ENGLAND fans have spotted a stark similarity with 2016 European champions Portugal that points towards them triumphing in Berlin on Sunday.
Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute strike against Netherlands has sent Gareth Southgate’s men into the final against Spain.
The Three Lions are the underdogs heading into the showpiece event as Luis de la Fuente’s men have lit up the tournament with wins over Germany and France.
But England supporters are now pointing towards their team’s mirroring of Portugal’s run eight years ago as a reason to believe they can claim victory over Spain.
Southgate’s side beat Slovakia after extra time in the last 16 as Jude Bellingham’s dramatic late overhead kick saved them from being knocked out.
They then beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals, before a win in 90 minutes over the Dutch in the last four.
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That is exactly the same path Portugal took to the 2016 final in Paris.
Fernando Santos’ team beat Croatia after extra time to seal a quarter-final place, before they beat Poland on penalties.
A 2-0 victory over Wales in the semis then set up a final with hosts France – who were the favourites heading into the match.
And Eder’s extra-time goal clinched Portugal’s first ever major trophy in front of a stunned Parisian crowd.
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Much like the Portuguese, England are the underdogs heading into the final.
But the likeness of their run with the Euro 2016 winners is giving Three Lions fans hope of an upset.
Reacting to the comparison on social media, one fan said: “England will also beat the favourites. England to beat Spain 🏴.”
Another added: “We’re going to have a massive f***ing party. England will not be working on Monday.”
A third replied: “The record of the underdog who’s mugged its way through the tournament winning the final is untouchable. Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Greece, Portugal…”
While a fourth responded: “The final is gonna be the story of Portugal in 2016. England is winning it!”
England vs Spain record
England have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…
- May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)
- December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)
- May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)
- November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)
- May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)
- May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)
- March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)
- June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)
- March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)
- July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)
- February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)
- September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)
- February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)
- February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)
- September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)
- October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
