain’s Dani Olmo, who himself will be targeting solo glory as well as team success in Berlin.
England v Spain talking points
Teenage kicks
Two key players for Sunday’s finalists will be looking to leave a lasting imprint on the game, with England’s Kobbie Mainoo and Lamine Yamal of Spain shining so far in Germany.
Mainoo, 19, came off the bench in England’s last group game to answer Southgate’s midfield conundrum with the Manchester United man now flourishing in partnership with Declan Rice.
Yamal, meanwhile, turned 17 on Saturday and has already become the youngest player and youngest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship.
While both may lack the experience of their more established team-mates, they will be keen to show that age is just a number.
England v Spain talking points
Three-year itch
Standing on the edge of history in 2021, England ultimately came up agonisingly short as they lost on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate had overseen a reconnection between England fans and their team since the run to the 2018 World Cup semi-final and they came even closer to ending the wait for a trophy.
Since then, plenty of water has passed under the bridge and Southgate has refreshed his squad as England once again aim to end all those years of hurt by lifting a trophy high into the Berlin sky come Sunday night.
Early Spain team news
Spain were without key players Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal through suspension for their win over France, but both are expected to return to face England. Pedri however will remain unavailable through injury.
Spain XI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Early England team news
Luke Shaw has been playing an increasingly bigger role in the quarter-final and semi-final but Gareth Southgate has given his whole-hearted support to the much-maligned Kieran Trippier, who looks likely to start at left-back again.
Ollie Watkins laid down a marker with his late goal to send England through to the final and could be pushing Harry Kane for a role as the starting forward after the captain has not had the impact at the tournament he would have wanted.
Predicted England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
England supporter declares confidence in Euros win with tattoo… before final
A confident England supporter received a tattoo of a trophy and the words “England Euro 2024 Winners” on his leg three days before England’s match against Spain in the Euros final.
Dan Thomas, 29, from Swindon, Wiltshire, believes the Three Lions will defeat Spain in Berlin on Sunday and showed his confidence with a tattoo.
The data consultant spent two and a half hours getting the UEFA European Championship trophy tattooed on his leg at the Reign Barbers and Tattoos parlour in Swindon on Thursday – the day after England defeated the Netherlands to secure their place in the final.
He is so confident in the Three Lions’ victory that he said he does not regret getting the sizeable tattoo covering a large part of his left thigh and predicts England will beat Spain 2-1.
Gareth Southgate reveals timeline to decide on England future after Euro 2024
10:45 , Luke Baker
Gareth Southgate insists he has still not decided on his future, but that he will likely take a decision quickly after Euro 2024 regardless of what happens.
The England manager has considered the “angry” reaction back home after underwhelming performances at the tournament, admitting that he almost certainly would have gone had the team been eliminated in the group stages, although he half-joked that might not necessarily have been his choice.
When directly asked whether he has decided if the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday would be his last game, Southgate simply said: “no.”
Euro final tickets skyrocketing
England fans are travelling to Berlin by air, land and sea with some shelling out thousands for tickets for the hottest seat in the world.
Prices for the final are now rocketing, with many fans saying they’ve paid £2,000 per person for tickets.
It cost Ryhan and his cousin Zane around £14,000 for four of them to get to Berlin.
“I’m 38 years old, I’ve been following them [England] since 1996,” Ryhan told Sky News.
“My first memory broke my heart. I’ve just been desperate for England to win something ever since. It means so much to me and the family. Hopefully they bring it home on Sunday.”
The price of a one-way flight to Berlin from London would usually be around £75, according to Google Flights.
However, if you can find one, a one-way flight on Sunday is now showing at around £243 – a 320% increase.
Gareth Southgate admits Spain are favourites but believes England have key factor that could decide final
Gareth Southgate says England will have to be “perfect” to beat Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The manager stressed that the resilient manner of the squad’s progress through the tournament has created a “togetherness” and “spirit” but that will be essential as the team “will have to find everything that we have got from within”.
England have a chance to make up for their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy at Wembley, as they prepare to compete in their first tournament final on foreign soil.
It’s not about who starts Euro 2024 final, it’s who finishes it – and England can reimagine their attack
Super subs. Late winners. Drama until the last. England’s journey through Euro 2024 has been about the collective, Gareth Southgate – and just about every post-match narrative since the last 16 – has been keen to reaffirm.
It can lead several conclusions to be drawn, depending on your perspective: a strong squad, perhaps? The wrong tactics or selections, for others. Either way, it is undeniable that England are finishing games better than they’ve started them, or finishing the tournament better than they started it.
But if the substitutions and in-game changes are of paramount importance to one team, so must they be to another: Spain themselves have a deep squad, one which Luis de la Fuente rotated to its fullest extent in their final group-stage game, one they’ve relied upon in the knockouts too as suspensions and injuries hit, particularly in the semi-final.
The simple idea that made Spain the most dangerous team in Euroe
09:42 , Karl Matchett
In Luis de la Fuente’s first international break with Spain back in March 2023, he stopped a training session at moments that the players didn’t expect. It’s an approach that has become familiar now, but was odd for the squad at the time.
One intervention was for goalkeeper Unai Simon to kick it long. Another was to work on set pieces, since De la Fuente’s predecessor Luis Enrique had insisted he “didn’t have time”. These are rudimentarily pragmatic elements that seem to run against Spain’s ideological purism, the pressing-possession that has dominated the game for 16 years, but that was part of the point.
By contrast, Enrique gave long instructional talks with a giant screen after sessions, which began to contribute to a sense of detachment and drift. This was the great frustration with his regime. It had seemed like a vibrant new era with a new generation, but ended up falling to all of the same old flaws Spain have suffered since 2012.