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      Gareth Southgate’s greatest England wins and most shattering defeats in rollercoaster tenure with Three Lions

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE’s rollercoaster spell as England boss has seen many twists and turns during his century of matches.The Euros final with Spain will hopefully be his crowning glory – and what a ride it has been.Gareth Southgate has reached a century of England matchesCredit: GettyHe and his waistcoat became national treasures back in 2018Credit: AFPSo far, he has been in charge for 101 games, with 61 wins under his belt and counting.Having taken over in late 2016, Southgate became a national hero – and style icon with his famous waistcoat – as he led the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-final.Three years later and he came with a penalty kick of becoming the first man since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 to lead England to glory.He guided our boys to the final of the European Championship, only to suffer penalty shootout heartbreak.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Any dreams of World Cup glory in 2022 came to an end in the quarters.But now it’s another Euros final, this time against Spain, in what many believe could be his last shot at securing silverware for the Three Lions.Here we take a look at his greatest wins and most crushing defeats at the helm:THE HIGHS…COLOMBIA 1-1 ENGLAND (3-4 ON PENS)This was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Most read in Euro 2024Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSPAIN 2-3 ENGLANDFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.The England squad celebrate after beating Colombia on penaltiesCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling fired England to a brilliant win in Spain in 2018Credit: GettyENGLAND 2-1 DENMARKSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.Harry Kane fired England to a first final since 1966 at the last EurosCredit: AFPBukayo Saka was on target as England brushed past Senegal in 2022Credit: GettyENGLAND 3-0 SENEGALEngland had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Declan Rice scored as England gained some revenge on Italy in March 2023Credit: APITALY 1-2 ENGLANDOn a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.ENGLAND 2-1 NETHERLANDSThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.England’s Ollie Watkins scores the winnerCredit: ReutersMeet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 hereAND THE LOWS…CROATIA 2-1 ENGLANDHaving led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Mario Mandzukic celebrates the goal that ended England’s 2018 World Cup dreamCredit: GettyItaly beat England on penalties at Wembley to be crowned European championsCredit: AFPITALY 1-1 ENGLAND (3-2 PENS)Will probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.ENGLAND 0-4 HUNGARYA year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.Jude Bellingham and Marc Guehi looked stunned after Hungary thrashed EnglandCredit: GettyHarry Kane fired a penalty over the bar as France beat England 2-1 in QatarCredit: PAENGLAND 1-2 FRANCEAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.Euro 2024 final stadium is home to English football’s most shameful episodeGARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.For many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.And two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Read the full story HERE. 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      England star Declan Rice bursts into laughter after realising incredible Lamine Yamal stat ahead of Euro 2024 final

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      DECLAN RICE burst into laughter after realising just how young Lamine Yamal was.Rice was speaking to the media at England’s final press conference before the Euro 2024 final this evening.Declan Rice laughed when discussing Lamine Yamal’s age ahead of the Euros finalCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntYamal has been the tournament’s breakout star having played much of it aged 16Credit: Rex”It’s pretty scary that he was 12 when COVID was around.” 😳Declan Rice has nothing but praise for the quality of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal 🤝 pic.twitter.com/AkTrTLZqJC— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 13, 2024

      And the England man was asked to discuss Spain’s breakout star, Yamal, who has played much of this tournament as a 16-year-old.The Barcelona youngster turned 17 yesterday, having fired Spain into the final of the Euros with a brilliant goal in the semi-finals against France days before.When speaking about the Spanish phenomenon, Declan Rice laughed as he said: “As soon as we won the game [against the Netherlands] I saw a stat that he was 12 when Covid hit.”So, that was pretty scary that he was 12-years-old when Covid was around so it shows how good he is.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He’s 16, look, I din’t know why the French players would talk a player down like that because what he’s done at Barcelona as a 16-year-old you have to just applaud it.”Me as a football fan as well as a football player, you have to just respect it and sometimes you have to say at 16 ‘wow’ it shows a lot of guts to play for Barcelona one but also do what he’s doing at that age it’s really really special.”Rice was referring to attempts by the French team to intimidate Yamal in the build-up to the two sides semi-final.Before the game, Rabiot said: “It is always complicated to manage a semi-final in a tournament like this – but it will be up to us to put the pressure on him [Yamal] above all.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Not to let him feel comfortable and show him that to play in a Euro final he will have to do much more than what he has done so far.”In response, Yamal scored a wonderful curling effort from 25-yards to become the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros.Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match In the process of scoring his goal, he dummied the ball past Rabiot in a brilliant bit of revenge.Yamal had responded cryptically to Rabiot’s comments before the game when he posted on social media saying: “Move in silence only speak when it’s time to say checkmate.”After scoring his goal and Spain triumphing 2-1 Yamal shouted into the camera: “Speak now” in response to Rabiot.Meanwhile Rice is expected to start for England tonight having been a mainstay of the Three Lions throughout this tournament.The Arsenal star started during England’s last Euro final against Italy.He was controversially substituted for Jordan Henderson in the 74th minute of that game, with many feeling that the sub lost England control in midfield that day as England went on to lose to Italy on penalties.England’s route to the Euro 2024 finalENGLAND began their Euros final campaign in Germany on June 16. More

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      Back England or Spain to win TONIGHT’s Euro 2024 final and get DOUBLE or TRIPLE the odds with Betfred

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      SPAIN and England will battle it out for the 2024 European Championship title in Berlin TONIGHT, and Betfred are celebrating in style.All customers who back either England or Spain to win the finale inside 90 minutes will have their odds DOUBLED if their selection wins by two clear goals!But it doesn’t stop there… If your team win by three or more clear goals, you’ll get TREBLE the odds!Claim this amazing Betfred odds boost HEREFind The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred offerVisit the Betfred website HEREPlace a pre-match single bet on the Match Result market of the Euro 2024 FinalIf your team wins by 2 goals in 90 minutes, Betfred will DOUBLE the oddsIf your team wins by 3 or more goals in 90 minutes, Betfred will TREBLE the oddsIf you’re successful, your winnings bonus will be paid in CASH within 24 hours of bet settlementClaim this amazing Betfred odds boost HEREEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSNot got a Betfred account? No problem!It’s really easy to register and you can claim a whopping £50 in free bets while you’re at it!Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and use the Promo Code: SUMMER50 when signing up.Once that’s done, deposit and stake a tenner on any sports market at odds of Evens or greater and you’ll have £50 in free bets loaded to your account to use on the following;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections).Betfred: Get £50 in free bets – Claim Here**Betfred. New customers only. Register with SUMMER50. Deposit £10+ and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      What time is England vs Spain? Euro 2024 final TV channel, live stream and team news for Berlin showpiece

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      ENGLAND can make the nation proud when they battle Spain in Berlin with the Euro 2024 trophy up for grabs TONIGHT!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.Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute strike sent England to the finalCredit: GettyEngland will play Spain in a blockbuster match to decide to the titleCredit: GettyAnd 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.Read more on Euro 2024Both 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.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhile 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.Inside the Spain camp as England face even tougher test than France didWhat is their form like?Spain and England are both on a roll, despite getting through the Euros in different manners.The former have won all their matches so far – the only team to do so.Spain conceded zero goals in the group stage as they beat Croatia, Italy and Albania.They then knocked out Georgia before KO’ing hosts Germany in the quarters.And Spain showed their mettle with a 2-1 win over France to book their place in Sunday’s final.As for England, they picked up just one win during the group stage by beating Serbia 1-0.The Three Lions then drew with Denmark and Slovenia before setting up a last-16 tie with Slovakia.England were 90 seconds away from being knocked out before Jude Bellingham equalised with an overhead kick.Harry Kane then scored a winner in extra time, throwing England into a quarter-final with Switzerland.The game went to penalties after finishing 1-1.But England made no mistakes from the spot as they scored five and conceded just three.They then beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the semis thanks to an 89th minute wonder-strike from Ollie Watkins.And fans are dreaming of making up for the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy by securing victory in Berlin this weekend.What is the team news?Gareth Southgate will be tempted to hand semi-final hero Ollie Watkins a start following his 90th-minute winner against Holland.And Luke Shaw will also be pushing to start ahead of Kieran Trippier who has struggled in the left full-back position.Elsewhere, Luis de la Fuente is expected to throw Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal and midfield maestro Robin Le Normand right back into the mix after they both missed out on the France win due to suspensions.Alvaro Morata is also likely to start despite being taken out by a security guard during the celebrations of Spain’s semi-final win.Who will be the star men?Both teams have plenty of magnificent players.But Sunday will surely become a repeat of El Clasico, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and England’s Jude Bellingham both ready to take the game by the scruff of the neck.What have the managers said?Gareth Southgate: “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.”Luis de la Fuente: “Before starting the tournament, England and France would have been favourites, as well as Germany for the fact they were playing at home.”We have had the chance to keep overcoming those games [against the favourites] and now we have another huge match. Maybe Spain have offered a better version so far at the finals [than England], but that won’t have any influence on a one-off game.”England have quality players that can appear at any moment. We are up against a really powerful side full of experience, not just in terms of the national team, but at club level as well. It’s going to be tough.”But we’re looking forward to this one. We want to keep growing. This group of players are going to keep fighting to try and win the trophy.”Gareth Southgate is hoping to lead England to gloryCredit: GettyLuis de la Fuente has got Spain playing at the top levelCredit: GettySunSport’s predictionOne of the most pivotal matches in England’s history sees them take on the tournament’s most impressive side.The Three Lions will be made to shed blood, sweat and tears if they want to land a first-ever Euros trophyBut after a slow start, Southgate’s men have shown plenty of heart in the knockout stage.And we are tipping England to narrowly edge out Spain with a battling performance for the ages.Final score: England 2 Spain 1When is England vs Spain?England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain will take place TONIGHT – Sunday, July 14.It is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm BST – 9pm local time.Olympiastadion in Berlin is the chosen venue for this mammoth match and it can host approximately 74,475 passionate fans.Raheem Sterling’s double inspired England to a 3-2 Nations League win when the sides last met in 2018.What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?England vs Spain will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One AND ITV 1 in the UK.Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm BST on both channels – an hour before kick-off.Fans can stream the entire action through BBC iPlayer or ITV X via any compatible device.Alternatively, head to SunSport’s live blog to keep up with the whole match including pre and post-match coverage.Can I watch it for FREE?YES!England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain can be watched for FREE in the UK on both channels as long as you have a valid TV license.What are the odds?In 90 minsEngland to win 5/2Draw 9/5Spain to win 6/4To lift the trophyREAD MORE SUN STORIESEngland 11/10Spain 8/11*Odds courtesy of William Hill are correct at time of publication More

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      Maya Jama wows in Three Lions shirt as she leads team of celebrities supporting England ahead of Euro 2024 final

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      MAYA Jama poses in her Three Lions shirt as teams of celebrities come out in support of England ahead of the final.The Love Island host, 29, wore Bukayo Saka’s No7 and said: “It’s coming home.”Maya Jama posed in a Saka England shirtPixie Lott shared this snap in an England shirtPop star Pixie Lott, 33, sported her own personalised top.She said: “Good luck, England. We’re all rooting for you.”In an Instagram video, actress Kate Beckinsale, 50, danced with her dog in an England shirt, while Mexican star Salma Hayek, 57, posted a snap wearing the Cross of St George beside an England flag.Model Caprice Bourret, 52, said: “Come on, England. I know you can do it. We’re all behind you.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne England-mad fan pushed back his mum’s funeral to watch the Euro 2024 final from Germany – but says it is what she would have wanted.Leicester supporter Dave Ross, 73, has been out since the Three Lions’ first group stage game on Sunday, June 16.But sadly, just days earlier on the Friday his mother passed away in a care home aged 89.And as England continued to progress in their road to the final, Dave had to delay his mum’s funeral by a week.Most read in Euro 2024But he is hoping it will all be worth it on Monday when he leaves Berlin first thing to get back in time for the funeral the next day.Dave told SunSport: “We’ve had to obviously put a funeral back because hoping, praying, that England would get to the final, and they’ve done it.England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with Spain”And I’ve got to be up very early on Monday morning to drive back because my mother’s funeral is on the Tuesday.”I’m sure she would have been pleased to see me here and see England win the Euros.”Caprice Bourret said: ‘Come on, England. I know you can do it. We’re all behind you’Actress Kate Beckinsale danced with her dog in an England shirtCredit: InstagramSalma Hayek posted a snap wearing the Cross of St George beside an England flagCredit: Instagram More

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      Harry Kane says he’d swap everything he’s achieved in football to win Euros and says squad has ‘fire in their bellies’

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      HARRY KANE would swap everything he has achieved in his career for England Euros glory in Berlin on Sunday.The Three Lions’ greatest marksman has landed multiple personal accolades.Harry Kane says he’d give up every personal accolade for Euros victory with EnglandCredit: RexBut he has never won team silverware in his career which has taken him from Tottenham to Bayern Munich.Kane, who has 406 strikes in 642 career games — including 66 goals for his country — can end the nation’s 58 years of hurt and his 15-year hunt for a title with victory over Spain in the final.The England skipper, 30, said: “Would I swap all the top-scorer trophies for the Euros? Yeah, for sure. “No question, I would swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s no secret I haven’t won a team trophy and every year that goes by you’re more motivated to change that.“I have the opportunity to win one of the biggest trophies you could ever win and to make history with my nation. “I’m extremely proud to be English. I’m determined to make it a special night.”Captain Kane came closest to winning silverware at the last Euros final three years, when England lost 3-2 on penalties to Italy at Wembley.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWalking past the trophy on home turf is providing extra motivation for the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner.Kane said: “It was a tough finish at the last Euros but there’s extra fire in the belly to make sure this one goes our way.England fans gush ‘my manager’ as incredible footage emerges of Southgate going wild after reaching Euro 2024 final “I know what it would mean to me and our country if we won. We’ll give it all we’ve got.”Meanwhile, boss Gareth Southgate hopes England can one step further than the last Euros and finally secure a historic win.He said: “I’m not a believer in fairytales – but I am a believer in dreams. Fate, the run we’ve had, the late goals and penalties doesn’t equate to it being ‘our moment’. We have to now make it happen.”We have to get this trophy to get the respect of the rest of the football world. I travelled to World Cups and European Championships watching as an observer and on the highlights on the big screens before games we weren’t in them. They only showed the finals and the big games.”We always had high expectations but they didn’t match where we were performance-wise. We have now.”Tomorrow, I don’t have any fear of what might happen because I’ve been through everything. I want my players to feel that fearlessness. If we’re not afraid to lose, it gives us a better chance of winning.”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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      Spain Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal looks every inch the ‘dream teen’… but the biggest challenge is yet to come

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      I WAS having a conversation with my dad about Lamine Yamal the other day.We were remembering my own journey and a really good goal I scored when I was 15.Spain star Lamine Yamal has taken Euro 2024 by storm this summerCredit: RexBut Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere has a warning for Yamal ahead of the final with EnglandCredit: Darren FletcherBarcelona wonderkid Yamal has achieved a lot despite his young ageCredit: ReutersBut Wilshere knows everything about fast rises as a young talentCredit: YoutubeI was playing for the Arsenal reserves at Barnet’s ground, Underhill, against West Ham. I cut in and curled it into the top corner.That was almost the start of people recognising me. It went on YouTube and Arsene Wenger was there.But I said to my dad: “This kid Yamal is doing it in the semi-final of the European Championship.”I’ve never seen or heard anything like it. Yes, we speak about Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004. But he was 18 and already developed. This kid has just finished school!Read More on FootballThe only possible comparison is Pele, someone I never saw play but who became a superstar when he was still a teenager.The greatest players in the world are the ones who not only know how to produce those game-changing moments but when to produce them.Yamal seems to have that. The challenge for him — not now, because he is in great form and loving life — is can he sustain it?You need resilience. At the moment everyone is talking about him and  loving him. But there is going to come a time when he’s going to face adversity.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe needs courage, which he seems to have bundles of. Every time he takes the ball, he’s confident.I’ve seen him have bad moments but he still has the courage to get on the ball.Yamal destroys Rabiot on and off the pitch after France star sparked ’embarrassing’ feud with Spanish teen And he needs love for the game, which makes you constantly seek ways to get better.There will be moments when it’s tough for him. But all the superstars, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have been through those moments. It’s about how he responds.So far he is managing the pressure and expectation that has been put on him from a young age.I know a bit about what that’s like. I made my Arsenal debut at 16, played a few cup games, came on in the Premier League and then had six months on loan at Bolton.My real breakthrough season was 2010-11, when I established myself in the first team. Then Arsenal were drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League Last 16 and the first leg was an important game for me.All the way through my youth career and into the first team, I’d been good at stepping up and adapting to a new level of competition. But this was different — and I felt it.When Jack dominated BarcelonaIn the tunnel, I was standing next to players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta, midfielders I had been watching for years and even during that season, trying to learn from them.But the one who  stood out was Messi. He had a real calmness, an aura. You could feel the confidence coming off him.I didn’t touch the ball for the first ten  minutes. Nor did the rest of the Arsenal team.But then there was this moment where I went in for a challenge I had no right to win, got up with the ball and there were three players around me. I beat them and played the ball wide.I felt the whole energy in the crowd lift. I fed off that and I think the team did, too. We came back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and I was man of the match.After the game, Samir Nasri said to me: “You’ve gone to another level now. Now you need to be consistent at that level.”Rising through the ranksPep Guardiola was Barcelona boss at the time and was asked about me after the game. He said I had played well but he had a number of players as good as me in his B team.I laugh about it now but at the time it annoyed me. I took it personally and used it as motivation.At the time I was a bit unusual for an English midfielder. I was a player who could receive and use the ball, a bit Spanish-like.But I also had a bit of personality. I wanted to win and I’d do whatever it took.We have more players like that in England now. That is a credit to the coaching in the academies and credit to the first-team managers who have put trust in players, like Arsene did in me.When we as youth coaches give young players to the first team, they are not  finished. Head coaches are the ones who complete their development.Will England finally end years of hurt and win a trophy?Credit: AlamyKobbie Mainoo comparisonEngland now have more players who are technically good but also characters and leaders.Kobbie Mainoo is the perfect example. How brave he is. How he understands the game. How we wants the ball.The starting point is making them really good at football so they trust their ability and have a big belief in what they do. Then it’s giving them the freedom and opportunity to go and express themselves.That’s what Mainoo and Yamal have had. And here they are, two teenagers facing each other in the biggest game of their lives.Kobbie Mainoo has proved himself worthy of becoming a regular starterCredit: GettyJack on RodriWHEN I think of Rodri, I love what he does in possession, how he keeps the ball and breaks lines, how he is always available if a player is under pressure.But as Declan Rice has said, the other side is that he is a monster. Out of possession, he gets around the pitch and wins duels.People used to say about me that I had English bite and Spanish technique, while some Spanish players might lack that bite in the tackle.Rodri has got it all. He  can do the possession stuff but he can also leave his foot in, be nasty, be horrible, win the ball.Rice is a little younger than him and producing very  consistent performances.They are at the top of  the Premier League. One week Rice might be ahead, the next it might be Rodri.Let’s hope it’s Rice who comes out on top on Sunday.Rodri could be the definition of the ‘complete midfielder’Credit: GettyJack on BellinghamDID people really expect Jude Bellingham to dominate every game?Some people probably did — and he certainly has the ability to do it.But he is still a 21-year-old kid and it was unrealistic for him to do that, game after game, after a long season.He has delivered big moments but we should also appreciate that what he gives us out of possession is exceptional. He’s always running, always there to make a block.Can he do more? I think  he can and, being the type  of person he is, he will know that. He will want more.But he will be happy with his contribution.Without him, England wouldn’t be here.We were dead, we were out, we were on a plane home in that Slovakia game.A moment of magic swung it our way and he was the  guy who did it.Jude Bellingham is one of the most-talked about youngsters in world footballCredit: GettyJack on how to winSPAIN will probably dominate the ball more than any team England have played against.We have to be careful with our press because they are masters of finding a free player and playing through you.I would love to see us press man for man and be aggressive. But we know Gareth Southgate probably won’t do that.Are we going to press high or only commit a certain number of players to the press and make sure we are secure if and when they do play through us? Or are we going to sit in a block and say: “Go on, have the ball”?England need to find a way to suffer yet still have moments of quality.Can we still hurt them? Yes. Can we still have spells of possession with this  shape? Yes.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe will have to be clinical, as well as keeping that same resilience and will to win.I see it being really tight and England maybe nicking it.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. 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      England vs Spain key battles as SunSport work out exactly where Euro 2024 final will be won and lost

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      OUR Three Lions are facing a daunting task to get past Rodri and over the Red Wall.But they can pose problems of their own for the Spanish — from a wily veteran at the back to two impish left-footed maestros going forward.England’s start-studded squad could hold the key to lifting a first major trophy since 1966Credit: GettySpain’s squad is also stacked with superstarsCredit: RexGareth Southgate’s brave lions have got a shot to re-write their European Championship final history in Berlin.This England squad felt the heartache of a penalty shootout final loss at Wembley back in 2021, but now they have the chance to etch their names on the trophy.And they’re doing it against a team that Southgate has labelled as the “best at the tournament”.There’s plenty of top players in Luis de la Fuente’s side, but there’s just as many superstar’s in the England set up too – here, SunSport’s Jack Rosser looks at the final’s three big match-ups…READ MORE ON EURO 2024NICO WILLIAMS v KYLE WALKERTHE oldest member of the England squad has had his fair share of battles with wingers over the years.Walker, 34, relishes a one-on-one contest and despite being 12 years older than the Athletic Bilbao star, he will still fancy himself up against one of the tournament’s stand-out performers.Williams’ speed has been a problem for every side Spain have faced, as has his positive approach to football.The 22-year-old is as direct as they come — his first instinct is always to pin a full-back down and charge past him.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWalker’s experience and pace will be vital to keep the right-hand side safe.MARC CUCURELLA v BUKAYO SAKAMANY may look at Spain’s left-back and see the ideal spot for England to get some joy.England fans gush ‘my manager’ as incredible footage emerges of Southgate going wild after reaching Euro 2024 final Cucurella, 25, has been ridiculed at times since his big move to Chelsea — but his form towards the end of last season was transformed and continued in Germany.Cucu, as his team-mates call him, has been tenacious and full of energy — starting five of Spain’s six games. But he will have his work cut out against Saka.The Arsenal star, 22, earned redemption from the penalty spot in the shootout against Switzerland after his stunner saved England.And the winger is one of the squad’s most versatile players — Gareth Southgate has put him at full-back and wing-back, too.Cucurella may struggle to find him at times . . . let alone stop him.Bukayo Saka got the better of Marc Cucurella when Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 last seasonCredit: APRODRI v PHIL FODENIF there is anyone who can hack the “perfect computer” that is Spain’s Rodri, then surely it is Manchester City team-mate Foden.The Prem player of the season, 24, has come alive in England’s last few games and while he is yet to grab a goal, his display against the Dutch was incredibly encouraging.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut both he and Jude Bellingham will be up against the world’s best holding midfielder in 28-year-old Rodri, who has been exemplary for La Roja.England must disrupt Spain’s conductor when he is on the ball and escape him going forward. Far easier said than done.Phil Foden and Rodri know each other well from playing their club football at Man CityCredit: GettyEngland 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. 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