Spain vs France - LIVE!

Spain booked their place in the Euro 2024 final as they came from behind to beat France 2-1 in a riveting encounter.

An early goal from Randal Kolo Muani could have rocked Spain, who have been the standout team at the tournament, but they regained control and took the lead after a four-minute burst in which Lamine Yamal fired in a sensational strike from distance and Dani Olmo then completed the turnaround with a helping boot from Jules Kounde.

That gave Spain the lead at half-time after a thrilling 45 minutes, and it was not one they relinquished. Instead it is six wins from as many matches at this tournament for Spain, who will face England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final. Victory then and it will be the third time they lift the trophy in the last five Euros, and they will be favourites to do so regardless of the opposition.

Spain vs France latest updates

• FT: Spain through to Euro 2024 final

• GOAL! Olmo completes swift turnaround

• GOAL! Stunning Yamal finish gets Spain level

• GOAL! Kolo Muani heads France into early lead

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23:50 , Matt Verri

Spain booked their place in the Euro 2024 final as they came from behind to beat France 2-1 in a riveting encounter.

An early goal from Randal Kolo Muani could have rocked Spain, who have been the standout team at the tournament, but they regained control and took the lead after a four-minute burst in which 16-year-old Lamine Yamal fired in a sensational strike from distance and Dani Olmo then completed the turnaround with a helping boot from Jules Kounde.

That gave Spain the lead at half-time after a thrilling 45 minutes, and it was not one they relinquished. Instead it is six wins from as many matches at this tournament, and Spain will face England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final.

Read our full report here!

Deschamps offers blunt response on future

22:55 , Matt Verri

Didier Deschamps has been asked about his future in his press conference - wasn’t particularly thrilled about it.

"I've just lost a semi-final,” the French boss replied.

“You know how my president thinks. Maybe you shouldn't have even asked this question."

Déjà vu...

22:33 , Matt Verri

Don’t want to be letting Lamine Yamal onto that left foot, as France continue to find out.

England and the Netherlands... you’ve been warned.

Over and out?

22:27 , Matt Verri

Six matches, four goals for France.

Two of them own goals, one a penalty from Kylian Mbappe and the other Randal Kolo Muani’s header to open the scoring tonight.

It’s fairly obvious where the problems have been this tournament, for all Didier Deschamps dismissed accusations that his team were boring and failing to deliver in attack.

He’s been in charge for almost exactly 12 years, leading his country to World Cup glory in that time.

Could this be the end of his reign, though?

Yamal delivers for Spain!

22:19 , Matt Verri

No surprise, Lamine Yamal named player of the match.

You’ve probably only been told 300 times tonight - he’s 16. Absurd what he’s doing.

He turns 17 on Saturday, the day before he could well have his hands on the European Championship trophy

Morata clattered

22:13 , Matt Verri

Here is footage of that incident involving Morata.

Looks like it was actually a security guard, who was trying to get across to a pitch invader.

Ended up nearly taking out Morata, who looks to be in a lot of pain.

How’s your luck...

Winning moment!

22:02 , Matt Verri

Start the Spanish party!

It’s 12 years since they were last in a Euros final, when they went back-to-back.

Whoever they face on Sunday, whether it’s England or the Netherlands, they will be favourites.

Concern for Morata...

22:00 , Matt Verri

The Spanish captain has been holding his knee post-match.

Looked like a photographer who came towards the players, lost his footing and ended up sliding into Morata.

Have to hope that is not a serious issue.

FT: Spain 2-1 France

21:55 , Matt Verri

There is the final whistle!

Spain are through to the Euro 2024 final, France are OUT!

An absorbing encounter, particularly in that first-half.

Spain march on - they will be in the final on Sunday.

Spain 2-1 France

21:53 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: They do eventually, Griezmann winning the header at the back post.

He wants a corner... goal-kick given.

That could be that.

Spain 2-1 France

21:53 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: France still knocking it around at the back.

LUMP. IT.

Spain 2-1 France

21:51 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Yamal coming off, he’ll get one final standing ovation.

Brilliant goal, another superb display.

Williams also replaced, as Torres and Zubimendi are introduced.

Spain 2-1 France

21:49 , Matt Verri

90 mins: FIVE minutes added on.

France need something. Now.

Yamal shown a yellow card, as he brings a swift halt to a French counter. Hernandez dragged back.

Spain 2-1 France

21:47 , Matt Verri

89 mins: Every member of the Spanish bench on their feet and in the technical area, as Camavinga goes in late on Cucurella.

Shown a yellow card, but more problematic is that it kills another 30 seconds or so.

Spain 2-1 France

21:46 , Matt Verri

88 mins: Deschamps desperately urging his side forward from the touchline, but the seconds are ticking away.

Upamecano swings a cross in from deep, easily dealt with.

Spain 2-1 France

21:44 , Matt Verri

86 mins: Was that his moment? THE moment?

Mbappe driving into the box, works it onto his right foot and it’s a massive chance.

Stage is set for him, but it’s a wild effort. High, high over the bar.

Spain 2-1 France

21:43 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Couple of minutes of waiting around, after Laporte takes a blow to his face. Nose isn’t looking the best after that.

He’s going to continue. Should get a fair bit of added time now.

Spain 2-1 France

21:40 , Matt Verri

82 mins: Yamal fancies a second stunning goal.

Onto his left foot, similar distance out to his first-half goal but this time it’s whipped high and wide.

Spain 2-1 France

21:38 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Nacho is at right-back for Spain and he is being really troubled by Barcola. The winger wins France another corner.

Initially cleared, before Griezmann tries to put it back in. Charged down.

Spain 2-1 France

21:37 , Matt Verri

79 mins: Another change from France, who are running out of time.

Dembele the man to make way, as Giroud comes on. Get that ball in the box!

Spain 2-1 France

21:34 , Matt Verri

76 mins: BIG chance.

And it’s not who France wanted it to fall to.

Ruiz with a dreadful pass in his own box, gifting the ball back to France. It falls for Hernandez, from the edge of his box on his right foot.

Miles over, hands on his head.

Two Spain changes - Morata and Olmo off, replaced by Oyarzabal and Merino.

Spain 2-1 France

21:32 , Matt Verri

74 mins: France waiting on a moment of magic from someone, doesn’t feel like they are going to carve Spain open.

Need Barcola, Mbappe or Dembele to skip past a couple of challenges and make something, anything happen.

Still time.

Spain 2-1 France

21:29 , Matt Verri

71 mins: Barcola with a dangerous run down the left, creates space for the cut-back.

Mbappe and Griezmann both make the same run to the near post, ball is towards them but it runs through to safety, from a Spanish perspective.

Spain 2-1 France

21:27 , Matt Verri

69 mins: And that’s not going to improve Dembele’s move.

He slips, ends up sliding into Morata and the Spanish captain topples over, winning the free-kick.

Spain 2-1 France

21:25 , Matt Verri

67 mins: Dembele bursting forward out wide, cuts inside onto his left foot and tries to play the one-two with Mbappe.

There’s about three Spanish players who slam the door shut on Dembele, who wants the free-kick.

Instead he gets Cucurella bending down and shouting in his face.

Spain 2-1 France

21:23 , Matt Verri

65 mins: German fans still booing Cucurella a bit, but their heart isn’t quite in it now. They went off at a pace they couldn’t sustain, rookie move.

Mbappe now playing down the middle, and he brings the ball down superbly.

Flicked out wide to Hernandez, who runs it straight out of play as Mbappe waits for the ball to come back.

Spain 2-1 France

21:21 , Matt Verri

63 mins: The French cavalry.

Triple change from Deschamps. Rabiot, Kante and Kolo Muani off, Camavinga, Griezmann and Barcola on.

French corner, Upamecano gets above Nacho at the back post but he makes a real mess of the header.

Spain 2-1 France

21:18 , Matt Verri

60 mins: Cucurella loses it and France come flying forward down their right.

Kante slides it through to Dembele, he fires a low ball in at the near post but Simon gets there before Mbappe.

Tchouameni then booked for a late lunge on Morata.

Spain 2-1 France

21:17 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Loud roars from the stands.

Vivian is not that popular, so must be something else. And it’s a pitch invader.

A few stewards eventually trot onto the pitch in pursuit, back under in control and match back underway.

Spain 2-1 France

21:16 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Mbappe drives onto his right foot, low strike at the near post is saved by Simon.

And Navas looks like he’s having to come off. Been a tough evening for the veteran.

Mbappe now a problem for someone else, as Vivian comes on to replace him. Best of luck.

Spain 2-1 France

21:14 , Matt Verri

56 mins: France getting a bit of joy out wide, Dembele getting into good positions.

But the likes of Kante, Tchouameni and Rabiot are not making the runs into the box, like Ruiz does at the other end.

All fairly comfortable for the Spanish defence to clear in their own area.

Spain 2-1 France

21:12 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Corner for France, better from them.

Dembele swings it in, Tchouameni gets up well but it’s a tame header. Into the ground, Simon claims.

Should really have made more of that.

Spain 2-1 France

21:10 , Matt Verri

52 mins: Spain have started this half really well, much more intensity from them than France at the moment.

Mbappe tries to change that, taking on four red shirts himself. Cross all the way through to Dembele at the back post, great touch to bring it down.

His ball in is then straight at Simon.

Spain 2-1 France

21:07 , Matt Verri

49 mins: That burst from Maignan could prove costly, he’s hobbling around. Those legs weren’t expecting a 30-yard sprint to start the half.

Carrying on for now - Spain will want to test him as much as possible.

Spain 2-1 France

21:05 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Dear me!

Ruiz plays a great ball in behind, Williams in space on the left.

Maignan decides to fly off his line, well outside his box. Williams comfortably gets there first, but Maignan slides in and takes the ball away from him.

That was very nearly disastrous for France.

Back underway!

21:04 , Matt Verri

We’re up and running in the second-half!

Yamal does his talking on the pitch...

21:03 , Matt Verri

Adrien Rabiot had this to say pre-match, when he was asked about the threat of Lamine Yamal.

“It will be up to us to put the pressure on him above all, not to let him feel comfortable,” the French midfielder said.

“To show him that to play in a Euro final,he will have to do much more than what he has done so far.”

Well, Yamal listened.

20:59 , Matt Verri

There’s actually only been three shots on target, all of them leading to goals.

But it’s been relentless action for much of the half, as good as anything we’ve seen for a fair while in this tournament.

France have to push forward, Spain have no interest in doing anything but push forward...

Settle in!

How good?!

20:53 , Matt Verri

Outrageous from Lamine Yamal.

He’s 16-year-old and he has done this in a European Championship semi-final.

Three goals in the first-half, this was by a margin the best of them.

HT: Spain 2-1 France

20:48 , Matt Verri

That’s half-time in Munich... what a sensational 45 minutes.

Three goals, plenty of attacking intent and some nervy defending to go with it.

Hugely entertaining watch - more of the same after the break would do nicely.

Kolo Muani headed home early, but Yamal and Olmo turned things around with two goals in the space of four minutes.

Spain 2-1 France

20:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Two minutes added on.

Shame, could have done with about 20.

Spain 2-1 France

20:44 , Matt Verri

44 mins: Morata helping his team out as another right-back, but he gives away the free-kick for handball.

We’ll call it quits, he’s there in the middle to head the danger clear.

Spain 2-1 France

20:43 , Matt Verri

42 mins: It goes without saying really, but this Spanish midfield is so, so well balance.

Rodri at the base, Olmo and Ruiz alongside him. And this is without the injured Pedri.

Not really a side you want to be chasing the game against.

Spain 2-1 France

20:41 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Dembele takes, deep towards Upamecano and Navas flicks it behind for a corner.

Taken short, eventually Hernandez whips it in and Saliba can’t do anything with it.

Spain can break, Williams leading the charge and he picks out Yamal. Onto that left foot, deflected strike... corner.

Spain 2-1 France

20:39 , Matt Verri

39 mins: Good defending from Cucurella, blocks Dembele’s cross and it’s a corner for France. Cucurella’s reward is more boos, obviously.

Laporte gets up in his own six-yard box to clear.

France come again, and Cucurella dives in on Dembele, who had burst inside.

Left-back stuck out a leg. Despite the crowd’s best efforts, there’s no yellow card.

Spain 2-1 France

20:38 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Deflected strike from Ruiz, Maignan stranded but it drifts wide. Corner.

Headed out by Kolo Muani, but it comes back to Yamal.

He... sends it straight out for a goal-kick. Can forgive him that, I reckon.

Spain 2-1 France

20:36 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Hernandez leaves one on Yamal, late challenge as the winger lays the ball off.

De la Fuente and the entirety of the Spanish bench less than impressed, that happened right in front of them.

Just a warning from the referee.

Spain 2-1 France

20:34

33 mins: Spain happy to try and slow things down for now, get a bit of control.

There’s been nothing resembling control so far for either side. Panic at the back every time there is an attack.

Spain 2-1 France

20:32

31 mins: Good from Nacho, deals with Mbappe running straight at him. Sticks out a foot and Rodri completes the job.

At the other end, Williams drives all the way into the box, backheel to Morata and the door is swiftly slammed shut.

This is pure chaos.

Spain 2-1 France

20:28 , Matt Verri

28 mins: France’s turn to have the ball, as they look to respond. What a start to this match.

We’ve had more entertainment in 28 minutes than France have served up in five matches.

Dembele with a low ball into the box, Navas hacks it away.

GOAL! Spain 2-1 France | Dani Olmo 25'

20:26 , Matt Verri

SPAIN HAVE TURNED IT AROUND!

France all over the place at the back and they have fallen apart in the last few minutes.

Ball falls for Olmo in the box, low strike might head into the far corner but Kounde makes sure... can only boot into his own net.

Spain 1-1 France

20:24 , Matt Verri

23 mins: And here come Spain again, Yamal playing it outside to Navas this time. He wins a corner.

Williams with the out-swinger, flicked to the back post but Ruiz then fires it straight out of play with an attempted cross.

GOAL! Spain 1-1 France | Lamine Yamal 21'

20:22 , Matt Verri

THAT IS STUNNING!

The 16-year-old has got Spain level in this semi-final.

He’s 25 yards out, briefly looks for pass. Sees nothing on, so just shifts it onto his left foot and curls an outrageous finish past Maignan, in off the post.

Spain 0-1 France

20:20 , Matt Verri

19 mins: Spain have a massive problem. His name is Jesus Navas.

Mbappe is scaring the life out of him, right-back is dropping so deep to give himself a chance.

The Frenchman is allowed to cut inside, into the box and the shot is blocked. Drops for Kolo Muani at the back post but he can’t react in time.

Spain 0-1 France

20:19 , Matt Verri

18 mins: Mbappe is very visibly enjoying life more without the mask. Much better already than we’ve seen in recent matches.

Fair play to the German fans, they are not losing any enthusiasm with the Cucurella boos. Giving it everything they’ve got still.

Spain 0-1 France

20:17 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Bit of a delay, Rabiot needed some treatment after that foul. Heavy collision.

Mbappe standing over this free-kick. Waiting to take it... and it’s not worth the wait.

Smacked low into the wall.

Spain 0-1 France

20:14

14 mins: Navas shown the first yellow card of the match and he now has a very, very, very long 75 minutes ahead of him.

But it’s probably a good foul. Mbappe is completely free on the left, waiting to be played in on goal when Navas slides in and cleans Rabiot out.

Spain 0-1 France

20:12 , Matt Verri

11 mins: An early goal in a knockout match - that has been a real rarity. Spoiling us already.

Cucurella, meanwhile, is being loudly booed every time he touches the ball.

I think we can assume there are a few German fans in attendance, and they all think the left-back should have conceded a penalty in the quarter-finals.

GOAL! Spain 0-1 France | Kolo Muani 9'

20:09 , Matt Verri

FRANCE IN FRONT!

One moment of quality is all it takes, their first goal from open play at Euro 2024.

Mbappe clips a lovely ball to the back post, Kolo Muani free and he can’t miss with the header.

Spain 0-0 France

20:07 , Matt Verri

7 mins: And now France’s first chance to get forward.

Mbappe makes that run inside, Kolo Muani tries to slide the ball through but Navas does really well to get across and clear.

Spain 0-0 France

20:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: It’s Spain dominating the ball early on, France with no real interest in pressing hgh up the pitch.

And they very nearly take the lead!

Yamal with a superb ball in, Ruiz again finds himself free in the box and he heads over.

HAD to score.

Spain 0-0 France

20:03 , Matt Verri

3 mins: First chance for Yamal to cut inside and run, immediately Rabiot looks in trouble.

On the other flank, Ruiz makes a great run in behind. He dinks a ball to the back post, Yamal loses his footing as he tries to get there.

Spain 0-0 France

20:02 , Matt Verri

1 min: Big news for those on #MaskWatch.

Mbappe is not wearing one. He’s repeatedly said how much he hates it, and he’s decided to get rid of it completely.

KICK-OFF!

20:01 , Matt Verri

Underway in this first Euro 2024 semi-final!

19:59 , Matt Verri

Mbappe has binned off the mask for the anthems and handshakes, waiting until the last possible second to put it on.

Judging by the anthems, it’s the French who might have a slight edge in the stands.

Not that it particularly matters - time for the 90 minutes (and maybe more) that do.

Here. We. Go.

19:57 , Matt Verri

Teams are out onto the pitch!

Time for the anthems...

Warm-ups done!

19:52 , Matt Verri

Players have gone back inside in Munich, they’ll be back in the tunnel in the next couple of minutes.

Seen plenty of matches recently go to extra-time and even penalties - would say there’s every chance we get another one to add to the tally here.

Mbappe: I hate wearing mask

19:46 , Matt Verri

Kylian Mbappe will again be wearing a protective mask tonight, having broken his nose earlier in the tournament.

The Frenchman, who has scored just once at Euro 2024, has made it clear how much he dislikes doing so, and how much it has impacted him on the pitch.

“It’s horrible playing with a mask,” Mbappe said.

“I keep changing masks because every time there is something that bothers me, there’s something that’s not quite right. It’s quite difficult playing with a mask because it limits your field of vision, your sweat clogs up and you need to let the sweat out.

“The first few days I felt like I was wearing 3D glasses and it wasn’t me who was playing. If I get to take the mask off I will, but now I don’t have a choice. I hate it. It’s really annoying.”

Not long now!

19:40 , Matt Verri

Kick-off fast approaching, just 20 minutes away.

For anyone living under a rock, the winner of this match will face England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final.

Have to feel that whoever goes through tonight will be favourites to lift the trophy, regardless of what happens in the other semi-final.

Young and old for Spain

19:33 , Matt Verri

Bit of a contrast for Spain on that right wing.

They have the oldest outfield player to be involved in a Euros or World Cup semi-final, in Jesus Navas at the age of 38 years and 231 days.

And then there’s Yamal, 16 years and 362 days old. He is, unsurprisingly, the youngest to feature at this stage in either of those two tournaments.

France could drag it out...

19:25 , Matt Verri

1-0. 0-0. 1-1. 1-0. 0-0.

Well it’s not exactly been thrill a minute from France at Euro 2024 so far.

Can’t imagine they’ll change that approach now, with the tension and pressure only building.

Could be another long night...

Kante vs Rodri the key battle?

19:18 , Matt Verri

On the eve of this European Championship, Didier Deschamps sensed something was not quite right.

The France manager is a veteran of major tournaments now — this being his sixth in charge — and feared a seemingly glittering midfield of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Adrien Rabiot would not be enough to go all the way in Germany.

His solution caused great surprise in France when he recalled N'Golo Kante, two years after his last cap. Could the 33-year-old still play at the highest level after a season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad?

The answer at these finals has been clear, Kante has been outstanding for France.

In a tournament in which France's success has been built on a solid defence and Spain's on free-flowing attack, tonight could be defined by the midfield battle between Kante, formerly the best midfielder in the world, and Spain's Rodri, the best right now.

Read our full preview here!

Konate backs Saliba after online criticism

19:11 , Matt Verri

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has issued a stirring defence of Arsenal star William Saliba.

France manager Didier Deschamps has selected Saliba over Konate during their run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Konate had been tipped to be the man to partner Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano in central defence, with the Gunners star previously somewhat overlooked by Deschamps..

Saliba, however, has largely been praised for his performances despite a relatively underwhelming French campaign, with the World Cup finalists having conceded only one goal all tournament.

Such is his standing in the France squad, Konate moved to defend his team-mate from a fan account dedicated to the Liverpool defender which highlighted a mistake Saliba made during the penalty shootout win over Portugal on Friday.

Konate replied to the clip on X, writing: “My brother stop doing that, Saliba is so good and he’s my brother! He deserves all this!

“So let’s be happy for! Thank you for supporting me I wasn’t 100 per cent that’s all, now we have to go to the final.”

Alcaraz gets Spain up and running!

19:05 , Matt Verri

Big night for Spanish sport... Carlos Alcaraz has done his bit to kick things off.

The 21-year-old has won his Wimbledon quarter-final, beating Tommy Paul in four brilliant sets, and he is now through to the last-four.

More importantly, he’s given himself an hour to sort his post-match stuff and be sat down in time for kick-off in this one.

“I had enough nerves with the match, now I’m going to get more nerves watching the Spanish team,” Alcaraz said on Centre Court.

“Another big semi-final, another big moment for the Spanish people. Let’s see how it’s going to be but I’m going to enjoy it for sure.”

Griezmann drops out

18:59 , Matt Verri

Deschamps tweaks the side in an attempt to get his attacking firing.

Griezmann named on the bench this time, as Dembele comes back into the starting lineup.

That’s one of two changes, the other coming in midfield. Rabiot starts on his return from suspension, with Camavinga missing out as a result.

France team news

18:55 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Muani, Mbappe

Subs: Samba, Pavard, Mendy, Camavinga, Giroud, Thuram, Zaire Emery, Fofana, Coman, Clauss, Areola, Konate, Barcola, Griezmann.

Busy summer!

18:53 , Matt Verri

France will be hoping for double football success this summer.

The first leg of that is Euro 2024, but focus will then swiftly turn to the Olympics on home soil. Thierry Henry managing the French side for that.

Kylian Mbappe will not be involved, after Real Madrid blocked his involvement.

Spain forced into changes

18:48 , Matt Verri

No surprises in that Spanish lineup.

Carvajal and Le Normand suspended in defence, so Navas comes to start at right-back and Nacho partners Laporte in the midfield.

Pedri injured so it’s Olmo in midfield, looking to continue his strong form in the tournament.

That front three as expected - Yamal and Williams either side of Morata.

Spain team news

18:42 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Simon, Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Olmo, Yamal, Morata, Williams

Subs: Raya, Vivian, Merino, Joselu, Ferran, Oyarzabal, Grimaldo, Remiro, Baena, Zubimendi, Fermin, Ayoze

Morata: No respect in Spain

18:36 , Matt Verri

Spain captain Alvaro Morata has suggested this could be his final major international tournament, as he hit out at the lack of respect towards him in his home country.

The 31-year-old is set to lead the line once again tonight, but in the build-up to the match has made it clear that he struggles at times when it comes to representing Spain.

"It could be [my last tournament with Spain]," Morata told the newspaper El Mundo on Monday. "It's a possibility that I don't want to talk about too much, but it's probable."

He added: "In Spain it's hard for me to be happy.

“Without doubt [I'm happier outside of Spain]. I've said it many times. Above all, because people respect me. In Spain there's no respect for anything or anyone."

Something has got to give...

18:28 , Matt Verri

Slight clash in styles, then.

Spain have been hugely entertaining, with the goals flowing on their way to the last-four.

France... not so much. Rock solid at the back, though, so Spain’s forward players will be seriously tested.

France battle through!

18:17 , Matt Verri

Spain left it late, France left it later.

Les Blues were not impressive at all against Portugal in their quarter-final clash, offering very little throughout the 120 minutes. Been a pretty familiar theme from them this tournament.

But they held their nerve from the spot, even with Kylian Mbappe off the pitch.

De la Fuente: It's all about winning

18:07 , Matt Verri

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has conceded that playing eye-catching football will mean little if his side do not win Euro 2024.

La Roja have proven arguably the standout team in the tournament, buy while style is important to him, he admitted ultimately all that matters is the result.

De la Fuente told a press conference: "In principle, what you try to do is to prepare a game-plan that will help you win.

"Of course you have an idea - if we talk about the show or whatever, we are talking about a model, an idea and maybe our idea is closer to a nice show, a nice spectacle - if we do it right. In that respect, I think we are a nice team to watch.

"But in the end, it's about winning and even more so at this stage. We try to play nice football, but we want to play practical football too because what you will analyse later and assess later is the result."

Cucurella wants Williams to make Chelsea move

17:57 , Matt Verri

Chelsea could have the edge over any rivals for Nico Williams' signature this summer in the form of Marc Cucurella.

Athletic Bilbao star Williams is lighting up Euro 2024 with his performances for Spain, prompting fierce transfer speculation over his future.

Williams reportedly has a release clause of between £45-50million, and most of Europe appear to be interested - including Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona.

But the Blues have an ace up their sleeve with Cucurella revealing he has been in his Spain team-mates' ear about moving to Stamford Bridge.

"He would be a great signing (for Barcelona), but it all depends on what he wants," the full-back told Sport.

"I’ve been telling him to sign for Chelsea. In the end everything depends on him, he is very young, with a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player."

Deschamps: If you're bored, watch something else

17:45 , Matt Verri

Defiant France boss Didier Deschamps has insisted he does not care if people have been "bored" by his Euro 2024 semi-finalists.

Deschamps, who guided his country to World Cup glory in 2018, will send them into battle against in-form Spain with some onlookers less than impressed with the form they have shown.

France have scored three goals in the tournament, two of them own goals and the other a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.

Asked by a Swedish journalist at his pre-match press conference about accusations his team has played "boring" football, he said: "If you're getting bored, you know what? Watch another game, that's fine. You don't have to watch, it's fine. It's a European Championship, it's very difficult for everyone.

"Up until now, it has not been the same as in the past, but we do have the capability to share emotions, to make lots of French men and women happy though the results that we've been pulling out of the bag, especially in a period that has been quite difficult for our country.

"But I'm sorry if the Swedish are getting bored of our football. It doesn't really bother me that much."

Spain leave it late!

17:37 , Matt Verri

Far from comfortable for Spain as they just about booked their place in the semi-finals.

Looked like it was going to penalties against Germany, but Mikel Merino stepped up with winner in the 119th-minute to knock the hosts out.

Late, late drama... and that came after Florian Wirtz had scored an 89th-minute equaliser to force extra time.

Standard Sport prediction

17:28 , Matt Verri

Spain have looked the most superior team at the Euros but were increasingly ragged and tired as their quarter-final wore on. De la Fuente’s squad is not the deepest and suspensions could take their toll in this game.

France, on the other hand, are generally defending very well with their attack being completely lacklustre and Deschamps has little idea about how to spark it into life.

If Les Bleus can sit deep, frustrate Spain and attack on the counter then their gameplan could just pay off to upset a popular young Spanish team which lacks their opponents’ experience in these games.

France to win on penalties.

France team news

17:21 , Matt Verri

France are to give a sixth different attacking setup of Euro 2024 a try.

Kylian Mbappe’s broken nose, suffered late on in the opening win over Austria, has certainly disrupted their plans as well as the form of their star striker, but even so, it has been a remarkably turgid tournament from the two-time European champions and pre-tournament favourites.

Reports in France suggest Antoine Griezmann will be the latest attacker up for the chop when they face Spain after two underwhelming displays in a diamond formation, which marked his return from already being dropped earlier in the tournament.

Ousmane Dembele impressed off the bench in the quarter-final win over Portugal so he is expected to start, with Mbappe fit to start on the left flank after a knock last time out and Randal Kolo Muani entrusted through the middle once again.

Deschamps is also set to recall midfielder Adrien Rabiot after a one-game ban, which will likely see Eduardo Camavinga drop to the bench.

Predicted France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni, Kante; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe

Spain team news

17:15 , Matt Verri

Spain are without three of their first-choice players tonight.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri’s tournament is over after he picked up a knee injury in a challenge from Toni Kroos early in their quarter-final win over Germany.

Fortunately for Luis de la Fuente, this solves one of the selection headaches he has been contending with at the Euros as Dani Olmo is a ready-made replacement in central midfield.

Spain are also without Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand after they both picked up their second bookings of the tournament last time out. Carvajal was also sent off and it is unclear if he will also be banned for the final, should his team qualify.

Jesus Navas is the back-up right-back to Carvajal and, at 38, will become the oldest player to win the Euros if Spain go all the way.

Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Lamal, Morata, Williams

How to watch Spain vs France

17:07 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live online for free via the BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer apps and websites.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us!

Good afternoon!

17:02 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Spain vs France!

It’s the first of the Euro 2024 semi-final and it’s a heavyweight clash, between two of the most successful sides on the international stage over the last couple of decades.

Winner will face England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final - a massive prize on the line.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which will come at 8pm BST in Munich. Stay with us!