Euro 2024

AN ENGLAND 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.England fan Dave pushed back his mum’s funeral to watch the finalBut 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. But 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.READ MORE IN football “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.”Dave was just a boy when he watched England win the 1966 World Cup.In later years, he started travelling to games and has been to every major tournament since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Most read in Euro 2024Dave’s witnessed the ups and downs, the moments of magic and all the heartache but hopes to see England lift the trophy – again. He said: “There’ll be millions, won’t there, in England, in the pubs, at home, wherever they’re watching it, wishing England well and wishing, hopefully, that we’ll win it.  “I was in Dortmund on Wednesday night and what a fantastic atmosphere, what great support for England and hopefully, Sunday night, we’ll be the same and we’ll see a similar result.”England stars put through their paces in final training session before Sunday’s Euro 2024 final v Spain in BerlinEngland 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

KIERAN TRIPPIER is set to keep his place in the England team for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.The Three Lions face Spain tomorrow on what promises to be an historic night in Berlin.Gareth Southgate is sticking with the same starting XI for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettyKieran Trippier is set to keep his place in the team to face SpainCredit: AFPNow SunSport can reveal to you that we understand Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will resist calls to pick Luke Shaw at left-back.That is despite the Manchester United left-back replacing Trippier off the bench in the semi-final win over the Netherlands.Trippier was withdrawn at half-time of the game in Dortmund due to a precaution following a recent groin injury, but is fit enough to start the Berlin showpiece. It means that Southgate will pick an unchanged team from Wednesday.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Manchester City duo Kyle Walker, John Stones and Marc Guehi once again expected to start in the back-three.Bukayo Saka will remain on the right with Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice starting together in midfield for the fourth game running.Southgate is also set to stick with Harry Kane despite his recent struggles.And the captain will be supported by Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in attack.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut semi-final matchwinner Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer, who assisted the Aston Villa striker’s injury-time strike, will have to settle for a place on the bench despite their heroics in Dortmund.Shaw, who scored in the last European Championship final against Italy, and Trippier both 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 having only returned from his long injury lay-off in the quarters against Switzerland.Meet Euro 2024 final ref who SLAPPED HaalandEngland’s stars were put through their paces for the last time ahead of the final earlier.The Three Lions are hoping to end their 58-year wait for glory against Spain.But all 26 members of the squad were in full training at their luxury base in Blankenhain.England will leave Blankenhain and head to Berlin at 3:30pm.They are set to travel to the German capital by coach – not plane – and are expected to arrive in Berlin at 6:30pm.Southgate and skipper Kane are due to speak to the media at a press conference at 7:45pm.Meanwhile, England fans are already flooding Berlin ahead of the final.And over 50,000 Three Lions supporters are predicted to fill the 71,000 Olympiastadion.Meanwhile, Spain’s birthday boy Lamine Yamal vowed to go straight at either Shaw or Trippier from the off.The winger, who turned 17 today, has broken record after record this season.You can say it hasn’t been pretty, but England are in the final… and we’re peaking at just the right time, says Jack WilshereAFTER what has been a tough tournament of times, what an opportunity Gareth Southgate and his team will have to end in the best possible way, writes Jack Wilshere.We might like a team that played better football. But it’s a results business.Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course Holland would love to be where we are.People will say we’re lucky because we’re on this side of the draw.But we won the group. France didn’t and then ran into Spain.You can say it wasn’t that pretty, but we’re there.Gareth and his coaches won’t have been happy with some of the performances.But I did like the way Gareth and his team have dealt with it.There was no panic coming out of the camp.Everyone gave the same message: ‘We know we can better, but we’re here still.’And on Sunday they will be in Berlin to play Spain.They will probably have to produce two halves of football as good as the first against Holland to beat them.We have improved as the tournament has gone on and that is how you win things.You want to peak in the final.If Gareth can lead England to that major trophy we’ve all been waiting for, it will be the perfect answer to the critics and a brilliant day for us all.Read Jack Wilshere’s England vs Holland verdict in full.Or check out all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euros 2024 opinions…Now he wants to cap it with just one more – the youngest player to ever win either a European Championship or World Cup.The Barcelona star is composed but confident – and plays with a simple philosophy, one that Shaw or Trippier must watch out for if they get the nod from Gareth Southgate to start.Yamal, speaking the day on Friday on the day prior to his 17th birthday, said of facing up a full-back: “The first move conditions the game a lot. If I go past them, it’s there for the match.”I always think that it’s the full back who has pressure. If I go past him, I’m touching the goal.”I receive the ball, if I have a one-on-one, I always go for the full back because it’s a very psychological game and if I go for him, he is scared and then I can go for him more and I improvise.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They have respect, the full backs don’t go into me much. They try to hold off.”How am I treated? As a normal player. Opponents especially, I don’t think they will not foul me because I’m 16.”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

ENGLAND stars have been put through their paces for the last time ahead of the Euro 2024 final.The Three Lions are hoping to end their 58-year wait for glory against Spain tomorrow.England are hoping to end their 58-year wait for glory against SpainCredit: RexThe players trained for the last time ahead of the final this aftermnoonCredit: GettyAll 26 stars were in action before the finalCredit: AFPJohn Stones took on tactics from Gareth SouthgateCredit: PAHarry Kane is set to speak in a press conference tonightCredit: RexLuke Shaw is fighting to be fit for the full 90 minutesCredit: AFPJordan Pickford was in top form in trainingCredit: PATrent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham also limbered upCredit: GettyKyle Walker was involved in a game of possessionCredit: PABefore the players head to Berlin for the final, the players 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. READ MORE ON EURO 2024Once training is over, England will leave Blankenhain and head to Berlin at 3:30pm. They are set to travel to the German capital by coach – not plane.The team plan to arrive in Berlin at 6:30pm. And Southgate and his skipper Kane are set speak to the media at a press conference at 7:45pm.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland’s route to the Euro 2024 finalENGLAND began their Euros final campaign in Germany on June 16.England fans are already flooding Berlin ahead of the final, with 50,000 Three Lions supporters predicted to fill the 71,000 Olympiastadion.Ahead of the game, a passionate Southgate said: “In the end, winning and what that means completely changes how you’re going to be viewed.Meet Euro 2024 final ref who SLAPPED Haaland”I want to win so much on Sunday it hurts. “But I can handle whatever comes and I know it’s not going to change what the dog thinks when I walk back through the door.“The margins are so fine and there are bits you can affect, others you are not going to affect.“I would probably have felt differently about that three years ago, five years ago.”But I’m in a different space now — and that’s a good thing because otherwise I’d have been in a mess these last five weeks.”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

ENGLAND WAGS will be sat in a “neutral zone” as security has been ramped up ahead of the Euro 2024 final.Gareth Southgate’s side face Spain tomorrow night in Berlin’s 71,000 capacity Olympiastadion.England Wags and families will sit in a neutral zone at the finalCredit: SplashThe families were drenched in beer after the Slovenia gameCredit: PAPlayers like Kobbie Mainoo went into the stands to see their loved ones after the semi-final winCredit: PAConor Gallagher’s girlfriend Aine May Kennedy will be one of many at the OlympiastadionCredit: PAJohn Stones Wag Olivia Naylor will also be in the neutral zoneCredit: SplashThe Three Lions are hoping to finally end their 58-year wait for a trophy, with the majority of the stadium ready to cheer them on.There are set to be 50,000 England fans inside the ground – including the players’ partners, families and friends.After England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group stages, some of the squad’s loved ones were supposedly drenched in beer after cups were thrown onto the pitch.Ezri Konsa’s brother was hit and the Aston Villa star revealed “it was coming from all angles”.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Reports from The Mail say that Uefa have now acted over the concern, with Wags and families set to be positioned in a “neutral zone”.The area is behind the dugout at the Olympiastadion.At the England vs Italy Euros final three years ago, thousands of ticketless fans stormed Wembley and forced their way into the stadium.To prevent similar happening in Berlin, security teams have increased their efforts and put a “ring of steel” around the ground.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe Olympiastadion is surrounded by a park, which has allowed for several checkpoints to be put in place as fans approach the stadium.England fans’ behaviour in Germany has been praised by national lead for football policing Mark Roberts.Historic Euro 2024 final stadium is home to England’s darkest dayHe said: “We estimate there have been around 200,000 visitor trips to Germany so far in the tournament and the vast majority of the travelling England fans have been extremely well behaved.”Almost all of those who have travelled have had tickets for matches, and England fans have filled at least half of the stadium capacity at each venue the team has played.”We have also seen numerous examples of fans, family members and officials being covered by alcohol during matches, which has reiterated our stance that drinking in the stands shouldn’t be allowed at matches in the UK.”Meet 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 here More

GARETH SOUTHGATE and right-hand man Steve Holland lead England out in the nation’s bid for Euro 2024 success. But the relationship actually started 13 years ago following a chance meeting in leafy Surrey. Steve Holland with England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: PAAt the time, Southgate was working in youth development at the FA and was invited down to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground. Andre Villas-Boas – just 33 at the time – was the latest manager working under the ownership of Roman Abramovich. His assistant? Holland. And he left a lasting effect on Southgate during that training session. READ MORE ON EURO 2024So much so that when Southgate became England Under-21 coach in 2013, he offered Holland a job as assistant while still keeping his role with Chelsea. Holland worked with Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benítez, Antonio Conte and Guus Hiddink during his Stamford Bridge days. But he left after the 2016–17 season ended – helping Conte’s Chelsea win the Premier League title. Southgate had been confirmed as Sam Allardyce’s replacement and he needed a familiar face as his No2. Most read in Euro 2024England 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland football stars’ tattoosThe England squad are known for their love of body art and a lot of them are covered in tattoos.Holland then joined the England set-up permanently and has been in Southgate’s dugout ever since. Southgate said: “Firstly, I could not do it without him. Meet Euro 2024 final ref who SLAPPED Haaland“He is a fantastic balance for me. His strengths eat up my weaknesses. He is so meticulous in his preparation.“We have grown so close. The trust between us is immense and I could not have anybody better alongside me. “He has won the Champions League, he has won the Premier League, everything. He is a proud Englishman like me and there is one medal missing. “We have brilliant staff right across the board but clearly our relationship is really, really strong.”Together, they took England to the 2018 World Cup semi-final – losing to Croatia 2-1 – in their first tournament. It was seen as a huge sign of encouragement just two years after England were infamously knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland in the last 16. England then improved three years later in the delayed Euro 2020 by reaching their first final since the World Cup win in 1966. But it was penalty shootout heartbreak at Wembley as Italy snatched the trophy and the painful wait continued. England found themselves in a familiar spot in the 2022 winter World Cup bowing out to France in the quarters. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut after come-from-behind victories over Slovakia, Switzerland and Netherlands, England now have their shot at glory again. This time, it is the Spanish who await. More

WHEN the whistle goes in Berlin tomorrow, Lamine Yamal will take one look at either Luke Shaw or Kieran Trippier and go straight for him.The winger is set to start for Spain against England in the Euro 2024 final.Lamine Yamal is desperate to fire Spain to Euro 2024 gloryCredit: GettyHe issued a warning to England full-backs Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier ahead of the finalCredit: PASpain’s sensational teenage superstar has broken record after record this season.Now he wants to cap it with just one more – the youngest player to ever win either a European Championship or World Cup.The Barcelona star is composed but confident – and plays with a simple philosophy, one that Shaw or Trippier must watch out for if they get the nod from Gareth Southgate to start.Yamal, speaking the day on Friday on the day prior to his 17th birthday, said of facing up a full-back: “The first move conditions the game a lot. If I go past them, it’s there for the match.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″I always think that it’s the full back who has pressure. If I go past him, I’m touching the goal.”I receive the ball, if I have a one-on-one, I always go for the full back because it’s a very psychological game and if I go for him, he is scared and then I can go for him more and I improvise.”They have respect, the full backs don’t go into me much. They try to hold off.”How am I treated? As a normal player. Opponents especially, I don’t think they will not foul me because I’m 16.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBoth Germany and France tried to intimidate or rough up the young winger, and both were knocked out.Yamal’s incredible talent is something Spain want to utilise, but nurture at the same time.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Team-mates are keen to protect him, but at such a young age their new phenomenon is taking this tournament in his stride.Ahead of Spain’s quarter-final with Germany in Stuttgart, he even fell asleep on the coach to the stadium – so nerves must not be an issue.Dani Carvajal, the Spain and Real Madrid veteran who has formed a fine partnership with Yamal down the right, said: “I think he’s not aware of what it means right now.”He’s focused on playing the games and he does it as if he were playing with his friends.”That’s the good thing about him, that in the end that self-confidence is contributing a lot.”We have to look after him, we have to pamper him a lot and not only in the Spanish national team, but also in Barcelona, because it’s not easy to manage at this age all the impact he’s having.”There have been many cases in football of young players who at 20 years old didn’t give any more and we also have to have a certain patience with Lamine Yamal and look after him so that he marks an era.”One of those who has taken special care to make sure Yamal is enjoying his maiden tournament is fellow winger, Nico Williams, 22.As the two youngest members of Luis de la Fuente’s squad – although there is still a five-year gap between the two – Williams and Yamal have become very close friends.When the Barca academy graduate is not in his room doing homework on his iPad – which can be up to hours a day – Yamal can usually be found playing some sort of game with Williams, though he usually wins.A fine debut season with Barcelona has already made Yamal a star at home, but few expected him to become the poster boy in Germany this summer.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…Tomorrow he will meet Jude Bellingham – the man who was supposed to be the young sensation lighting up this tournament.Both have had their moments, Yamal against France and Bellingham in the last minute against Slovakia, but only one can triumph at the Olympiastadion.Regardless of what happens, Spain’s latest icon will return home to a whole new level of fame to that which he is already trying to adjust to.He said: “I always say to my mum, going to the terrace is what I miss most, or going to the shops or to pick up my brother at school, which I can’t do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In winter, I go with a hood up. In summer, I just have to put up with it.”It is going to take more than a hoodie to shield Yamal from the masses should he lift the trophy tomorrow.You can say it hasn’t been pretty, but England are in the final… and we’re peaking at just the right time, says Jack WilshereAFTER what has been a tough tournament of times, what an opportunity Gareth Southgate and his team will have to end in the best possible way, writes Jack Wilshere.We might like a team that played better football. But it’s a results business.Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course Holland would love to be where we are.People will say we’re lucky because we’re on this side of the draw.But we won the group. France didn’t and then ran into Spain.You can say it wasn’t that pretty, but we’re there.Gareth and his coaches won’t have been happy with some of the performances.But I did like the way Gareth and his team have dealt with it.There was no panic coming out of the camp.Everyone gave the same message: ‘We know we can better, but we’re here still.’And on Sunday they will be in Berlin to play Spain.They will probably have to produce two halves of football as good as the first against Holland to beat them.We have improved as the tournament has gone on and that is how you win things.You want to peak in the final.If Gareth can lead England to that major trophy we’ve all been waiting for, it will be the perfect answer to the critics and a brilliant day for us all.Read Jack Wilshere’s England vs Holland verdict in full.Or check out all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euros 2024 opinions… More