After more than a month of fierce competition, two teams have emerged from a field of 24 to vie for the prestigious Henri Delaunay Trophy.
On Sunday, July 14th, local time, Spain and England will clash in the UEFA Euro 2024 final. The Spanish team, known as La Roja, is aiming for their fourth European Championship title, while the Three Lions are seeking to have their name engraved on the trophy for the first time.
Three years ago, England, led by Gareth Southgate, also reached the final but were narrowly defeated by Italy in a penalty shootout.
Before this epic showdown begins, Olympics.com takes you through the teams’ past encounters, their journeys to the final, and the key players to watch.
UEFA Euro 2024: Knockout Stage Schedule and Results
Spain vs. England: Head-to-Head Record
This Sunday’s final marks the first meeting between these two teams since 2018 and their 27th encounter since 1929.
While history might suggest that Spain has had the upper hand, England actually holds the record for the most victories with 14 wins out of 27 matches.
Spain won their first meeting and has beaten England 10 times in total, with 3 matches ending in a draw.
Since the turn of the millennium, Spain has had a better record, winning 5 out of 9 encounters. However, between 1960 and 1980, England dominated, achieving seven consecutive victories over Spain until their first defeat in 20 years in 1981.
A favorable fact for England is that Spain has never beaten them in the Euros. In the 1996 European Championship, the two teams drew 0-0, and England advanced via penalties.
Spain vs. England: Euro Final Head-to-Head Record
- Spain wins: 10
- England wins: 14
- Draws: 3
UEFA Euro 2024: Spain’s Road to the Final
Spain has been one of the most entertaining teams in this tournament. Their strategy is based on possession and fluid attacking play, and under Luis de la Fuente, this Spanish team is considered by many to be the deserved champions.
Spain’s journey began with a resounding 3-0 victory over Croatia, setting the tone for their subsequent matches. They then secured narrow 1-0 victories against defending champions Italy and Albania, dominating possession but struggling to convert their chances. They topped their group with three wins but found themselves in the “group of death.”
In the Round of 16, Spain thrashed Georgia 4-1 before facing traditional powerhouses Germany and France. In the quarter-finals against the host nation, Dani Olmo gave Spain the lead, which Germany’s Florian Wirtz equalized. Substitute Mikel Merino’s late header in extra time secured Spain’s victory, their only match that went beyond 90 minutes.
In the semi-finals, an early goal from France’s Kolo Muani put Spain on the back foot. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal and Olmo scored to overturn the deficit, propelling Spain into the final.
UEFA Euro 2024: England’s Road to the Final
England’s path to the final was anything but smooth. They had a shaky start in Group C, narrowly beating Serbia 1-0, drawing 1-1 with Denmark, and a goalless draw with Slovenia.
Despite their mediocre group stage, England’s knockout matches were full of drama. In the Round of 16, they faced Slovakia. Slovakia took an early lead through Ivan Schranz, and England struggled to equalize until Jude Bellingham scored a last-minute overhead kick. Harry Kane’s header in extra time secured a 2-1 win for England.
In the quarter-finals against Switzerland, Breel Embolo broke the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining. Five minutes later, Bukayo Saka’s curving left-foot strike leveled the score, forcing extra time. With no goals in extra time, England won the penalty shootout, thanks to Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji.
England then faced the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Xavi Simons scored a spectacular goal early on, but Kane equalized with a penalty ten minutes later. In a dramatic finish, substitute Ollie Watkins scored a low-angle shot to secure a 2-1 victory for England.
It’s worth noting that due to the extra time in their matches, England has faced greater physical demands and had one and a half days less rest than Spain. Will this impact the final?
UEFA Euro 2024 Final: Players to Watch – Decisive Talents
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Lamine Yamal has exceeded all expectations so far. At just 16 years old, he has become a crucial player for Spain on the big stage.
His stunning goal against France made him the youngest scorer in European Championship history at 16 years and 362 days. But his impact goes beyond records. As a creative force, Yamal is capable of changing the course of a match, consistently posing a threat on the right wing.
Last season, Yamal emerged as Barcelona’s biggest revelation, and despite high expectations, his performance at the Euros has still amazed everyone. Balancing school exams and the European Championship, Yamal is set to play in the final just two days after his 17th birthday.
While Dani Olmo and Rodri have also shone on Spain’s road to the final, Yamal is the standout sensation. If Spain clinches their fourth European Championship title, Yamal will undoubtedly be the brightest star.
Kobbie Mainoo (England)
Another teenage prodigy to watch is England’s Kobbie Mainoo. At just 17, the Manchester United midfielder has had an extraordinary year.
Despite Manchester United’s struggles in the league, Mainoo’s brilliance has shone through, earning him a call-up to the England national team. Southgate experimented with various midfield combinations before finding success with Mainoo alongside Declan Rice.
Mainoo’s performance peaked when England switched to a five-defender formation, linking up effectively with Phil Foden. His defensive solidity and offensive aggressiveness have been pivotal to England’s progress.
If Mainoo starts in the final, he will face Spain’s Rodri. Rodri has an unbeaten record for Spain in 470 days and had a similar streak with Manchester City, remaining unbeaten in 74 matches until facing Mainoo’s Manchester United in the FA Cup final, where Mainoo scored and won Man of the Match.
Will history repeat itself in the final?