Monday, December 23, 2024

Euro 2024 final: Date, kick-off time, TV channel & latest updates as England take on Spain

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If Spain win, this tournament is likely to go down in history as the introduction of Lamine Yamal – in the way Pele took the 1958 World Cup by storm.

The 16-year-old Barcelona player became the youngest European Championship player ever when he started their opening game against Croatia.

In the semi-final his stunning effort into the top scorer made him the youngest goalscorer at a Euros or World Cup, breaking Pele’s record. He also broke Pele’s record of the youngest player in a semi-final in either tournament.

Not only has he been playing – and scored one of the goals of the tournament – but statistically he has generally been one of the best players too, with three assists and 13 chances created.

Yamal plays on the right wing and on the left has been one of the tournament’s other stars, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who is only 21 himself.

The pair, who have become close friends, celebrate birthdays in the two days leading up to the final.

Luis de la Fuente’s side also have the current leader in the Golden Boot race: Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. Despite only starting two games he has scored three goals – level with four other players – but his two assists are the tie-breaker.

Another contender for the player of the tournament is Spain’s Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodri.

The 28-year-old, who was born on the day England knocked Spain out of Euro ’96, has only lost one of his past 79 games for club and country.

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