Stuart's Euro 2024 Series 32: FINAL Spain v England

Match 51 - Spain 2-1 England

For the first time in the EURO's, and only the second time in a major competition with 7 matches, the winners go through the competition unbeaten. They won all their matches.

Spain started strong and had good posession as the match started, but England weathered the storm and grew into the game. An English shot that hit the post was the closest either team came to in the opening 45 minutes.

If they started the first half strong, Spain began the second like a tornado and the England's defense was blown away in the second minute of the half Lamine Yamal fed Nico Williams and his low shot was too good for the diving Pickford.

Spain threatened to sweep England away and they needed to change something. On 61 minutes the ineffectual Kane was switched for Watkins, but it was Palmer coming on 9 minutes later which led to English hopes reviving. Saka passed to Bellingham in the box, who laid it back for Palmer, and Palmer slammed the ball low into the net.

But it proved to be a high point as the Spanish tide rose once more. A Yamine Lamal strike was turned aside by Pickford, but he had no chance when Cucurella placed a ball in the horrifying space between final defender and goalkeeper and Oyarzabal was adept enough to remain on side, and then beat a tired looking Guehi to prod the ball into the net.

Even that was not enough to secure things though. England had two goal bound headers cleared from the face of the Spanish goal, before a third was sent over the bar.

With that, only the final whistle remained.

While England relied on the stability of experience Spain gambled on the brilliance of youth. We will be waxing lyrical about the silky skills of Lamine Yamal for years to come.

If England seek a new manager to head towards 2026 they may be well advised to follow Spain's lead and let the youth have their head. Should they do so, Spain v England has the potential to become the most anticipated match in every competition for years to come.

text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull