Spain sharpens its claws for Euro 2024 glory, preparing for a thrilling clash against England. Will they emerge victorious?
Spain honed their skills at their German training base in Donaueschingen on Saturday, as Luis de la Fuente’s squad aims for a record fourth UEFA European Championship title when they face England in the final of UEFA EURO 2024 at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Sunday.
La Roja are currently tied with Germany as the most successful team in the history of the competition, each having won three titles. Spain is looking to secure their third victory in the last five tournaments. On the other hand, England has reached back-to-back finals and is eager to win the championship for the first time after losing to Italy on penalties in the EURO 2020 final at Wembley.
In the semi-finals, both teams came from behind to secure 2-1 victories. Spain defeated France in Munich on July 9 with goals from Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 17th birthday on July 13, becoming the youngest scorer in EURO history, and Dani Olmo. The following day, England secured a win against the Netherlands in Dortmund with a 91st-minute goal from substitute Ollie Watkins, after Harry Kane had equalized from the penalty spot in the first half.
England had a series of dramatic knockout matches, with Jude Bellingham scoring a late goal to avoid elimination against Slovakia in the round of 16, followed by Kane’s extra-time winner against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Spain, on the other hand, overcame Georgia 4-1 in the round of 16 and secured a 2-1 extra-time victory against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
Both teams finished at the top of their respective groups, with Spain winning all three matches in Group B against Croatia (3-0), Italy, and Albania (both 1-0). England topped Group C despite winning only one game against Serbia (1-0), drawing with Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0) in the subsequent matches.
