England aim to end 58-year drought against Spain in Euro 2024 final

BERLIN: England are set to face an exceptional Spain side in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, hoping to end their 58-year wait for a men’s major international tournament victory. The highly anticipated match at Berlin’s Olympiastadion kicks off at 9pm local time (9:00 GMT), capping off a thrilling month of football in Germany.

Spain, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, have been the standout team of the tournament, showcasing dominant performances and eliminating several of Europe’s heavyweights. They have won all six matches en route to the final, aiming to secure their fourth European Championship title, adding to their triumphs in 1964, 2008, and 2012, AFP reported.

England’s journey has been more tumultuous, often struggling against lesser opposition. However, they delivered a stellar performance in the semi-finals, with Ollie Watkins coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. This marks England’s second consecutive European Championship final, as they seek to erase the painful memory of their penalty shoot-out loss to Italy at Wembley three years ago.

A victory for Gareth Southgate’s squad would secure England’s first title since their historic 1966 World Cup win on home soil. Southgate, speaking at his pre-match press conference, emphasized the importance of making dreams a reality. “I’m not a believer in fairy tales, but I am a believer in dreams,” he said.

Also read: Netherlands vs England: Last-minute goal sends England into final

England have come close in recent years, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, either side of their Euro 2020 disappointment. Despite arriving in Germany as strong contenders, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, England managed just one win in their group stage and scored only two goals.

The knockout stages saw Bellingham rescue England in extra time against Slovakia, followed by a penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland and a narrow victory over the Netherlands. However, Spain represents their toughest challenge yet, as the teams prepare to face each other in a major tournament for the first time since Euro 96, when England, featuring Southgate as a player, won on penalties in the quarter-finals.

“Fate, the run that we’ve had, the late goals, the penalties, that doesn’t equate to it being our moment,” Southgate admitted. “We have to make it happen tomorrow and perform at the level that we need to perform.”

As the final approaches, England fans are hopeful that their team can finally end the long wait for international glory and write a new chapter in the nation’s footballing history.

Web Desk