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.
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.
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”.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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...
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:
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.
‘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:
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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”.
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 quest
