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      Spain bring in Barcelona star as ‘27th member of Euro 2024 squad’ hours before crunch final vs England

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      SPAIN have brought in a 27th member of their squad ahead of the Euro 2024 final, according to reports.The three-time winners take on England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday night.Gavi has joined the Spain squad ahead of the Euro 2024 finalCredit: X @SEFutbolGavi has been ruled out with a torn cruciate ligament since NovemberCredit: GettyAhead of the match, another player has joined up with the players at their team hotel.Barcelona midfielder Gavi arrived on Sunday morning in a bid to boost team morale.The 19-year-old was welcomed by manager Luis de la Fuente and Spanish FA president Pedro Rocha.Footage shared to social media shows Gavi arriving at the team hotel, where he was greeted by both De la Fuente and Rocha.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSGavi is currently sidelined with a torn cruciate ligament injury which he suffered in their final qualifier against Georgia in November.The injury ruled the teenager out of Euro 2024, although four of his Barca team-mates made the squad.Standout performer Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Pedri and Fermin Lopez all made De la Fuente’s final 26-man squad.Gavi has scored five goals in 27 caps for Spain since making his debut aged 17 in 2021.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was a part of their squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where La Roja made the last 16.The youngster played in all four matches and scored in their 7-0 group stage win over Costa Rica.Inside the Spain camp as England face even tougher test than France didEngland vs Spain recordEngland 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.Gavi was also a member of Spain’s Nations League-winning side last year.At club level, he has made 111 appearances for Barcelona, scoring seven goals and adding 14 assists.Having joined the club’s academy from Real Betis aged 10, he made his senior debut just three weeks after turning 17.Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turns 17 tomorrow and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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      England vs Spain – Euro 2024 final LIVE SCORE: Luke Shaw set to START as Southgate’s side aim to make history – latest

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      ENGLAND and Spain are just hours away from battling in Berlin for the chance to WIN Euro 2024.The big team news is that Luke Shaw is expected to START the final in place of Kieran Trippier at left wing-back. Southgate is hoping to guide the Three Lions to their first piece of silverware since 1966, but they’ll have to stop wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Co, to do so.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTLive streams: BBC iPlayer / ITV XTV channels: BBC One / ITV 1England XI: Team news to follow…Spain XI: Team news to follow…Explainer: What is the Euro 2024 prize money?EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow ALL the action from Olympiastadion with our live blog below…England’s nemesis in attendance…Giorgio Chiellini, who helped Italy inflict heartbreak on England in the last Euros final, is at today’s showpiece in Berlin.He has just been spotted having a chat and warm handshake with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who is doing punditry duties for the BBC.Chiellini, 39, hung up his boots for his country a year after that triumph at Wembley at the delayed Euro 2020.One of the finest defenders of his generation, he called time on his playing career altogether 12 months later while at LAFC.He is now a player development coach with the MLS outfit, who previously had Gareth Bale and now have French World Cup winners Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud on their books.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedGood omen for Spain?Carlos Alcaraz has just beaten Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final with ease. The Spaniard won 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 and will be hoping Spain can make it two wins from two later on against England. Having said that, an Italian in Matteo Berrettini lost the Wimbledon final in 2021, when England lost their final with Italy. A little role reversal this time in favour of England, or a good omen for Spain?Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSunSport’s Dave Kidd predictsThere’s no logic to this as Spain have been significantly better, and should be significantly fresher, than England.But there is something about the way England keep battling back from adversity and snatching dramatic victories, that makes it feel fated.Goals from Kane (pen) and Kobbie Mainoo.England 2-1 SpainCopy linkCopiedShaw to START Gareth Southgate has faced a dilemma on the left of defence throughout the tournament.He took Manchester United’s Shaw despite the defender having not played since February.Trippier was the one to shift over to his unfavoured side, firstly in a back four and then later a 3-4-3.Shaw made brief cameos off the bench against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and then in the semis win over Netherlands.But his fitness will now be tested from the off – three years on from his goal in the delayed Euro 2020 final against Italy.Copy linkCopiedLuke Shaw expected to STARTBIG team news coming out of Berlin as Luke Shaw is set to START tonight’s huge Euro 2024 final against Spain. It’s the first game Shaw will start in 148 days. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedSpain’s run to the finalLuis de la Fuente’s side have been the best side in the tournament so far. They had a tough group which contained holders Italy and tournament stalwarts Croatia, but topped it with three wins from three. They beat Georgia in style in the last 16, winning 4-1 before coming up against Germany in the quarter-finals. Mikel Merino’s extra-time winner sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory over the hosts before Lamine Yamal lit up their semi-final against France, which they won by the same scoreline. Credit: AFPCredit: APCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEngland’s run to the finalEngland overcame Serbia 1-0 in their opening group game before drawing with both Denmark and Slovenia in their final Group C matches. Nonetheless, the Three Lions topped their group and came up against Slovakia in the last 16. Jude Bellingham saved Gareth Southgate’s skin with a 95th-minute bicycle kick (mental, I know) and Harry Kane won it in extra-time. A penalty shootout win over Switzerland in the quarters was followed by a last-ditch 2-1 win over Holland in the semis. Credit: APCredit: RexCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLondon callingEngland fans really setting the scene in the capital right now, just under 700 miles away from tonight’s final in Berlin. Beer-drinking is in full flow…Credit: AlamyCredit: AlamyCredit: AlamyCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedSunSport’s Tom Barclay picks EnglandLamine Yamal and Co are way too good to think we’ll keep them out all game.But England have won as many knockout games coming from behind in this tournament as they ever have in combine Euros and World Cups from 1950-2024.The three turnarounds in the previous trio of ties gives plenty of reason to believe the Three Lions can recover from any setbacks.Phil Foden is finally going to bag one having come so close in recent games and Jude Bellingham will step up too because he was born for this occasion.After that, it will be repeat of the perfect shootout against the Swiss in the quarters – simple!Prediction: England 2-2 Spain (England on pens)Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSouthgate on Spain Gareth Southgate knows the task ahead of him and his players tonight is huge.The England gaffer said: “It’s not as simple as us having the ball and making them run.“They press very, very well so we’re going to have to be exceptional with the ball and we’re going to have to be exceptional without it. It’s a final so you expect it to be that way. They’ve been the best team. We’re starting to show a better version of ourselves.”The extra day [of rest for Spain] is a concern, in the last few tournaments that’s been a problem for finalists. We’ve got to do the very best we can to recover the players as well as we can.”We’re not going to be on the training ground, that’s simple. We’ll be walking through things or delivering things in meetings, it was the same for this game, but we’re in there and with what we’ve shown to this point, we have as good a chance as they do.”Copy linkCopiedSunSport’s Charlie Wyett makes his pickIf England don’t win a trophy tonight, they never will.Spain have obviously been the better of the two teams out here but I believe Gareth Southgate’s side could be about to peak at the right time.England also have the experience of losing at a major final and have also shown great resilience throughout this tournament.Those two factors could be crucial. Hopefully, Kane to score the winner.Prediction: England 2 Spain 1Copy linkCopiedEngland fans on the groundEngland fans are already making their voices heard in Berlin with the Euro 2024 final just hours away from kick-off. Gareth Southgate stands on the edge of footballing immortality – but the Spanish stand in the way. Credit: AlamyCredit: APCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedWelcome to the Euro 2024 final – England vs Spain!England can make the nation proud TONIGHT when they battle Spain in Berlin with the Euro 2024 trophy up for grabs.Noise levels were at full volume on Wednesday night when super sub Ollie Watkins fired the Three Lions into the final and sent Holland home.And it now means that Gareth Southgate’s side are on the verge of ending a 58-year title drought after securing back-to-back Euro final spots.However, to do that, England will need to beat a Spain side that sent pre-tournament favourites France crashing out of the tournament.Furthermore, La Roja have won every single match up to this point and are likely to end Euro 2024 as top scorers.But form goes out the window when it comes to a final, and the Three Lions will be determined to make amends for what happened at Euro 2020.Both sides have enjoyed some big results, with Spain arguably the more impressive of the two.Luis de la Fuente’s men are the only team to win every single one of their matches thanks to exciting new stars like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.They have wiped out giants including Italy, Germany and France, with unsung heroes like Marc Cucurella and Fabian Ruiz stepping up to the plate.On the other hand, England have relied on late strikes to down the likes of Slovakia and the Netherlands.While they required penalties to get past Switzerland.But after firing home all five of their spot-kicks, England will not be afraid of going to penalties once again.Copy linkCopied More

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      Boozy England fans on hols in Spain hit Tenerife bars and plea to ‘bring it home boys’ as they get the £1 pints in

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      ENGLAND fans are drinking Tenerife dry as excitement for tonight’s Euros final hits fever pitch here in Tenerife.Brits holidaying on the Spanish island are scoring neat deals for drinks – with pints costing less than £1.England football fans in Tenerife buy England replica shirts from beach sellersCredit: Ian WhittakerBrit man wearing Jude Bellingham’s jerseyCredit: Ian WhittakerFootball fans in Tenerife are flocking to bars and restaurants for chap bearsCredit: Ian WhittakerA sign showing pints of beer selling for just one euroCredit: Ian WhittakerEngland fans watching live matches in Tenerife pubsCredit: Ian WhittakerAnd tourists from the UK have not been put off cheering on the lads, despite being on the opposition’s turf.Bars, clubs and pubs will tonight be jam-packed with football fanatics as England and Spain fans alike hope to net a win.As our lads prepare for the historic showdown in Berlin tonight, England fans have already started boozing.Donning their Three Lions shirts, they are necking pints and pitchers in the holiday hotspot’s busiest party towns.more on tenerife In the streets of Playa de las Americas, cries of “it’s coming home” ring through the resort as flags are proudly waved with the help of the sea breeze.Reece Hayes, 22, and dad Lee, 49, belted out Southgate You’re The One as they proudly sported their England jerseys.They refrained from singing Three Lions (It’s Coming Home), however, out of fear of jinxing the match.The father and son duo told The Sun they’ll be propping up a bar later to cheers on our side.Most read in Euro 2024Other England fans have been spotted buying football tops last minute from street sellers outside busy bars.Haggling with stubborn sellers, footie lovers have been snapping up tops for between 25 and 40 euros – dependent on their bargaining skills.They are hoping Gareth Southgate’s side can end decades of hurt by tonight smashing Spain for Euros glory.England have never won the Euros – but the whole country is hoping Harry Kane can lead the team to a much-needed victory.The Three Lions were catapulted into the final when Ollie Watkins netted a late beauty against the Netherlands.Flight prices to the German capital soared after England’s semi-finals success, but thousands of Brits are still scrambling to get there.Others secured flights to Spain to enjoy the clash in a party atmosphere with a jug of sangria in hand.A win for England in Berlin would mean the players could earn a combined £1billion during their careers from increased wages and megabucks endorsement deals. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe earnings league is likely to be topped by Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, 21, whose brand looks certain to outstrip even David Beckham’s, raking him in £400million.Elsewhere, a further £100million would be picked up by each of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, experts predict.Pints are being sold for dirt cheap prices amid the Euro finalsCredit: Ian WhittakerBeach sellers selling replicas of football jerseysCredit: Ian WhittakerA wide range of football shirt replicas being sold to tourists visiting TenerifeCredit: Ian Whittaker More

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      Brooks Koepka wears ENGLAND shirt to play with Garcia & Rahm at LIV event in SPAIN as fans say ‘trolling at elite level’

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      LIV GOLF star Brooks Koepka decided to whip up a storm and wear an England shirt to the tournament in Spain.The American golfer pulled the stunt after he was paired with Spanish duo Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia on the final day of the event.Brooks Koepka decided to wear an England shirt to the LIV Golf event in SpainCredit: X @livgolf_leagueThe American golfer pulled the stunt after he was paired with Spanish duo Jon Rahm and Sergio GarciaCredit: X @livgolf_leagueThe four-time LIV Champion had something up his sleeve after he was paired with Rahm and Garcia for the final round of the tournament in Andalucia.As he made his way out onto the tee, fans shouted “Vamos!” in response to Koepka proudly wearing his England shirt.Koepka’s daring outfit comes just hours before England faces Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.And fans have called the American stunt “elite”.READ MORE ON EURO 2024One said: “Brooks is a funny guy. That’s truly trolling at an elite level.”Another added: “Brilliant Brooks wind them up for later..”While Garcia laughed it off Rahm on the other hand looked less impressed.An eagle-eyed fan sarcastically put: “John Rahm having a great time😂😂😂😂.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second then said: “Jon looks like he’s having so much fun!”In another video clip, Koepka faces the camera and quips: “England jersey, playing with two Spaniards, full crowd are Spanish so it should be fun.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesHe then patted the Three Lions crest and winked to the camera before he removed the shirt on the tee.As the final day approaches, Brooks currently holds the 15th position on the leaderboard one stroke over par while Rahm and Garcia are even par in joint 11th.Despite Koepka winning the most LIV tournaments it’s India star Anirban Lahiri currently leading the way seven under par.And the Saudi-backed event is offering its usual jaw-dropping purse of £19m with £2m handed to the competition winner.England vs Spain recordEngland 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. More

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      Who is Mikel Merino’s wife Lola Liberal? What we know about the Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder’s señorita

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      LOLA Liberal is not only a prominent blogger but also a fashion enthusiast and avid traveler.Explore everything about the Spanish WAG and her unwavering support for Mikel Merino at the Euro 2024 finals.Mikel Merino and his wife Lola Liberal enjoy life togetherCredit: Instagram @lolaliberalLola Liberal is a bloggerCredit: instagram/lolaliberal/She loves sharing pictures of her travelsCredit: Instagram / @lolaliberalShe has been dating Mikel since 2019Credit: instagram/lolaliberal/Who is Mikel Merino’s wife Lola Liberal?Mikel Merino’s wife Lola Liberal is a blogger.She gained attention not just for her profession but also for her relationship with professional footballer Mikel Merino.However, Lola’s interests extend far beyond the excitement of football alone. The WAG enjoys fashion and travelling.read more on mikel merinoShe frequently shares photos of herself in lingerie or swimwear with her 6,400 Instagram followers.Her posts range from moments with Mikel to enjoying quality time with friends and family.During the coronavirus lockdown, Mikel Merino garnered attention when he creatively used his girlfriend, Lola Liberal, as an improvised weight for his workouts.Their inventive training sessions quickly went viral on social media, showcasing their commitment to staying fit despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.Most read in Euro 2024She is currently in Germany supporting him at the Euro 2024.Spain advanced to the finals and is playing against England on Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Berlin at 8 pm.Honey the eagle predicts the result of the Euro 2024 finalHow long have Mikel Merino and Lola Liberal been dating?Mikel and Lola got married in January 2024Credit: Instagram / @lolaliberalMikel Merino and Lola Liberal started dating in 2019 and made their relationship public on Instagram.The couple married in January 2024.However, there is not much known about their wedding.Meet Spain’s Euro 2024 WagsSpain Wags range from teenager sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Alice Campello (Alvaro Morata’s wife)Alice Campello is an Italian model and fashion designer and has been married to Alvaro Morata since 2017. The pair has four children together.Sara Botello (Aymeric Laporte’s wife)Sara Botello is a trained dancer, having performed ballet and contemporary dance in shows around Spain. She married Aymeric Laporte in 2023 and the pair have two children together.Tatiana Trouboul (David Raya’s girlfriend)Tatiana Trouboul is the girlfriend of David Raya. Before moving to London with him, she worked in a nightclub. Now she is working as a model.Claudia Rodriguez (Marc Cucurella’s girlfriend)Claudia and Marc met in Barcelona after he messaged her on Instagram. The pair has third children together and have been together since six years.Lola Liberal ( Mikel Merino’s wife)Lola Liberal is a blogger and loves to share loving moments with ex-Newcastle star Mikel Merino. The pair married in January 2024.Laura Cascante (Rodrigo Hernández’s girlfriend)Laura Iglesias is a medical student and is training to become a surgeon. The pair met during university.Laura Abla Schmitt (Dani Olmo’s girlfriend)Laura Abla Schmitt and Dani Olmo made their relationship public on New Year’s Day in 2024. Read more about the Wags supporting Spain at Euro 2024 here More

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      England fans take to the streets with pints in hand to cheer Three Lions onto Euros victory & end 58 years of heartache

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      ENGLAND fans are out in force across the UK and in Germany ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 final.More than 50,000 Three Lions supporters have travelled to Berlin, with many downing pints, while others are enjoying a mini hotrod tour and holding up the traffic.Crowds of rowdy fans are gathering in London ahead of the matchCredit: Zuma PressTabitha Butler, 26 and Beatrice Lennon-Butler, 23 in BirminghamCredit: SWNSFans hitting the pubs in Leeds ahead of the gameCredit: NB PRERSS LTDFans start their joyous celebrations early in central LondonCredit: AlamyEngland fans are out in full force in central LondonCredit: AlamyEngland fans pose for a photo at BreitscheidplatzCredit: PAEngland fans enjoying a mini Hotrod tour while holding up trafficCredit: Paul EdwardsEngland fans with a replica UEFA Euro 2024 Trophy at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin todayCredit: PAOne fan in Berlin climbed up a flag poleCredit: PATom Staite, 27, from Warwick, Joe Lyon, 27, from Birmingham and Billy Hodder, 27, from YattonCredit: SWNSIt’s not just the English in Berlin – hordes of Spaniards are also partying in the cityCredit: AlamyBrits have been snapped at the likes of Brandenburg Gate and Friedrichstrasse, with many donning replica shirts and St George’s cross flags.Some are even brandishing a full size trophy in Breitscheidplatz.Plenty are already enjoying a drink in the sun at the Reichstag Euro 2024 Fan Zone.Thousands are also descending on fan zones across the UK – including in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol. Read more sports newsWhile many fans are making last ditch efforts to get to Germany – despite warnings of traffic chaos heading into Britain’s busiest airports this weekend.England fans have paid thousands of pounds, travelling by air, road and rail to Germany to be at the match.Alfie Bray, 21, a mechanical engineer from Birmingham, had flown from London to Frankfurt and got the train to Berlin.He and friend Callum Williams, 21, booked travel to the city as soon as the second goal was scored in the semi-final.Most read in Euro 2024Martin Rafferty, 44, from Birmingham, said he and friends had driven for 15 hours to reach the city despite not having tickets for the final.He said: “It could be a chance of making history.”Brazen England fans don ‘winners’ tattoos before Euros 2024 final even begins as supporters say ‘it’s coming home’Tony Rudd, 37, made a journey of 26 hours to get to Berlin from his home in Darwin, Australia, costing about £4,500.He said: “I made a last-minute decision. I went ‘I’m going’.”Pubs and bars across England are allowed to stay open until 1am on Monday morning – with boozy fans already pictured setting off flares in Trafalgar Square in London.British Beer And Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “On what promises to be a hugely exciting day for the country we expect an incredible 10 million extra pints to be poured in our pubs this Sunday to toast England’s Euros final.A jubilant England fan poses with both of his pintsCredit: PAEngland fans from Mansfield, Nottingham and Peterborough at BreitscheidplatzCredit: PA”A huge £48 million in additional trade for pubs and breweries will be generated by fans across the nation.”It comes as England stars triumphantly saw off the Netherlands on Wednesday in the semi-final with a last gasp Ollie Watkins winner.The Three Lions are hoping to end their 58-year wait for glory against Spain.England men have never reached a major final on foreign soil and have also never lost a match in Berlin before.Before the players head to Berlin for the final, the athletes prepared at their luxury base in Blankenhain.All 26 members of the squad were in full training.It gives Gareth Southgate a selection decision to make at left-back after Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier played half the game each in the semi-final victory over Holland.Trippier has been nursing a calf strain and Shaw is yet to play over 45 minutes at the tournament so far.Once training is over, England will leave Blankenhain and head to Berlin at 3.30pm.England fans light flares as they enjoy the atmosphere in Trafalgar Square, LondonCredit: APLuke Osborne, 27 and Hugh Burrowes, 28, from CannockCredit: SWNSMore than 50,000 England fans have descended on BerlinCredit: PAEngland fans in face paint with beers in handCredit: PAAn England fan carrying a crate of beerCredit: PAThe men’s side have never won a European Championship, with the World Cup win in 1966 their last and only major silverware.Brazen England fans have already been getting Euro 2024 winners tattoos so convinced Harry Kane and the boys will be victorious.Dan Thomas, from Swindon, Wiltshire, is among those who is ultra-confident England will defeat Spain despite not winning major honours since the World Cup in 1966.The data consultant spent two and a half hours getting a trophy and the words “England Euro 2024 Winners” tattooed on his leg three days ago.The 29-year-old went to the Reign Barbers and Tattoos parlour in Swindon on Thursday – the day after England booked its place in the final.”I thought (England) would get far, so it’s come as no shock,” he said.”I’m pretty confident. I think it will happen. I wouldn’t have got it done if I didn’t think it would happen.”I think it will be close and I think it will be 1-1, but go to extra time. I think we’ll win 2-1 at extra time.”Southgate himself has issued a rallying cry to fans ahead of the match.The Three Lions manager said the team has been “grateful” for the support throughout the tournament, saying he hoped to see the “same again” this evening.The King, the Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister are among those who have thrown their support behind the team.In a video posted on social media by the England football team, Southgate said: “To all of the fans that travelled to the games, I know there have been some epic journeys, hours and hours of travel, so grateful for that support.”It’s meant so much to us in the stadium, and it’s so important for the players, so same again please for the final.England’s route to the Euro 2024 final”To everybody at home, we’ve for a long time wanted to create memories for everybody.”I think we’ve had a lot over the last seven, eight years. This tournament has thrown up more, the knockout phase in particular.”I think we’ve shown amazing resilience, never say die spirit, composure under pressure at different moments.”So, we’re looking forward to this challenge. We know we’ve got to be exceptional again against Spain. But we’re in here fighting and we hope to do you proud again.”Speaking during a press conference on Saturday evening, Southgate said the team were aware of what a victory would mean to the nation.Captain Kane told the press conference he is “extremely proud to be English”, saying a win would be “incredible” for fans.The Prince of Wales, who will attend the match, said in a social media post on Saturday: “We are so proud of you all England, just one last push to finish the job!”Go out there and show the world what you’re made of. We believe. W.”William, who is president of the Football Association (FA), attended England’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland a week ago and the group stage game against Denmark, and was seen cheering in the stands.His father, the King, also commended the team after their 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday but quipped that they should avoid more last-minute drama.In a message to Southgate’s side, Charles sent the players the royal family’s “very best wishes” and “warmest congratulations”.He added: “If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!READ MORE SUN STORIES”Good luck, England.”In a good luck message, Sir Keir Starmer, writing to “Gareth and all the England team”, said: “You should all be proud of what you’ve achieved so far, and I hope you can take some strength from the millions at home kicking every ball alongside you.”HOW TO WATCH THE 2024 EUROS FINALTHE Euro 2024 final will take place on Sunday, July 14Kick-off will be at 8pm BST and The Olympiastadion in Berlin will host.The Euro 2024 final will be broadcast live on both BBC One and ITV1.All of the games at the European Championships have been aired on either BBC or ITV during the tournament.You will be able to live stream the final for free on either BBC iPlayer or ITVX.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.England fans – including one in a Gareth Southgate Hawaiian-style shirt – in BerlinCredit: PAEngland fans in full crusader costumes in the German cityCredit: AlamyFans pose with replica shirts and a St George’s a flag draped over their shoulders outside the stadiumCredit: PAFans chanting, bottles in hand after making the trip from the UKCredit: PAEngland fans from Stoke pose for a photo outside the OlympiastadionCredit: PAEngland fans from Birmingham proudly holding up their St George’s flag while on tourCredit: AlamyThere’s a party atmosphere in the German capital with hours to go before kick offCredit: PAEngland fans are already on the beers in BerlinCredit: PAThe replica trophy is getting past around among groups of fansCredit: PAThe party is already in full swing in the German capitalCredit: PAEngland fans Lewis and Tyler Cremin outside the stadium in BerlinCredit: PAEngland fans of all ages are getting geared up for the gameCredit: PA More

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      Who is Nacho Fernandez’s wife Maria Cortes? Meet the Spain and Al Qadsiah centreback’s spouse

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      NACHO Fernandez’s wife Maria Cortes is not only his childhood sweetheart but also a dedicated manager of the football academy he co-founded with his brother.Maria is standing by Nacho at the Euro 2024 final, where Spain takes on England, and here’s everything we know about her.Nacho Fernandez and his wife Maria Cortes have been together for 20 yearsCredit: Instagram/@ mcm1989The couple met when they were childrenCredit: GettyThe couple has four children togetherCredit: Instagram/@ mcm1989Maria Cortes likes to share a glimpse of her life on her Instagram accountCredit: Instagram / @mcm1989Who is Nacho Fernandez’s wife Maria Cortes?Nacho Fernandez’s wife, Maria Cortes, is his childhood sweetheart whom he began dating in 2004. She was born on February 13, 1989, in Spain and studied Marketing, Administration, and Company Management at a university in Madrid.Maria has been actively involved in managing a football academy that Nacho and his brother founded. She is also known as a brand ambassador. read more on nacho fernandezThe couple has four children together, Alejandra, Nacho Jr, Guillermo, and Lola. Nacho has shown his dedication to his family by prioritizing them, such as when he flew back to Madrid from a Club World Cup game in Morocco to be with Maria and Lola after her birth.Maria is currently in Germany supporting her husband at the Euro 2024.Spain is facing England on Sunday July 14, 2024 at 8 pm in Berlin at the Euro 204 final.Most read in Euro 2024England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainWhen did Nacho Fernandez marry Maria Cortes?The couple maried after dating for 10 years in 2014Credit: GettyNacho Fernandez married Mary Cortes on 31st May 2014 in Meco, Spain.The guest list included Alvaro Arbeloa and his wife Carlota Ruiz, Isco accompanied by Victoria Calderon, and Alvaro Morata alongside his ex-girlfriend Maria Pombo.Maria maintains an active Instagram account where she shares frequent updates with her 84,900 followers.Her profile offers glimpses into their family life, including travel adventures and special events with loved ones.Meet Spain’s Euro 2024 WagsSpain Wags range from teenager sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Alice Campello (Alvaro Morata’s wife)Alice Campello is an Italian model and fashion designer and has been married to Alvaro Morata since 2017. The pair has four children together.Sara Botello (Aymeric Laporte’s wife)Sara Botello is a trained dancer, having performed ballet and contemporary dance in shows around Spain. She married Aymeric Laporte in 2023 and the pair have two children together.Tatiana Trouboul (David Raya’s girlfriend)Tatiana Trouboul is the girlfriend of David Raya. Before moving to London with him, she worked in a nightclub. Now she is working as a model.Claudia Rodriguez (Marc Cucurella’s girlfriend)Claudia and Marc met in Barcelona after he messaged her on Instagram. The pair has third children together and have been together since six years.Lola Liberal ( Mikel Merino’s wife)Lola Liberal is a blogger and loves to share loving moments with ex-Newcastle star Mikel Merino. The pair married in January 2024.Laura Cascante (Rodrigo Hernández’s girlfriend)Laura Iglesias is a medical student and is training to become a surgeon. The pair met during university.Laura Abla Schmitt (Dani Olmo’s girlfriend)Laura Abla Schmitt and Dani Olmo made their relationship public on New Year’s Day in 2024. Read more about the Wags supporting Spain at Euro 2024 here More

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      Euro 2024 most disappointing XI revealed… with four Premier League stars featuring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was named alongside four Premier League players in the worst XI of the Euros by a Spanish outlet.The five time Ballon d’Or winner failed to score in his five matches across the tournament as Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals by France.Ronaldo was named in the worst Euros XI after failing to score in the tournamentCredit: GettyLukaku joined Ronaldo in the ‘disappointing XI’Credit: GettySpanish outlet Marca named him alongside Prem stars Oleksandr Zinchenko, John McGinn, Dominik Szoboszlai and Romelu Lukaku in their most disappointing XI of the Euros.Zinchenko was joined by Ukraine team-mate and Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin in goal after he made two high-profile mistakes in their team’s opener against Romania.Lunin had a successful season going into the Euros, playing 21 times as Real Madrid won LaLiga in place of the injured Thibaut Courtois.But his mistakes in the opening match saw him dropped by the time Ukraine’s third group game came around.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Zinchenko was joined in defence by former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen and Italian duo Gabriele Mancini and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.In midfield was Liverpool’s Szoboszlai, Aston Villa’s McGinn and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who now plays for Saudi side Al-Hilal.In an attacking front three consisting of three number nines, Ronaldo was joined by Romelu Lukaku and Dusan Vlahovic.Lukaku struggled again in an international tournament as he spurned several great opportunities for Belgium during their disappointing group stage where they acquired just four points.Most read in FootballMarca have named their XI of most disappointing players at the EurosCredit: MarcaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe striker spent last season on loan at Serie A club Roma but has now returned to parent club Chelsea.It remains to be seen if he will be part of new boss Enzo Maresca’s plans.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesRonaldo’s tournament will likely be remembered most for his tears during Portugal’s round of 16 game against Slovenia.The forward missed a penalty in the 114th minute and then teared-up after seeing his mother being shown on the big screen.Juventus star Vlahovic also makes the most disappointing XI after failing to score in the group stages as Serbia crashed out of England’s group. More