Euro 2024

ENGLAND will face Spain in the final of Euro 2024 after some last-gasp heroics from Ollie Watkins.The Aston Villa hitman fired the Three Lions into their second straight Euros final with a sensational stoppage-time winner in Wednesday night’s semi-final against the Netherlands.England booked their place in the final of Euro 2024 in stunning fashionCredit: AFPA stoppage-time winner from Ollie Watkins fired The Three Lions into Sunday’s final in BerlinCredit: GettyEngland will play red-hot Spain in what will be a nailbiting affairCredit: GettyThe starting XI Gareth Southgate deployed for his last game against Spain looks completely different to the one he fielded on WednesdayCredit: GETTYWatkins brilliantly rifled the ball past a helpless Bart Verbruggen just minutes after replacing skipper Harry Kane up front.Gareth Southgate’s troops will face their toughest task of the tournament to end the nation’s 58-year-long wait for silverware.Spain are the huge favourites having knocked out two of the pre-tournament favourites en route to Sunday’s final.Luis de la Fuente Castillo’s charges dumped hosts Germany out in the quarter-finals before ending 2016 runners-up France’s hopes of winning the tournament in the semis.READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS SPAINIt’s been nearly SIX YEARS since England last came up against the Spaniards, who lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy in 1964, 2008 and 2012.And to say their starting XI for the October 2018 Nations League clash, which England won 3-2, is unrecognisable from Southgate’s current go-to team would be an understatement.Only THREE players who started the match in Seville played in Wednesday’s downing of the Dutch.Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, makeshift left-back Kieran Trippier and star striker Kane are the relics of that starting XI.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland’s last starting XI against SpanOnly a further three stars in the matchday squad were on the plane to Germany this summer, those players being Joe Gomez, Lewis Dunk and Kyle Walker.England’s goalscoring heroes that night – Raheem Sterling, who netted twice, and Marcus Rashford – weren’t selected for the tournament due to their poor seasons with Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.Shocking moment member of staff injures Spain star moments after reaching Euro 2024 final with victory over FranceEngland’s starting XI vs Spain in October 2018: Pickford; Trippier, Gomez, Maguire, Chilwell; Winks, Dier, Barkley; Sterling, Kane, RashfordDespite having received immense pre-tournament criticism, Southgate has maintained his belief that his troops can end the nation’s trophy drought.But the 53-year-old admits his Lions will need to turn in a tournament-best performance against the all-conquering Spanish to finally bring football home.He said: “I took the job to try to improve English football and we’re now in a second final.”The last one was the first in over 50 years. We’re now in a first one overseas.”We’re giving people amazing nights. We’ve given our supporters some of the best nights in the last 50 years. I’m hugely proud of that.”I’m delighted if everyone at home is feeling the way we are and the way those in the stadium were. But we’re not finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve got the greatest possible test to prepare for.”We came here to try to win the tournament and that’s still our aim.”Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane are the only survivors of the last England starting XI to face SpainCredit: AFP More

ENGLAND fans were in high spirits last night after a thrilling comeback win over the Netherlands.The Three Lions earned a place alongside Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.Jude Bellingham fans saw his name up in lightsThey piled in to party on the busAnd after packing into pubs and fan zones, the celebrations spilled out on to the street.Not even the busses were safe.Bemused commuters heading to Bellingham in South London were suddenly swarmed by a huge group of fans getting on board.They were honouring England playmaker Jude Bellingham.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Real Madrid starlet has enjoyed a stellar tournament but took a back seat last night as Kobbie Mainoo ran the show.Bellingham did earn plaudits for his incredible gesture towards England’s beaten opponents.He initially fell to his knees after the final whistle and was congratulated by Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Real man was then spotted shaking hands and hugging each of his opponents.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland 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.He could be seen talking to Daley Blind, Stefan de Vrij, Bart Verbruggen and Virgil van Dijk.Bellingham ended his walk by consoling Dutch scorer Xavi Simons before running off to join in with the celebrations.Inside the Spain camp as England face even tougher test than France didBellingham was not the only England star who was seen checking on the defeated players.Manchester United’s Mainoo was also thoughtful enough to offer help to De Vrij after he collapsed to the floor.Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Luke Shaw, Alexander-Arnold and Gordon could also be seen shaking hands with the Dutch.England face Spain at 8pm on Sunday, looking to win a first trophy since 1966 – and a first ever on foreign soil.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

ELATED England fans have spent the night scrambling to join a ‘Berlin Airlift’ heading to Sunday’s historic Euros final against Spain.Up to 50,000 supporters are expected to race to the Three Lions’ first ever final on foreign soil – with flights swiftly soaring up in price.Elated England fans have spent the night scrambling to join a ‘Berlin Airlift’ heading to Sunday’s historic Euros finalCredit: GettyThe cost of flights to Berlin ahead of Sunday’s final have skyrocketedCredit: PAEngland squeezed past the Netherlands on Wednesday to set up a clash with Spain for Euro 2024 gloryCredit: RexAfter Ollie Watkin’s last gasp screamer took Gareth Southgate’s men through to the final of Euro 2024 fans were quick to try and snap up tickets, flights and hotels ahead of Sunday 14.A few hundred gold dust tickets are due to go on sale on the UEFA website this week, with the FA having just 10,000 tickets to sell.Many expect the 40,000 fans from Wednesday’s game in Dortmund to be after tickets once more as well 10,000 extras looking to be part of history.A remarkable 21 Ryanair flights from UK airports to Berlin between Thursday and Sunday are already sold out.read more in Euro 2024With 21 EasyJet flights to Berlin from Birmingham, Bristol, Luton and Gatwick between Friday and the match also being fully booked.The remaining EasyJet flights going from Gatwick to Berlin in the next few days are priced at a whopping £918.The same seat will set back punters just £167 a week later.British Airways is also charging £782 to fly from Heathrow to Berlin on Saturday night.Most read in Euro 2024Elsewhere, the cheapest flights to Berlin and back to the UK have more than doubled at best.An easyJet spokesperson said: “Since the final whistle last night easyJet has seen an increase in demand for flights to and from Berlin.”Although we don’t artificially put fares up, our pricing is demand-led.”This means that as quick-thinking football fans booked seats the lower priced fares sold out, however easyJet continues to have availability for direct flights between now and Sunday from the UK to Berlin.”England fans climb on car roofs as wild Euro celebrations bring central London to a standstillNeil Chernoff, BA’s chief planning and strategy officer, said they saw a 1,000 per cent increase in searches for flights to Berlin between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday.BA have also announced they are looking at using bigger jets for the flights to allow as many fans as possible to travel.Neil added: “It’s a huge game and everyone at British Airways hopes England can get over the line and bring it home.”Hotel prices in Berlin have also rocketed with a one-night stay at a Holiday Inn in Berlin costing £345 on Sunday night.Over £200 more expensive than the same room a week later.The Courtyard Berlin City Centre is also charging £606 for Sunday night in its cheapest room – but just £137 the following Sunday.Airbnb’s in the city have stayed at around £117-a-night based on two people sharing the rooms but are expected to be booked up soon.Thousands will also be joining the rush to the German capital in cars, camper vans, coaches and trains.England fans are likely to come over on a 550-mile dash from Calais.But fans desperate to watch England potentially get their hands on international silverware for the first time since 1966 will be forced to stump up enough cash for re-sale tickets.Ticket prices for Sunday’s final flew up on the re-sale market with the best seat selling for an incredible £78,000-a-pair as others hit £32,852-a-pair.Some of the lowest-priced tickets are sat at £4,328 – 25 times the £85 face value they were worth pre-tournament. UEFA have warned fans about buying tickets from outside sellers as they said: “We urge fans not to purchase tickets on the secondary market.”Roar them onIf you want to help the England team to Euro 2024 glory… here’s your chance.On Sunday they will face Spain in the biggest game of their lives and we are giving YOU and your children the opportunity to send messages of support.Tell us who your favourite player is, tell us how you plan to watch them and send us pictures of your little ones in their England kit helping the Three Lions get to glory.To send our boys – including manager Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane, goalie Jordan Pickford and our goal-scoring genius Ollie Watkins – a message and photo simply sundayfeatures@the-sun.co.uk.  Please send us your phone number too so we can get in touch.   England overcame the Dutch in the semi-final at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday in a monumental game for Southgate’s side.The Dutch had started the match the better of the two as Simons gave them the lead in the 7th minute.Harry Kane levelled the match 11 minutes later from the spot after he won a controversial penalty.And it was Watkins who was the hero as he fired in the winner in the final moments of the match.The winning goal sent fans, players and coaching staff into wild celebrations.Even England’s Dutch coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was swept up in the moment before realising it came against his native country.Pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright went wild in the ITV studio while Roy Keane remained his composed self.England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spanish reached the final by dumping out France in the first semi-final 2-1.Randal Kolo Muani had given the French the lead before goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo sent Spain through.England ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. Up to 50,000 England fans are set to embark on a journey to Berlin airportCredit: GettyEngland are looking to win international silverware on Sunday for the first time since 1966Credit: PA More

IAN MAATSEN cut his holiday short to be at Euro 2024 but has been dumped out without playing a minute.The left-back, who joined Aston Villa from Chelsea for £37.5million this month, received a late call-up to the Netherlands squad.Ian Maatsen and Emely Tuinder were on a romantic breakCredit: Instagram @emelytuinderBut he swapped the yacht for a spot on the Netherlands benchCredit: RexHaving made Ronald Koeman’s provisional group, he was cut before the tournament.But an injury to Teun Koopmeiners opened the door for Maatsen, 22, to return.He was on holiday with his girlfriend Emely Tuinder in Mykonos when the news came.Maatsen, who was pictured chilling on a £500,000 yacht, headed straight for Germany to link up with his team-mates.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And his proud dad, Edward, even drove SIX HOURS from his home in Vlaardingen to their Euros camp to drop off Maatsen’s boots and personal items.Edward said: “Ian first wanted to come first to the Netherlands, but that didn’t seem like a good idea to us.”We know that as a family member you are always involved, this European Championship is the icing on the cake. “As a parent you are very proud and do everything you can to keep it on track and to keep everything around it as stable as possible.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlthough he eventually made Hollands’ Euros squad, Maatsen is still yet to earn his first cap for his country.Maatsen has never played for his country and will have to wait after England beat the Dutch 2-1.England vs Netherlands Player RatingsThe defender watched new club team-mate Ollie Watkins score a late winner to send the Three Lions into Sunday’s final.Villans Watkins and Ezri Konsa will hope to be involved in the showpiece.Maatsen may well whisk Tuinder away for another break before he joins up with his new club for pre-season training.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