A successful 2024 European Championship has reached its final stage in Germany with Spain and England set to tussle it out for the holy grail in Berlin on Sunday.
Here is a breakdown of how far La Roja and the Three Lions have come.
Luis de la Fuente’s charges were pooled in Group B alongside holders Italy, 2018 losing finalists Croatia and Albania, arguably the group of death.
Despite being in a tricky pool, the Spanish managed to defeat all its opponents and were the only team to finish the group stages with maximum points.
They beat Croatia 3-0, Italy 1-0, and Albania 1-0 to top Group B staging a bout with debutants Georgia in the knockout stages which was an easy cruise for them thanks to a 4-1 victory.
Spain faced undoubtedly their hardest competition in the tournament when they faced hosts Germany in the quarterfinals.
However, as a team destined for success, they were able to edge their fellow three-time winners courtesy of a 2-1 win after extra time when Mikel Merino nodded in a 119th minute header.
Their potential would further be tested by yet another powerhouse in the 2018 World Cup winners France in the semifinals.
Although the French scored first through Kolo Muani, the 2012 champions turned it around thanks to youngster Lamine Yamal’s stunning strike and another goal from Dani Olmo to advance 2–1 to the final.
A 16-year old Yamal became the youngest player to score in any international major tournament including the World Cup, breaking the late Pele’s record of 1958 when he was 17 years old.
Additionally, odds favour the Barcelona forward to win both the Player and Young Player of the Tournament awards but he will have already turned 17 given that his birthday is on the eve of the final.
Spain’s Olmo is a front runner in the race for the golden boot with three goals and two assists.
On the other hand, Garry Southgate’s men found themselves in Group C with Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia. They were playable opponents for the Three Lions on paper but proved tricky on the pitch.
England struggled to edge Serbia 1-0 before drawing 1-1 and 0-0, each against Denmark and Slovenia.
They finished top of the group with five points to meet Slovakia in the Round of 16, a side that nearly eliminated them only for Jude Bellingham to save the day with a 95th minute equaliser before Harry Kane won it 2–1 in extra time.
England were once again at the brink of ejection in the quarterfinals against Switzerland but Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s goal in the 80th minute to force extra time before the English won the contest 5-3 in the post match penalty shootouts.
Once again, England conceded first in the semifinals against the Netherlands to Xavi Simons before Kane levelled matters from the spot while substitute Ollie Watkins made it 2-1 in the 91st minute sending them to their second straight Euros final.
Same as Spain’s Olmo, Kane is also chasing the golden boot with three goals and at least a goal in the final minus the former scoring will hand the latter the gong.
Meanwhile, a couple of England players have been tipped for the Most Valuable Player including; Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, and Bellingham. Winning the Euros will hand the latter the advantage in the race for the 2024 Ballon D’or.
After reaching a second consecutive final, their first on foreign soil, England will be searching for a maiden Euros title while Spain are hoping for a record fourth. The game will be broadcast live on NBS Sport.
