England face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as the Three Lions attempt to win a major trophy for the first time in more than half a century.
Gareth Southgate’s side have endured a rollercoaster ride in Germany this summer, stumbling through the group phase despite an opening match victory over Serbia and going behind in each of their knockout round games so far. A dramatic late overhead kick by Jude Bellingham saved them from a dismal exit in the round of 16 before a perfect penalty shooutout display edged them past Switzerland. Their best performance came last time out versus the Netherlands where they were rewarded by an Ollie Watkins last-minute strike to secure a 2-1 win.
Ahead of the final versus Spain on Sunday evening the manager has been speaking about his feelings during the tournament. He came under fire from pundits and critics for England’s early performances with some fans launching beer cups at him following a dull draw with Slovenia.
Yet, Southgate understands those feelings insisting he is still an England fan at heart. He said: “I’m an England fan in the dug-out, I have more responsibility now, but… I’m desperate for England to win and I was the same as a player. I want to win so much on Sunday that it hurts, don’t get me wrong.”
Follow all the build-up to England v Spain in the Euro 2024 final below:
Euro 2024: England v Spain latest news
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England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday
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How Gareth Southgate changed England fortunes and rebranded patriotism
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England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – there is a secret ingredient to their success
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PREVIEW: England’s fate and a key advantage over Spain can end 58 years of hurt
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Final press conference: Southgate and Harry Kane speak to media 24 hours before the match
Gareth Southgate expects no fairytale final – England must ‘make it happen’ to win Euro 2024
20:57 , Karl Matchett
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 ‘96 following Southgate’s own missed penalty.
Southgate’s final pre-match press conference:
Southgate expects no fairytale final – England must ‘make it happen’ to win Euros
Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain as they look to learn from Euro 2020 final defeat
20:45 , Sonia Twigg
Declan Rice says that England know “not to sit back” in order to win Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, having learned from the painful memory of Euro 2020.
The midfielder said the squad are “desperate” to “rewrite history”, as he admitted that seeing Italy lift the trophy will haunt him forever. That may also involve learning from history, as Rice said that experience has shown them “how we can win this final”.
The 25-year-old is one of 11 players in the current squad who lost that showpiece at Wembley, and he admitted he now feels that it was England who let the game get away from them. Rice now believes the greatly improved performance in the 2-1 victory over Netherlands can be crucial to beating a Spain team that England have “massive respect for”, but that just winning a semi-final should also be enjoyed.
Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain in Euro 2024 final
From Gazza’s tears to Rooney’s rant: The tragicomedy of England abroad
20:30 , Sonia Twigg
“There’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England,” wrote Rupert Brooke. Although it is probably defined by disappointment. And if the corner isn’t, the penalty spot almost certainly is. Which, as Brooke was a poet who died in World War 1, rather predated him. But Gareth Southgate has taken England – or one version of England, anyway – further on foreign fields than anyone else.
A first final abroad, the prospect of a first trophy anywhere other than Wembley stands in stark contrast to England’s tragicomic tournament record abroad. A history of hubris and humiliation, ignominy, injury and illness, goalkeeping errors and goalkeeping understudies.
And penalties; conceded by Phil Neville, ballooned by Chris Waddle and David Beckham and Harry Kane, missed by Stuart Pearce and Paul Ince and David Batty and Darius Vassell and Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher and Ashley Cole and Ashley Young.
From Gazza’s tears to Rooney’s rant: The tragicomedy of England abroad
How an English and Spanish family will be watching the Euro 2024 final
20:15 , Sonia Twigg
An English and Spanish family will be watching the Euro 2024 final together on Sunday, 14 July – but who will their children support?
Rebecca Garcia, 40, who is English, and her Spanish husband Eugenio, 38, anticipate a “tense” but “fun” atmosphere at home in Penge, London, with their daughters Alba, five, and Eva, three, during the clash.
“It’s not every day that you get your two sides of your life competing against each other,” Rebecca said, adding that her children like to have both English and Spanish flags painted on their faces during matches.
How an English and Spanish family will be watching the Euro 2024 final
‘Always something a bit different’ about Phil Foden, says youth coach
20:00 , Sonia Twigg
Phil Foden’s youth coach has said there was “always something a bit different” about the England midfielder and that he was “destined for stardom” from the age of seven.
Joe Makin, football development officer at the Reddish Vulcans club in Stockport, taught Foden from 2007 to 2008 and said he was a “shining light” from the beginning.
Foden, who has won six Premier League titles with Manchester City, as well as the Champions League and two FA Cups, is expected to start for England in the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday.
Makin, who has coached at the Reddish Vulcans for 30 years, said: “There was always something a bit different with Phil.
‘Always something a bit different’ about Phil Foden, says youth coach
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:59 , Karl Matchett
And that’s it from Luis de la Fuente too – no more talk, tomorrow night it’s all about the football back here in Berlin – see you then!
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:53 , Karl Matchett
LdlF: It’s not difficult to calm Lamine and Nico because they have maturity for such young people. But they understand our game, they listen, they understand the work they have to do. That’s what makes them so dangerous.
We are here and the development of us through to the final is being true to our style, our idea. We believe in it and we will play the game we need to against England but being true to our idea. That’s our road, that’s our process, this is what’s important.
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:49 , Karl Matchett
LdlF: Tomorrow we have an idea of the team but we’ll just choose the ones we think are best for the game.
I think it’s a brilliant generation. A lot of them have come from successful youth teams. I don’t want to say so much (as the 08-12 team) because that was a mythical team but I believe totally in this team, in other players not here and in Spanish football.
That doesn’t mean we’re going to win everything, but with this process I have the sensation that if you’re near that competitive level and have that ability, you’ll be capable of it.
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:45 , Karl Matchett
LdlF:
If we’re not [playing like] Spain we’re not going to win. We focus on being the players and doing the work we have been so far. We acknowledge the opponent because they have many strengths. But being ourselves, we’ve got the chance to win.
England have strong options and the best version of them could appear tomorrow. But in one game, even being worse, they can still win. One game: be concentrated, don’t make mistakes. That’s the clear route we need tomorrow.
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:35 , Karl Matchett
LdlF:
Tomorrow will be the day I say the least, it’s already done. I see their faces, I see the spirit they have. I might tell them to enjoy that they’ve got here after difficult moments but that’s it.
There’s nothing about the future here. The future is right now and the minutes ahead, that’s it. Think about get here well in the morning, be in position to fight and be proud about the process we’ve had to get here. Nobody’s given anything to this time, they’ve worked and sacrificed for it.
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:33 , Karl Matchett
Spain’s head coach is here now – Luis de la Fuente will speak:
I’m happy and that’s it. I don’t keep the bad things with me that happens I just embrace the good. We’re in a Euros final, it’s one of the biggest sporting moments. We’re really looking forward to the game.
What game do we expect? A final. Difficult, against the best because we’re here. It’ll be a very even game. People have to understand that in these equal games it’s the details which matter. Don’t make mistakes, be concentrated, keep recovered.
See below for the officiating team in full for England vs Spain:
19:30 , Sonia Twigg
Referee: Francois Letexier (France)
Assistant Referees: Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni (both France)
Fourth official: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Video Assistant Referee: Jerme Brisard (France)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Tomasz Listkiewicz (Poland)
VAR Assistant: Willy Delajod (France)
VAR Support: Massimiliano Irrati (Italy)
Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:26 , Karl Matchett
That’s it from the England manager and captain until tomorrow when the real action gets underway!
A lot to break down there from Southgate, plenty of recollections and lots of talk of growth and resilience again, but some insights into what it’s been like over the last month too.
Luis de la Fuente and Jesus Navas will be up next shortly.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:24 , Karl Matchett
HK: Everything’s done before kick-off. I’ll have a final word in the huddle but everyone’s ready by then. Even the younger players, they are fearless and a lot of them just want to get out there and get the ball at their feet. I’m sure they’ll be ready for that tomorrow night.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:23 , Karl Matchett
GS: For me those difficult nights from ‘96 have shown me football can change quickly. It’s given me more perspective in my life because in the end there are bigger things than football that are more important. But football has given me an amazing life, being part of something I love for nearly 35 years. I couldn’t imagine anything better than representing then leading my country. I have no fear of tomorrow because I’ve been through everything and I want my players to feel that and be the best versions of themselves because we support each other. If we’re not afraid of losing it gives us a better chance of winning.
It’s been a brilliant tournament, I have to thank everybody in Germany for putting on an amazing event and especially everybody where we’re staying. We’re looking forward to this last step now.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:20 , Karl Matchett
HK asked about Lamine Yamal: I guess happy birthday to him today! He’s playing with no fear and enjoying the big occasion, we know he’s a main threat going forward so we’ll be ready for that but all you can say is well done for a short career so far but a very good one.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:19 , Karl Matchett
HK: It’s not for me or the players to decide who is favourites, it’s for fans and media. Spain have had a fantastic tournament and have had earned that right but in football in one game, anything can happen. We back ourselves against anyone we play against and we’ve come through difficult spells – that builds everything you need in a final.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:18 , Karl Matchett
GS: Sometimes you have to go through difficult nights as a team. We tried to change the mindset from the start and be more honest as a football nation. I’ve travelled to tournaments watching as an observer and watched highlights reels from before the game and we weren’t in them, they only showed the big games! We needed to change that. Now the high expectations are still there but we’ve had consistent performances over three of the last four tournaments and a quarter-final in the other.
You have to be in the latter stages to be able to learn how to win those big games. A lot of records have been broken but in the end we have to do this one, we have to get this trophy to really feel the respect of the rest of the football world.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:15 , Karl Matchett
GS: Vs Spain in 96? I played well! 0-0, defender’s dream! Nadal is the player who sticks in my mind from that game, maybe Kiko as well and Luis Enrique? On the bench. It was a very tough game, probably a game Spain should have won. Our games with Spain have always been close, they hadn’t had the success then they have since.
We’ve met at youth level as well in a lot of finals, we’ve followed their projects closely.
But our juniors have also been developing and improving and we’re seeing them in the senior side as well, so two nations on a good pathway now and in the future.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:13 , Karl Matchett
HK: I feel the support here in Germany even at the hotels and so on, as a professional I can just say thank you. I’ve had the staff at Bayern messaging to wish me luck – tomorrow’s a big chance to say thank you to them.
Of course I’d swap top scorer awards for trophy tomorrow! It’s not a secret and tomorrow I’ve got the chance to win one of the biggest. I’d swap everything in my career to have a special night but that’s not the case – I’m determined to make tomorrow night a special one.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:11 , Karl Matchett
GS: A lot of people are involved and deserve credit. In the end I believe you can practice and improve performing under pressure and we wanted to feel in charge of it. This time around we’ve got more players taking penalties for their clubs but we’ve won three of our last four and we have to be ready in case we need that again tomorrow.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:09 , Karl Matchett
GS: I think we’ve had to find a different way of playing as the tournament progressed. We had a lot of issues at the back, players who had missed a lot of football – John Stones had hardly played but he’s been exceptional. Guehi, Trippier, Shaw were all out for months. We’ve been trying to find the right blend all summer really, finding the best balance for attacking players because we have lots who operate in similar areas and we’ve started to find that as we progressed. We look dangerous and like we can score goals again.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:08 , Karl Matchett
HK: Before every tournament you have to have a belief you can win it but that’s grown during the tournament with what we’ve been through. It builds resilience and belief, the team is confident but we prepare in the same way and we know they’ll be difficult so we take nothing for granted. We have togetherness and it’s great to be a part of it. Tomorrow there’ll be nerves and excitment but when you get on the pitch it’s about doing the job.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:07 , Karl Matchett
GS: Not so much a concern but my observations on the team are they have a settled team, clear way of playing, press really well with intensity and they keep possession exceptionally well. You have to be organised the way they play but we’ve kept the ball well the last few matches and showing our real selves. That’s been starting to come over the last three matches, we played very well against Netherlands and that’s our intention again tomorrow night.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:05 , Karl Matchett
GS: I was probably one of the more popular Englishmen in Berlin in 1996! I’m not a believer in fairytales but I am in dreams. We’ve felt the importance of that but you have to make them happen. Fate, the run we’ve had, the late goals and penalties…that doesn’t equate to it being our moment. We have to make it happen and perform at the level we need. It would be a lovely story but it’s in our hands.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:02 , Karl Matchett
GS: When you’re trying to create dreams you’ve got to have a vision for the end of it. That was the improvements we needed to make as a team over the last few years but you’re trying to afect the group in different ways. We know what it would mean to people at home but also to us, including the players who have played a big role over the years and the staff. We’d love to give everybody a special night tomorrow.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
19:00 , Karl Matchett
HK: It would mean everything to win. Whenever you lose a final it’s always tough to wipe it out of the memory but it helps to improve you as a player and person. It hurt but it was three years ago, a lot has happened since. I’m excited to be back on the stage and we want to get over the line. We have that opportunity tomorrow.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
18:58 , Karl Matchett
GS: We haven’t had time on the training pitch but several meetings assessing the opponenents and trying to work out the best way to play them but the message hasn’t changed.
It’s a long-term vision and we break it down into smaller pieces. We’ve got experience of big matches, you don’t need to say too much to the players. Fine margins decide these games and we’ve got to make sure we’re on the right side of them. We keep repeating mentality and approach to the game, our decision making being important. You’ve got to make sure on these nights you get everything right.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane speak ahead of Euro 2024 final
18:57 , Karl Matchett
Gareth Southgate:
Everybody is fit which is great although not unusual for a cup final! We’re excited for the challenge, clearly the team have improved over the last few weeks and have been a privilege to work with, fully committed to every session.
Now we have a fabulous opportunity to achieve what we set out from the moment we left Qatar a bit earlier than we liked to.
Harry Kane:
It shows unbelievable consistency. A lot of us after the final were heartbroken and it’s always a long journey back to where we are now. Full credit to the boys for the resilience they’ve shown and it speaks volumes for the mentality of the squad. Of course we’re really desperate to go one step further.
Euro 2024 final: Spain v England
18:54 , Karl Matchett
While we wait…Having had a quick walk through the stadium en route to the press conference, I can confirm the Olympic Stadium is looking resplendent.
An immaculate pitch, the running track covered in Euros blue, flags and logos in position.
Helps that it’s sunny too…hopefully it’s perfect conditions for tomorrow’s game after a lot of storms of late, including one here in Berlin yesterday.
Euro 2024 final: Spain v England
18:49 , Karl Matchett
As for what time Southgate will begin his press conference…well, that’s slightly to be determined.
It was scheduled for now, but media matters have been running somewhat late with England over the past days and the manager was over an hour late with press duties yesterday.
So, stay tuned…we’ll be right here when he emerges.
Euro 2024 final: Spain v England
18:39 , Karl Matchett
Evening all – we’re here in Berlin now ahead of the pre-match press conferences, with Gareth Southgate due to speak shortly.
The scale of the occasion can be measured in the sheer volume of people here – 24 hours before the game and it’s standing room only inside the Olympic Stadium.
England v Spain
18:30 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of England fans arriving in Berlin:
Euro 2024 Awards: Our writers’ favourite match
18:15 , Jack Rathborn
MD: Much like goals, there have been a few genuine epics in this tournament, mostly involving the same four sides: Turkey, Georgia, Spain and Austria. I’m going for that first meeting between two in Turkey 3-1 Georgia.
RJ: Austria 3 Netherlands 2. Of the games I was at, the Spain-France semi-final was the best in terms of quality. But Austria’s group-stage win over the Dutch was hugely entertaining, played at a frenetic pace, featuring influential substitutions by both managers and shifts in momentum. It was a great advert for Ralf Rangnick. As it meant Austria topped the group and sent France into the other half of the draw, it also had a lot of significance.
KM: Georgia vs Spain in the round of 16, which does follow the theme of what Miguel mentions above, but it was just utterly enthralling in every way you want a football match to be. An unforgettable one to be at.
AP: This is my second mention of Turkey 3-1 Georgia, but it has to be for me. No one wants to see fighting in the stands, but the combination of that aggro, the relentless rain, the atmosphere brought by both sets of fans, the way Dortmund’s stadium contains noise, and finally the football itself… I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. A privilege to have been there.
JB: Having seen all three of Scotland’s game and two of England’s in the group stages, the epics escaped me… I’ll go for Spain vs Italy simply because of Nico Williams and what was perhaps the outstanding individual display of the tournament.
KJ: Netherlands 2-3 Austria. The day Ralf Rangnick’s dark horses stunned Europe and topped a group with World Cup finalists France in it, sealed with a stunning late finish by Marcel Sabitzer. Makes it even more of a shame that they couldn’t progress beyond Turkey in the last-16.
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
Euro 2024 Awards: Team of the tournament
17:15 , Jack Rathborn
MD: Pickford; Kounde, Guehi, Pepe, Cucurella; Rodri, Mainoo, Olmo; Yamal, Kvaratshkelia, Williams
RJ: Mamardashvili; Kounde, Pepe, Saliba, Kadioglu; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Musiala, Baumgartner; Olmo
KM: Mamardashvili; Carvajal, Guehi, Pepe, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Williams, Olmo, Yamal; Mikautadze. Think Musiala, Ndoye, Kadioglu, Maignon and Kounde deserve mentions too though.
AP: Pickford; Carvajal, Pepe, Guehi, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Williams, Olmo, Yamal; Mikautadze
JB: Donnarumma; Kounde, Pepe, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz, Vitinha; Yamal, Musiala, Williams
KJ: Pickford; Carvajal, Pepe, Guehi, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Williams, Musiala, Yamal; Mikautadze
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
Euro 2024 Awards: Goal of the tournament
16:15 , Jack Rathborn
MD: For all the debate about whether it has been a good tournament, there can be no question about the quality of the goals. There have been so many brilliant strikes, to form a huge goal of the tournament competition. It takes a lot to really stand out but it’s precisely for its distinctiveness that I’m going for Hakan Calhanoglu against Czech Republic.
RJ: Samet Akaydin’s own goal when Türkiye lost to Portugal, made all the funnier as Cristiano Ronaldo missed it because he was too busy berating Joao Cancelo. But of those scored at the right end, probably Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick against Slovakia, for the combination of brilliance and the magnitude of the moment.
KM: Although not maybe the best individual hit, it was still a class finish, so that added to the sheer all-or-nothing moment of it, I’ll go for Mattia Zaccagni of Italy with the last-second equaliser to send his side through and knock out Romania. Hard to argue against Mert Mulder’s goal though, which stayed hit.
AP: Mert Muldur’s volley against Georgia was an absolute peach. I’ve got a soft spot for a volley, but for the right-back to meet it first time after the defensive header, keep it straight and stop it from rising, and send it top bins… It was a lightning rod of a goal on a stormy day in Dortmund.
JB: Lamine Yamal vs France. The goal from Euro 2024 that will be replayed over, and over, and over again.
KJ: Jude Bellingham vs Slovakia. To produce a perfect bicycle kick in added-time with your team one minute away from elimination is the stuff dreams are made of. A moment of pure inspiration from a clutch player.
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
It’s not about who starts Euro 2024 final, it’s who finishes it – and England can reimagine their attack
16:00 , Jack Rathborn
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.
England can reimagine their attack to secure Euro 2024 final victory
BBC or ITV: Who should fans choose for the Euro 2024 final?
15:45 , Jack Rathborn
England v Spain is a tough match to call on Sunday but there is one contest for which we already know the result. 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. It was the UK’s most-watched TV event since Princess Diana’s funeral and the BBC picked up 25 million (81 per cent) of the audience, compared to ITV’s 5.9 million.
That difference is the natural consequence of trying to push Gillette razors at every possible interval, which seems to include the miniscule gap between national anthems and kick-off these days. But might that ratio shift this time around? Could ITV eat into the BBC’s giant share of the pie?
BBC or ITV: Who should fans choose for the Euro 2024 final?
Gary Lineker confirms BBC line-up for Euro 2024 final with surprise guest
15:30 , Jack Rathborn
Gary Lineker, who will lead the BBC’s flagship coverage of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night, has revealed who will be joining him in the studio.
The BBC’s studio throughout the tournament has been based in an ideal location right in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the same city where the final will be held at the Olympiastadion. They will have a location inside the impressive stadium for Sunday’s match.
Throughout the tournament, the BBC and ITV have alternated which matches each broadcaster has shown, but both will be showing the final.
Euro 2024 Awards: Player of the Tournament
15:15 , Jack Rathborn
Miguel Delaney: Rodri. There’s a temptation to put his teammates in Lamine Yamal and – especially – Dani Olmo but the reality is that the midfielder is just a level above.
Richard Jolly: I don’t think there has been one dominant player. There are plenty of honourable mentions for those who have had good tournaments, some ended too soon – Christoph Baumgartner and Arda Guler were two who particularly impressed me, though I wish I had been at any of the Georgia games. Should Spain win the final, it may go down as Lamine Yamal’s tournament, though the reliable Rodri may have been consistently their best performer. A personal choice, however, would be Fabian Ruiz who has added something Spain have not had in midfield for many a year.
Karl Matchett: Fabian Ruiz. A lot of his Spain teammates will get more headlines and it’s definitely arguable his partner, Rodri, is the “better” individual – but Ruiz has had a truly storming tournament. He’s excellent on the ball, has had cutting edge in and around the box which is often missing (or stifled) at club level and defensively he’s the best at Euro 2024 in regaining the ball high upfield, enabling Spain to do what they do best: dominate.
Alex Pattle: Fabian Ruiz. I was torn between the Spaniard and his midfield partner Rodri, but feel that Ruiz has mirrored some of what Rodri has done defensively while adding more offensively, too.
Jamie Braidwood: Lamine Yamal. Yes his age, but also what a joy to watch a footballer who is so naturally balanced and graceful and whose first instinct is to run. But also, his age! How is a 16-year-old doing this at their first major tournament! And that left foot…
Kieran Jackson: Yamal. His spectacular, record-breaking goal in the semi-final against France tips it for me. What a breakout tournament from the 16-year-old. It’s almost scary how good he might become… alternatively, like Rooney in 2004, could this be as good as it gets?
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
Dani Olmo addresses Golden Boot race with Harry Kane – and England captain’s lack of trophies
15:00 , Jack Rathborn
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.
The Spanish attacker, who was initially a sub but has come in since Pedri’s injury, naturally put the team objectives ahead of his own pursuit of top scorer, but ahead of the final he was also asked about Kane’s lack of trophies and whether that was a discussion point in the dressing room.
Olmo addresses Golden Boot race with Kane – and England captain’s lack of trophies
Alan Shearer urges Gareth Southgate to make one England change for Euro 2024 final
14:45 , Jack Rathborn
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.
“If you notice, particularly when he brought Luke Shaw on, there were two or three occasions where Kieran Trippier got down the left-hand side and the ball could have come in early,” Shearer said on The Rest is Football Podcast.
Shearer urges Southgate to make one England change for Euro 2024 final
Uefa confirm baffling Golden Boot decision ahead of Euro 2024 final
14:30 , Jack Rathborn
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.
Having scored six times at the 2018 World Cup to claim top scorer on that occasion, the Bayern Munich front man and Three Lions skipper has netted three so far in Germany this summer.
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.
Uefa confirm baffling Golden Boot decision ahead of Euro 2024 final
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
14:15 , Jack Rathborn
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!
Euro 2024 awards: Best player, standout goal, favourite match and more
England vs Spain referee: Who is Euro 2024 final official Francois Letexier?
14:00 , Jack Rathborn
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 vs Spain referee: Who is Euro 2024 final official Francois Letexier?
From Gazza’s tears to Rooney’s rant: The tragicomedy of England abroad
13:45 , Jack Rathborn
“There’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England,” wrote Rupert Brooke. Although it is probably defined by disappointment. And if the corner isn’t, the penalty spot almost certainly is. Which, as Brooke was a poet who died in World War 1, rather predated him. But Gareth Southgate has taken England – or one version of England, anyway – further on foreign fields than anyone else.
A first final abroad, the prospect of a first trophy anywhere other than Wembley stands in stark contrast to England’s tragicomic tournament record abroad. A history of hubris and humiliation, ignominy, injury and illness, goalkeeping errors and goalkeeping understudies.
And penalties; conceded by Phil Neville, ballooned by Chris Waddle and David Beckham and Harry Kane, missed by Stuart Pearce and Paul Ince and David Batty and Darius Vassell and Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher and Ashley Cole and Ashley Young.
From Gazza’s tears to Rooney’s rant: The tragicomedy of England abroad
It’s Coming Home: The history of the England fan chant
13:30 , Jack Rathborn
“It’s coming home” is, of course, the central refrain from “Three Lions”, the song penned by stand-up comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel to celebrate England hosting Euro 96 a quarter of a century ago.
The song is laced with nostalgia for our greatest footballing triumph – winning the 1966 World Cup by beating West Germany 4-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst – and is both a lament for the disappointments and underachievement of the intervening years and a testament to eternal optimism among England fans, unshakeable in their faith that old glories might be revived.
The “it” in question could refer either to a major tournament trophy or, less literally, to the spirit of the sport itself, returning like the Prodigal Son to the British Isles where it was first conceived after adventuring overseas to nations that have proved more adept exponents of its arts in recent decades like Brazil, Argentina, Italy and Germany.
Why do England fans chant ‘It’s Coming Home’?
England’s fate and a key advantage over Spain can end 58 years of hurt
13:19 , Jack Rathborn
Gareth Southgate allowed himself a mere three hours sleep after the semi-final win over Netherlands, before delving into analysis of Spain. That’s the scale of the challenge for the Euro 2024 final. That’s the scale of the game, as the England manager has already stated – twice – that his team need to be “perfect” in order to win. There was still no weariness about such exertions, however. There are only “healthy nerves”.
The smiles around the England camp emphasise that, in an atmosphere that is completely different to what it was like even two weeks ago. At that point, there was a risk of a bored disgruntlement taking hold, that could have made this campaign like 2010 or even 2000. It might instead be like 1966, with a chance for a grand redemption of Euro 2020.
While most of the players are just looking ahead to Sunday, some can’t help discussing that defeat to Italy at Wembley. Declan Rice has admitted it will “haunt” him “forever”. That’s only if this is another defeat, and Sunday sees England become the first-ever team to lose consecutive European Championship finals, while Spain become the first to win this trophy four times.
England’s fate and a key advantage over Spain can end 58 years of hurt
Spanish football’s cultural crisis is not over – but Euro 2024 brings hope
13:02 , Sonia Twigg
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.
Spanish football’s cultural crisis is not over – but Euro 2024 brings hope
From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final – Ollie Watkins is England’s unlikely hero
12:43 , Sonia Twigg
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.
“I never thought I would be playing in the Euros for England,” he said, harking back the best part of a decade to his days on loan in non-league. “You can dream but I am a realist. I was just thinking to get into the team at Exeter.”
From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final: Ollie Watkins, England’s unlikely hero
The simple idea that made Spain the most dangerous team in Europe
12:17 , Sonia Twigg
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.
The simple idea that made Spain the most dangerous team in Europe
England v Spain
12:01 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the players training ahead of the final:
BBC or ITV: Who should fans choose for the Euro 2024 final?
11:39 , Sonia Twigg
England v Spain is a tough match to call on Sunday but there is one contest for which we already know the result. 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. It was the UK’s most-watched TV event since Princess Diana’s funeral and the BBC picked up 25 million (81 per cent) of the audience, compared to ITV’s 5.9 million.
That difference is the natural consequence of trying to push Gillette razors at every possible interval, which seems to include the miniscule gap between national anthems and kick-off these days. But might that ratio shift this time around? Could ITV eat into the BBC’s giant share of the pie?
BBC or ITV: Who should fans choose for the Euro 2024 final?
A Spain win at Euro 2024 could deliver a surprise new Ballon d’Or winner
11:17 , Sonia Twigg
The Ballon d’Or isn’t exactly an outright popularity contest, but there’s certainly more to who gets the award than a simple conversation of who has been the best player across the year.
Positionally, personality and prizes all seem to take huge standing in the overall podium rank, even now that the long-running era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominance appears to have reached its conclusion, following the former’s move to MLS.
As such, it’s down to performance levels at the elite end, yes, but inevitably also playing for one of the superclubs, achieving something momentous at club level – often several somethings – and then, in years when the calendar allows so, adding success at international level.
A Spain win at Euro 2024 could deliver a surprise new Ballon d’Or winner
The Euros has lost its unique selling point – it is no longer a great tournament
10:54 , Sonia Twigg
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.
The Euros has lost its unique selling point – it is no longer a great tournament
The dark truth behind England football and the ‘high stakes’ on and off the pitch
10:30 , Sonia Twigg
“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.
Solace Women’s Aid cites a document released in 2013, stating reports of domestic abuse rise by 38 per cent when England men’s team loses at a major tournament. While researchers at Warwick Business School discovered in 2022 abuse and violence by partners increased by 47 per cent on the day England won a World Cup or European Championship match.
The dark truth behind England football and the ‘high stakes’ on and off the pitch
England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – there is a secret ingredient to their success
10:15 , Jack Rathborn
ots of things are late in Germany this month. The trains would be the first and most obvious one, and perhaps the most consistent option too.
But soon after the creaking public transport system – which went beyond bent and firmly into broken territory in Dortmund in the hours following the Euro 2024 semi-final – on the list of oft-repeated late occurrences would be England goals.
Gareth Southgate’s side have not always thrilled at the tournament this summer, but that hasn’t meant a lack drama – far from it, thanks to those final-minutes efforts.
Without them, they would not have progressed beyond any of their three knockout games: Jude Bellingham’s last-16 bicycle kick, Bukayo Saka’s quarter-final equaliser and now Ollie Watkins’ last-minute winner in the last four.
The secret ingredient that secured England’s Euros final spot
Marc Guehi drawing on past triumph as inspiration for England’s European Championship ‘redemption’
10:03 , Sonia Twigg
For many an England player, winning a major final against Spain and scoring in it would represent a perfect day this weekend. For a couple, it has already happened. Not in a senior European Championships either but a World Cup, albeit at Under-17 level.
Phil Foden got the third and fifth goals, sandwiching a strike by Marc Guehi in a 5-2 win in 2017. “Very good memories,” said the centre-back, studying the footage seven years on. “We were playing against a really good team in Spain.”
As England came from 2-0 down in Kolkata and Gareth Southgate’s team now have conceded first in each of the last 16, the quarter-final and the semi-final before eventually prevailing, the similarities may yet continue. “I remember coming down the tunnel and we had scored just before half-time [through Rhian Brewster] and their heads went down,” Guehi recalled. “I think it was just a moment for us to be vocal and to say, ‘we’ve got this. It’s not going to happen again.’ It just showed the resilience of the team at the time to overcome such a tough moment for us.”
Marc Guehi’s past triumph an inspiration for England’s Euros ‘redemption’
How Gareth Southgate turned England’s Euro 2024 campaign around
09:42 , Sonia Twigg
Now that Gareth Southgate sits in the Blankenhain base talking about how England might win a European Championship final, he can make an admission. “There was a danger”, as he puts it, that this Euro 2024 campaign and his entire managerial tenure could have unravelled. There was certainly a risk of the “doom and gloom” engulfing the squad.
“But,” Southgate adds, “I was determined to confront it.” That went way beyond walking towards the beer cups being thrown after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, although he still feels that was crucial “because we fought too hard to change the environment for the players”. More important was to actually work through what was going wrong – “a coaching challenge. That wasn’t necessarily on the training ground.” It involved showing the players what they were actually doing on video, and comparing it to their instructions. There was also just a photo.
Emotions, body language and a photo of ‘defeat’: How Southgate turned England around
Can England beat Spain – and how? Ask our chief football writer your Euro 2024 questions ahead of the final
09:31 , Sonia Twigg
England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as the Three Lions aim to end their more than half-century-long wait for a major trophy.
Gareth Southgate’s squad has experienced a rollercoaster ride in Germany this summer, stumbling through the group stage with two lacklustre draws.
A dramatic overhead kick by Jude Bellingham in the final moments of the round of 16 saved them from a disappointing exit.
Since then, England has found their rhythm, with an improved performance that saw them edge past Switzerland on penalties, followed by another step up to defeat the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Ollie Watkins’ superb last-minute strike secured a 2-1 victory, propelling England into the final – but are they able to step up again to win the tournament?
Can England beat Spain – and how? Ask our chief football writer your questions
Southgate stands firm on juggling England role and social issues
09:15 , Sonia Twigg
“If I’ve helped some kids, some adults, who feel they are living through criticism or whatever in the last few weeks, [by showing] there’s a way of trying to come through that and to show the perseverance, and things can change so quickly. For them it won’t be two football matches that make the difference. But hopefully they can find a way through whatever difficulties they might be having.
“I think those values are important. We live in what’s been an angry country. I would love that to be different as we move forward. Hopefully we can bring some temporary happiness. But we’re not going to change our country either. Maybe we can deliver some good examples.”
Southgate stands firm on juggling England role and social issues
09:00 , Sonia Twigg
Southgate has been an advocate of taking the knee, criticised racism abroad while admitting there is a problem with it in England and talked about the benefits of diversity, leading to accusations he is “woke” and bringing people telling him he should stick to football.
But he said: “I don’t regret it because I think this is a position of responsibility. You have a chance to make a difference in things that are important. I have my values. I never wanted to impose my values on people. But I think there are some fundamental human values that, if you get the chance to model them, then you should.”
Southgate stands firm on juggling England role and social issues
08:48 , Sonia Twigg
Gareth Southgate said he has no regrets about speaking out in defence of the “fundamental human values” in a way that has brought him abuse and unpopularity in some quarters.
The England manager reflected that “we live in an angry country” as he expressed his hope that winning Euro 2024 could bring more unity and happiness.
And the 53-year-old, who has shown a greater willingness to discuss societal issues than his predecessors, said he believes his job means he has a duty to address important subjects.
England v Spain
08:46 , Sonia Twigg
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage and build up ahead of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
We will be bringing you all the latest updates from the England camp, and any team news and hints of selection from Gareth Southgate.
Gareth Southgate admits Spain are favourites but believes England have key factor that could decide final
21:07 , Karl Matchett
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.
Southgate said that experience will help preparation due to the knowledge of how “different” a final is. He played down the idea that would give England any advantage, stating that Spain rightly go into the game as favourites.
Gareth Southgate believes England have key factor that could decide final