BERLIN: England aims to end their long wait for a men’s major international tournament victory as they face a formidable Spain team in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
The match, taking place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, kicks off at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) and wraps up a month of football where Spain, featuring young star Lamine Yamal, has been the standout team. They have eliminated several strong opponents, winning all six matches to reach the final, seeking a record fourth European title after victories in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
Read more: Spanish Star Lamine Yamal Hometown Excited Over Euro Cup Success Buzz
England has historically struggled against weaker teams but delivered an impressive performance in the semi-finals, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 with Ollie Watkins scoring after coming off the bench. This marks their second consecutive European Championship final, as they look to move past their penalty shootout loss to Italy at Wembley in the last edition three years ago. A victory would give England their first title in 58 years, since winning the 1966 World Cup on home soil.
Gareth Southgate emphasized the importance of securing the trophy to gain respect globally, reflecting on the team’s near misses in recent years, including being semi-finalists in the 2018 World Cup, losing the Euro 2020 final, and exiting the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals.
Arriving in Germany as favorites, England struggled in the group stage, winning just once against Serbia. They needed late-game heroics from Jude Bellingham to advance past Slovakia in the last 16, followed by penalty wins against Switzerland and the Dutch.
Spain, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, marks England’s toughest challenge yet, with both teams meeting at a major tournament for the first time since Euro 96, when England won on penalties.
Spain’s young squad has revitalized their national team, with standout performances from Rodri Hernandez, Nico Williams, and Yamal, who recently turned 17. Spain won all group matches without conceding and defeated 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia and reigning champions Italy before overcoming Germany and France in the knockout stages.
De la Fuente stated that the final is about enjoying the moment, noting the importance of minimizing mistakes. Spain will welcome back Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand after suspensions, while England is expected to keep their lineup intact, with Kane leading the attack and Watkins starting on the bench despite his previous contributions.
UK media reports suggest that England fans may make up half the 71,000-capacity crowd at the Olympiastadion, although both teams received only 10,000 official tickets for the match. The venue also hosted the 2006 World Cup final, where Italy triumphed over France in penalties.
