England face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as the Three Lions try to finally end a wait of more than half a century for a major trophy.

Gareth Southgate’s side have endured a rollercoaster ride in Germany this summer, stuttering through the group phase with two underwhelming draws before a dramatic late overhead kick by Jude Bellingham saved them from a dismal exit in the round of 16. But since then, England have clicked into gear with an improved display to edge past Switzerland on penalties and another step up to see off Netherlands, after Ollie Watkins’ superb last-minute strike secured a 2-1 win.

But now they face a Spanish side widely considered the best team in the tournament, something Southgate himself has admitted. “They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team. They have got a day longer and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant, so we have got to get our recovery spot on.

“Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side. But we are here.”

Follow all the build-up to England v Spain in the Euro 2024 final below.

Euro 2024: Netherlands v England

• England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday

• Declan Rice makes bold pledge as England vow to attack in Euro 2024 final

• How Gareth Southgate changed England fortunes and rebranded patriotism

• ANALYSIS: England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – there is a secret ingredient to their success

Netherlands 1 - 2 England

England v Spain team news and predicted line-ups ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 17:00 , Karl Matchett

England football team have reached their second successive European Championship final, and will take on Spain football in Berlin.

Gareth Southgate’s side had gone to extra time in the round of 16 and the quarter-finals, but a stunning late strike from Ollie Watkins sent them through to the Euro 2024 final with only their second victory inside 90 minutes.

Spain were convincing in dispatching France and Germany on their route to the semi-finals, and have been one of the most in-form sides of the entire tournament, despite not being among the favourites before the start.

They were prolific in the tournament, winning in both 2008 and 2012 in a golden generation that delivered three major trophies. While England have never won the competition, but have an impressive recent history after reaching the final four years ago.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match, starting with the latest team news from both camps.

England v Spain team news and predicted line-ups ahead of Euro 2024 final

Gareth Southgate admits Spain are favourites but believes England have key factor that could decide final

Friday 12 July 2024 16:40 , 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.

Gareth Southgate believes England have key factor that could decide final

Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain as they look to learn from Euro 2020 final defeat

Friday 12 July 2024 16:20 , Karl Matchett

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”.

Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain in Euro 2024 final

England press conference ahead of Euros final

Friday 12 July 2024 16:12 , Karl Matchett

No news of the manager yet but we’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, England had a closed session training outing today but Kane was on hand to meet fans afterwards.

England press conference ahead of Euros final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:49 , Karl Matchett

That’s it from Ollie Watkins for now and we’re still awaiting manager Gareth Southgate of course.

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:34 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“I was speaking to Declan Rice about Jorginho in the last Euros final who was crucial. This time everyone knows Rodri and he’s crucial for Spain’s buildup. If we can stop the ball getting to him it makes our life easier but it’s never that simple with a world-class player like him.

“Rodri is the key because of his experience and what he’s won at Man City. Defensively I feel like he dictates games so I feel he’s the main man for him.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:32 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“The crowd plays a massive part. On the pitch maybe you don’t consider it but I’ve been on the bench and you take it in. England fans outsung Dutch fans even though they were outnumbered. They do have an impact and you can hear them - their support is everything. Hopefully they be loud for us Sunday!”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:31 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“I haven’t got any tattoos but I’d join in if everyone gets one if we win!

“Kieran Trippier did a good speech - we gave him a plaque for 50 caps, a congratulations. He said last time he didn’t play after one game until the quarters or final but you’ve got to be ready as there’s a part to play. Everyone has taken that into consideration and us who have come off the bench have had an impact - it proves you’re not far away from playing and making a difference.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:28 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“I know it’s been an amazing journey and I’ve put in hard work to get here but anything’s possible with hard work. I wouldn’t say I’m technically the best player but work rate and dedication is up there with everyone in the squad. If you put your mind to it you can achieve anything.

“To kids playing non-league, the dream isn’t over. Keep going and you can get to where I am for sure.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:27 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“I watched the goal quite a few times on the way to basecamp. I always do when I score for Villa but this one quite a few more times than normal!

“To manifest it there’s quite a few things. One of my friends told me years ago I would score in the Euros final but you never know, could happen at the weekend! Little things prior to the game, people have told me things and spoken it into existence. I’m a firm believer if you truly believe something then it will happen.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:25 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“Kobbie doesn’t act his age on the pitch. He demands the ball and to be playing at such a high level you’d never think he was so young. He has an aura and a very bright future ahead.

“I feel England are very strong, Spain have had some very tough games. I’d say they’ve had a harder journey than us, so-called bigger teams, so I see what the boss is saying and they’ve probably been the best team so far.

“Spain’s wingers are very dynamic, full of confidence and direct but also across our team we have goals from everywhere and world-class talent. It’s going to be a very exciting match and I can’t wait to watch, be a part of it and hopefully we get the job done.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:22 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“As much as last-minute goals make it exciting we don’t care when we score as long as we come off winning the game.

“Individual achievements like Golden Boot are great but everyone’s focused on the collective award, winning the competition. We need to respect Spain and it’ll be a very difficult game.

“Yamal is an unbelievable talent, generational. It’s not often you score top corner against France in a semi-final! He’s miles ahead of me when I was 16 or 17.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:19 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“Us three strikers have different attributes and as a manager you want options. As much as it’s a headache it’s perfect to have options and be able to choose different quality strikers.

“I don’t remember my first England game but I remember I was watching an England match in a goalkeeper shirt with one of my best mates in a pub. That’s a great memory of being a fan, enjoying the moments - now it’s crazy to think I’ve played a big part in us getting to the final. It’s a bit surreal.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:17 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“On the formation and how we’re playing, the earlier stages we weren’t playing our best football, that doesn’t take a genius to work out, but the main thing is we weren’t losing games. As the tournament has gone on we’re playing better football, controlling games. Even if we go behind we don’t crumble, we’ve shown the togetherness and attitude that everyone’s there working hard and pulling together. We’re getting stronger game by game.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:15 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“I was speaking to Harry Kane at breakfast and I was trying to take it in while on the pitch and he was trying to drag me away for you guys to do an interview! Those moments don’t come around often but we’re in such a bubble and we were straight back on the bus playing uno and recovering.

“We’re all aware the country is hyped and excited for the final but our focus is on the final, get back to basecamp and prepare.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:14 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“Dean Henderson said he thinks it’s the best moment of his career! We’ve been working hard together, you don’t see that but we are regular starters who haven’t been playing (with England). Every day it’s intense sessions, getting back late, up early and back to the grind - the boys who haven’t played a minute have still had a big part to play pushing everyone in training.

“It’s brought the group so much closer.”

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 15:13 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins speaking ahead of Euro 2024 final:

“It has been an unbelievable feeling. I was taken aback by the goal but I have full belief in myself and I knew going on the pitch I was going to score. I worked very hard and it’s been an amazing feeling but I’m not shocked.

“I’ve got that fire in my belly and I’m ready whenever called upon. Hopefully I get the call again and I can produce.”

England press conference - Ollie Watkins and Gareth Southgate to speak

Friday 12 July 2024 15:11 , Karl Matchett

Southgate’s not here yet but Ollie Watkins is.

He’s not speaking though, he’s playing darts! If you want to watch along, it’s live right here on The Independent’s YouTube channel.

FA want Gareth Southgate to stay - regardless of result, claims report

Friday 12 July 2024 15:05 , Karl Matchett

Southgate’s future has been subject to much speculation, wildly ranging from he’d be sacked if England went out in the quarters or semis, to him getting a new deal and a knighthood if they won the tournament.

Perhaps something in between will be the outcome as usual, but a report in the Guardian says that the FA will try to entice Southgate to stay on regardless of the result in Berlin.

His current contract expires in December and there’s no confirmation from him as to his preferred course yet. A full review will still take place post-tournament and Graham Potter heads up the replacement list if Southgate does leave, the report concludes.

Dani Olmo addresses Golden Boot race with Harry Kane - and England captain’s lack of trophies

Friday 12 July 2024 15:00 , Karl Matchett

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

Gareth Southgate admits Spain are favourites but believes England have key factor that could decide final

Friday 12 July 2024 14:45 , 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.

Gareth Southgate believes England have key factor that could decide final

Gareth Southgate set to give England press conference ahead of final

Friday 12 July 2024 14:40 , Karl Matchett

No sign of him yet, clearly running a little late! 2:15 UK time was the intended start of the press conference but we will of course bring you everything as soon as the England boss appears.

Gareth Southgate set to give England press conference ahead of final

Friday 12 July 2024 14:20 , Karl Matchett

Only two days left now before the Euro 2024 final and Gareth Southgate will address the media shortly from the national team base at Erfurt.

Dani Olmo has already been out to speak to the press, discussing Harry Kane, the Golden Boot and more, and for England the player put forward today is Ollie Watkins.

Southgate will be with us shortly and we’ll bring you all his thoughts right away.

Backroom boys – a closer look at Gareth Southgate’s five-man technical team

Friday 12 July 2024 14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate has led England to a second successive European Championship final – but the manager will be the first to say such success would be impossible without his staff.

The Football Association brought a wide-ranging group of employees to Germany to aid this summer’s shot at continental glory

England have four analysts and a performance medicine team as part of that group, as well as a physical performance and nutrition team.

Manager Southgate heads a six-man technical team - here’s a look at the other members as the side gears up for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Backroom boys – a closer look at Gareth Southgate’s five-man technical team

Cole Palmer hoping England can ‘finish the job’ against Spain

Friday 12 July 2024 13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cole Palmer says it is time for England to “finish the job” and grab their life-changing opportunity in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Gareth Southgate’s side head to Berlin this weekend for a shot at glory three years on from losing the continental showpiece on penalties to Italy.

Cole Palmer hoping England can ‘finish the job’ against Spain

Uefa confirm baffling Golden Boot decision ahead of Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 13:33 , Karl Matchett

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

Harry Kane responds to England penalty debate after reaching Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Kane joked “my foot’s hanging off!” as he responded to claims that England were “fortunate” to receive a first-half penalty as they trailed the Netherlands before coming back to book a place in the Euro 2024 final.

Gareth Southgate’s side had trailed to Xavi Simons’ stunning strike inside seven minutes in Dortmund before England were awarded a penalty that divided the pundits at half-time.

Kane hit a rising strike over the crossbar from inside the penalty area but as the England captain stayed down holding his foot, replays showed he was caught by Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries.

Harry Kane responds to England penalty debate after reaching Euro 2024 final

From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final – Ollie Watkins is England’s unlikely hero

Friday 12 July 2024 12:55 , Richard Jolly

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.

From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final: Ollie Watkins, England’s unlikely hero

Alan Shearer urges Gareth Southgate to make one England change for Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 12:30 , 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

Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain as they look to learn from Euro 2020 final defeat

Friday 12 July 2024 16:13 , Karl Matchett

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”.

Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain in Euro 2024 final

The Euros has lost its unique selling point – it is no longer a great tournament

Friday 12 July 2024 12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just one more match, then, and it’ll all be over for another four years. After the strange spectacle that was the delayed, Covid-plagued Euro 2020, this edition has been a welcome return to normality away from the pitch, but, as Miguel Delaney explores, the tournament has otherwise perhaps failed to charm...

The Euros has lost its unique selling point – it is no longer a great tournament

Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 ranked and rated

Friday 12 July 2024 11:45 , Luke Baker

England are into the Euro 2024 final after Ollie Watkins hammered home an 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 assisted by 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.

Then, the ‘hilarious’ memes of Southgate wearing a life jacket in the shower or a helmet on an exercise bike to signal his excessive caution will be fired around WhatsApp groups, normally accompanied by scathing wit such as “lol, this is so true.”

But is Southgate’s reputation underserved? Here we look at every substitution he has made throughout Euro 2024, rating and ranking each one to find out exactly which changes have been the most impactful:

Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 rated

Mixed feelings for Sarina Wiegman after England beat Netherlands to reach final

Friday 12 July 2024 11:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Of course, Gareth Southgate is not the first England manager to reach a major final on foreign soil. He was beaten to the punch by Sarina Wiegman last summer, who was left with mixed feelings yesterday after her native Netherlands were knocked out of Euro 2024.

Mixed feelings for Sarina Wiegman after England beat Netherlands to reach final

‘We all want to be loved, right?’: We should be ashamed of the way we treated Gareth Southgate

Friday 12 July 2024 10:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was a revealing admission from Gareth Southgate in the immediate aftermath of semi-final triumph as he led England into another European Championship final. Gemma Abbott argues that the England manager has been subjected to unfair treatment:

We should all be ashamed of the way we treated Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate admits ‘we all want to be loved’ in emotional interview as England reach Euro 2024 final

Friday 12 July 2024 10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate responded to the criticism he has faced as England manager throughout Euro 2024 after the Three Lions dramatically booked their place in the final, admitting that “we all want to be loved”.

Ollie Watkins scored in the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 win against the Netherlands, combining with fellow substitute Cole Palmer before firing in the winner.

The goal - and England’s performance on the night - silenced some of Southgate’s doubters, and the manager emotionally reflected on reaching another major final at full-time.

Supermarket to close thousands of stores early for Euro 2024 final as England take on Spain

Friday 12 July 2024 10:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A major supermarket will close its Express stores in England early on Sunday for the Euro 2024 final following the Three Lions win in their semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Earlier, the UK’s biggest grocer Tesco said its more than 1,800 Express stores will close at 7.30pm instead of the usual 10pm or 11pm to allow employees to watch a final involving England.

Tesco said the move would allow thousands of colleagues to get home or to the pub in time for kick-off, while still receiving their normal pay for those hours.

Those employees who do not want to watch the match will be also paid as normal.

Supermarket to close stores early for Euro 2024 final as England takes on Spain

Keir Starmer gives verdict on bank holiday if England win Euros

Friday 12 July 2024 09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer would not commit to an extra bank holiday if England win Euro 2024.

The Labour leader said the UK should “certainly mark the occasion” but said he did not want to “jinx anything” by pre-empting the result of Sunday’s final.

The Liberal Democrats led calls for an extra bank holiday after England claimed a last-minute 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday. Gareth Southgate’s side will now play Spain in Berlin in the decider

Sir Keir previously supported calls for a bank holiday when England’s women’s football team made it to the World Cup final last year.

Asked whether he would back a bank holiday if Southgate’s team is victorious, the prime minister told broadcasters in Washington DC: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again.”

Keir Starmer gives verdict on bank holiday if England win Euros

Gareth Southgate admits Spain are favourites but believes England have key factor that could decide fina

Friday 12 July 2024 09:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

How Gareth Southgate changed England fortunes and rebranded patriotism

Friday 12 July 2024 08:50 , Richard Jolly in Germany

Southgate, you’re the one. The one manager in England’s century and a half of playing men’s 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.

How Gareth Southgate changed England fortunes and rebranded patriotism

Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain as they look to learn from Euro 2020 final defeat

Friday 12 July 2024 08:23 , Miguel Delaney in Germany

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 that 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”.

Declan Rice vows England won’t ‘sit back’ against Spain

The Gareth Southgate mantra defining England’s Euro 2024 charge

Friday 12 July 2024 07:30 , Miguel Delaney

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.

The Gareth Southgate mantra defining England’s Euro 2024 charge

England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – there is a secret ingredient to their Euro 2024 success

Friday 12 July 2024 07:00 , Karl Matchett

Lots 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.

England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – here’s their secret ingredient

More than 21 million viewers tune in to England’s semi-final win on ITV

Friday 12 July 2024 06:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More than 21 million viewers tuned in to watch England’s dramatic Euro 2024 semi-victory over the Netherlands - the highest peak television audience on a single channel since the 2022 World Cup.

Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute strike in Dortmund earned a 2-1 victory to send Gareth Southgate‘s side through to Sunday evening’s final against Spain.

ITV’s coverage attracted a peak audience of 21.6 million viewers across television and streaming.

The figure is the highest on one channel since December 2022 when the nation tuned in to watch England’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to France at the World Cup in Qatar.

An average audience of 19.6 million watched Wednesday evening’s match as substitute Watkins claimed the late winner after a penalty from captain Harry Kane penalty cancelled out Xavi Simons’ early opener for the Dutch.

Overall coverage of the semi-final, between 6.30pm and 10.45pm, was watched by 12.7 million people, a 64 per cent share of viewing.

Sunday’s final in Berlin - England’s second in succession at the European Championships following a penalty shoot-out loss to Italy at Euro 2020 - will be broadcast by both ITV and the BBC, with kick-off at 8pm.

England v Spain TV channel, start time and how to watch Euro 2024 final

Gareth Southgate: England must be ‘exceptional’ against Spain to win Euro 2024

Friday 12 July 2024 05:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate says England must be “exceptional” in and out of possession if their first final on foreign soil is to end in Euro 2024 glory against team of the tournament Spain.

A summer that began with unconvincing displays, fan discontent and widespread criticism will end with a shot at history in Sunday’s Berlin showpiece at the Olympiastadion.

England secured a final showdown against Spain thanks to super sub Ollie Watkins’ stunning strike at the death against Netherlands, sealing a 2-1 win and sparking bedlam across the land.

This is the first time an English men’s team has made it to a major final overseas and a second successive continental final for a side that lost on penalties to Italy at the end of the last edition.

Gareth Southgate: England must be ‘exceptional’ against Spain to win Euro 2024

Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 ranked and rated

Friday 12 July 2024 04:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So does Gareth Southgate know what he’s doing when it comes to making changes? Luke Baker looks back on each and every substitution the England manager has made at Euro 2024 to try and find out.

Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 rated

Gareth Southgate responds to critics of his England substitutions after win against Netherlands

Friday 12 July 2024 03:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate has assured England fans that his players have bought into his ideology when it comes to substitutes, after the Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2024.

England have failed to impress in most of their games in Germany, and Southgate has also been criticised for his choice and timing of substitutes. However, England reached a new level to beat Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with Southgate’s changes proving pivotal.

The former England midfielder brought on Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer in the 81st minute, and the latter provided the assist for Watkins’s 91st-minute winner – to set up a final against Spain.

“Sometimes it can work that way,” Southgate told ITV after the game in Dortmund. “The most important thing is that all of the squad is ready to come into the game.”

Gareth Southgate responds to critics of his England subs after Ollie Watkins winner

Euro 2024 Golden Boot standings: Harry Kane, Dani Olmo and Jude Bellingham battle to be top scorer

Friday 12 July 2024 02:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here are the updated standings in the chase for the Golden Boot, with Harry Kane and Dani Olmo looking the likeliest candidates to finish as Euro 2024’s top scorer:

Phil Foden finally joins the Euro 2024 party and gives England a gameplan to beat Spain

Friday 12 July 2024 01:00 , Karl Matchett in Germany

It was the performance England had been waiting for, but for Phil Foden, it was perhaps the opponent he had needed.

For 45 minutes, one of the Premier League’s finest and the national squad’s most capable looked every inch the star he has become: a player as adept at finding space as exploiting it, as consistent in his decision-making as in his execution.

After arguably making five false starts, sporadically showing his gifted touch but too often littered with horizontal unimagination, Foden became a playmaker, a goal threat and a counter-attacking fulcrum all at once against Netherlands.

Phil Foden finally joined the party and gave England a gameplan to beat Spain

Virgil van Dijk to consider club and country future after Dutch defeat

Friday 12 July 2024 00:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk will consider his future for both club and country over the next few weeks as he processes the disappointment of semi-final elimination at the European Championship on Wednesday, he said.

Van Dijk, who turned 33 on Monday, said he would spend the next weeks figuring out his next career steps after nine years, and 75 caps, in the Netherlands team, plus with a single season left on his contract at Liverpool.

”I haven’t the slightest idea right now. I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player. Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this,” Van Dijk told reporters after England beat the Dutch 2-1 to advance to Sunday’s final against Spain.

“After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over,” said Van Dijk, who had felt the Dutch were well placed to win the semi-final at the BVB Stadion.

”Especially in the second half I had the feeling the outcome would fall our way. But (Ollie) Watkins was perhaps given a little too much space and he finished well,” he added of the England substitute’s goal seconds into stoppage time.

”It hurts a lot that we conceded this goal so late in the match and are now empty-handed. You put everything into it, everyone gives everything and if the goal comes like that in the last minute, that just sucks. Yes ... sorry.”

Dutch newspapers react to ‘scandalous’ penalty as England beat Netherlands in Euro 2024 semi-final

Thursday 11 July 2024 23:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

There was a shade of deja vu on Thursday, the morning after the night before. Three years earlier, England had beaten Denmark at Wembley in a European Championship semi-final with a little help from a dubious penalty, and history rhymed as the Netherlands were left to rue a questionable call in England’s favour.

The line between a legitimate block and a dangerous tackle has always been a little blurred, a grey space usually preserved for defenders to safely fling boots, knowing they will not be punished. But Denzel Dumfries was not afforded any leeway as referee Felix Zwayer awarded a penalty for the defender’s challenge on Harry Kane, after reviewing the incident at the recommendation of his video assistant (VAR).

Kane equalised from the spot and England went on to win 2-1 and book their place in the final of Euro 2024.

Dutch newspapers were in no doubt about the decision:

Dutch newspapers react to ‘scandalous’ penalty as England win Euro 2024 semi-final

The Gareth Southgate mantra defining England’s Euro 2024 charge

Thursday 11 July 2024 23:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

The Gareth Southgate mantra defining England’s Euro 2024 charge

Gareth Southgate admits 'we all want to be loved' in emotional interview

Thursday 11 July 2024 22:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate responded to the criticism he has faced as England manager throughout Euro 2024 after the Three Lions dramatically booked their place in the final, admitting that “we all want to be loved”.

Ollie Watkins scored in the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 win against the Netherlands, combining with fellow substitute Cole Palmer before firing in the winner.

The goal - and England’s performance on the night - silenced some of Southgate’s doubters, and the manager emotionally reflected on reaching another major final at full-time.

Kobbie Mainoo determined to cap remarkable rise by making history with England

Thursday 11 July 2024 22:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kobbie Mainoo is aiming to complete a remarkable rise to the top by helping England put themselves in the history books.

Gareth Southgate’s side face Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final after Ollie Watkins hit a last-gasp winner to down the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund.

The semi-final success was the third game in a row in which England scored after the 80-minute mark as they reached a second straight European Championship final.

Kobbie Mainoo determined to cap remarkable rise by making history with England

Gareth Southgate provides Kieran Trippier injury update after England reach Euro 2024 final

Thursday 11 July 2024 22:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate has revealed Kieran Trippier was substituted in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands as a precaution as he manages a groin injury.

The Newcastle defender was replaced at the break in Dortmund with Luke Shaw coming on.

And after Ollie Watkins’ goal sent the Three Lions into the final on Sunday against Spain, Southgate has provided an update on Trippier’s condition.

Southgate provides Trippier injury update for Euro 2024 final

From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final – Ollie Watkins is England’s unlikely hero

Thursday 11 July 2024 21:40 , Richard Jolly

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 men’s 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 is starring in a European Championships semi-final; who, at the age Jude Bellingham is now, was plying his trade in League Two for Exeter.

From Weston-super-Mare to the Euro 2024 final: Ollie Watkins, England’s unlikely hero

Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 ranked and rated

Thursday 11 July 2024 21:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are into the Euro 2024 final after Ollie Watkins hammered home an 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 assisted by 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.

Then, the ‘hilarious’ memes of Southgate wearing a life jacket in the shower or a helmet on an exercise bike to signal his excessive caution will be fired around WhatsApp groups, normally accompanied by scathing wit such as “lol, this is so true.”

But is Southgate’s reputation underserved? Here we look at every substitution he has made throughout Euro 2024, rating and ranking each one to find out exactly which changes have been the most impactful:

Is Gareth Southgate a substitution genius? Every England sub at Euro 2024 rated

Flights to Berlin for the Euros final are sold out – here’s how England fans can get to the capital in time

Thursday 11 July 2024 21:00 , The Independent

Euros fever coursing through your veins? Simon Calder has all the travel tips you need if you are thinking of a last minute trip to Berlin for the final:

Here’s how England fans can get to the capital in time, says Simon Calder

UK should ‘mark the occasion’ if England win Euro 2024, Keir Starmer says

Thursday 11 July 2024 20:40 , The Independent

The UK should “certainly mark the occasion” if England win Euro 2024, Sir Keir Starmer has said amid calls for an extra bank holiday in the event of victory.

The Prime Minister appeared to suggest he would not commit to an extra day off as he said did not want to “jinx anything” by pre-empting the result of Sunday’s final between Gareth Southgate’s team and Spain.

UK should ‘mark the occasion’ if England win Euro 2024, Sir Keir Starmer says

Ollie Watkins embraced by family and friends after scoring England’s late winner

Thursday 11 July 2024 20:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a night for Ollie Watkins, a striker who took the long route to the top via Exeter City, Weston-super-Mare and Brentford.

David Beckham and Prince William lead celebrity reaction to England Euro 2024 semi final win

Thursday 11 July 2024 20:00 , Lydia Spencer-Elliott

Celebrities have been quick to jump on social media and share their celebrations over England dramatically reaching the Euro 2024 final after Ollie Watkins’ 90th minute goal saw The Three Lions secure a 2-1 win over the Netherlands to face Spain on Sunday.

A lively start in Dortmund saw Xavi Simons punish Declan Rice in possession with a stunning strike from range. But England responded, with Harry Kane fouled by Denzel Dumfries in the penalty area. As extra-time approached, substitute Watkins, on for Kane, smashed a shot home from a narrow angle to send Southgate’s side into Sunday’s final.

Former England captain David Beckham shared his admiration for The Three Lions on Instagram Stories, writing: “Wow, team England.” The much-loved midfielder even gave a special shout out to Watkins, who scored England’s winning goal after just minutes on the pitch.

“That’s why they call it a TEAM,” Beckham said. “What a moment. Well done Ollie.”

David Beckham and Prince William lead celebrity reactions to England semi final win

Previous meetings between England and Spain ahead of Euro 2024 final

Thursday 11 July 2024 19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England will meet Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday in Berlin following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Netherlands.

Ollie Watkins scored a dramatic last-gasp winner in Dortmund on Wednesday to send England’s men to a first major final on foreign soil.

Here, the PA news agency looks back at previous meetings between Sunday’s European Championship finalists.

Previous meetings between England and Spain ahead of Euro 2024 final

Ollie Watkins reveals prediction with Cole Palmer after firing England into Euro 2024 final

Thursday 11 July 2024 19:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ollie Watkins “manifested” firing England into the Euro 2024 final after telling fellow super-sub Cole Palmer that they would combine to create a stunning 91st minute winner against the Netherlands.

Watkins and Palmer were sent on by manager Gareth Southgate in a bold double change, replacing Harry Kane and Phil Foden with extra time looming against the Dutch in Dortmund.

Watkins reveals prediction with Palmer after firing England into final

Mixed feelings for Sarina Wiegman after England beat Netherlands to reach final

Thursday 11 July 2024 19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman conceded “it’s a good time to be English” even after Gareth Southgate’s men booked a trip to the Euro 2024 final at the expense of her native Netherlands.

The Lionesses, who were successful in their quest for European glory two summers ago, on Wednesday night gathered in Norwich ahead of their own Euro 2025 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland to watch their male counterparts’ final four meeting.

Wiegman was as diplomatic as a retired 104-cap Netherlands player could possibly be when asked how it felt to watch Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner in Dortmund.

Mixed feelings for Sarina Wiegman after England beat Netherlands to reach final

England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – there is a secret ingredient to their Euro 2024 success

Thursday 11 July 2024 18:40 , Karl Matchett in Germany

Lots 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.

England’s dramatic late goals are not luck – here’s their secret ingredient

Gareth Southgate: England must be ‘exceptional’ against Spain to win Euro 2024

Thursday 11 July 2024 18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate says England must be “exceptional” in and out of possession if their first final on foreign soil is to end in Euro 2024 glory against team of the tournament Spain.

A summer that began with unconvincing displays, fan discontent and widespread criticism will end with a shot at history in Sunday’s Berlin showpiece at the Olympiastadion.

England secured a final showdown against Spain thanks to super sub Ollie Watkins’ stunning strike at the death against Netherlands, sealing a 2-1 win and sparking bedlam across the land.

This is the first time an English men’s team has made it to a major final overseas and a second successive continental final for a side that lost on penalties to Italy at the end of the last edition.

Gareth Southgate: England must be ‘exceptional’ against Spain to win Euro 2024

Ronald Koeman reacts after ‘difficult to accept’ last-minute Ollie Watkins semi-final winner

Thursday 11 July 2024 18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman felt England were wrongly awarded a penalty in their Euro 2024 semi-final defeat - but says the Three Lions are capable of going on to beat Spain in the final on Sunday.

An early strike from Xavi Simons put the Oranje in the driving seat but a fine response from Gareth Southgate’s team saw Harry Kane win and score a penalty in a dominant rest of the first half.

After the Dutch appeared to be in the ascendency once more after the break, England’s subs proved the difference as Ollie Watkins struck in the final moments to send them through to the showpiece game in Berlin.

Koeman reacts after ‘difficult to accept’ last-minute Watkins winner

Gareth Southgate responds to critics of his England substitutions after win against Netherlands

Thursday 11 July 2024 17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate has assured England fans that his players have bought into his ideology when it comes to substitutes, after the Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2024.

England have failed to impress in most of their games in Germany, and Southgate has also been criticised for his choice and timing of substitutes. However, England reached a new level to beat Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with Southgate’s changes proving pivotal.

The former England midfielder brought on Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer in the 81st minute, and the latter provided the assist for Watkins’s 91st-minute winner – to set up a final against Spain.

“Sometimes it can work that way,” Southgate told ITV after the game in Dortmund. “The most important thing is that all of the squad is ready to come into the game.”

Gareth Southgate responds to critics of his England subs after Ollie Watkins winner

Where to buy an England football shirt as the Three Lions reach the Euro 2024 final

Thursday 11 July 2024 17:20 , Alex Lee

Want to get your hands on a replica England shirt ahead of Sunday’s final? Here is where to look:

Where to buy the England Euro 2024 home and away shirts

Euro 2024 Golden Boot standings: Harry Kane, Dani Olmo and Jude Bellingham battle to be top scorer

Thursday 11 July 2024 17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here are the updated standings in the chase for the Golden Boot, with Harry Kane and Dani Olmo looking the likeliest candidates to finish as Euro 2024’s top scorer:

Euro 2024 Golden Boot standings: Kane, Olmo and more in contention