From triumph to heartbreak: reliving the last five encounters between football giants
In a riveting UEFA Euro 2024 final, England and Spain prepare to clash once more. These two footballing powerhouses have a storied history, with their last five encounters delivering thrilling narratives of triumph, heartbreak, and sheer sporting excellence. Let’s revisit these captivating matches to set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
In Seville, England stunned Spain with a blistering first-half performance, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe. Raheem Sterling broke a three-year international goal drought by netting the opener in the 16th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack that caught Spain off-guard.
Raheem Sterling scores a crucial goal against Spain in a thrilling 3-2 victory // Picture Courtesy – VERSUS
Marcus Rashford then doubled the lead with a sublime strike after a clever pass from captain Harry Kane. Sterling struck again before halftime, with Kane providing the assist once more, putting England 3-0 up and silencing the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
Spain, refusing to go quietly, mounted a second-half comeback. Substitute Paco Alcácer headed in from a corner just before the hour mark, igniting hopes of a revival. Captain Sergio Ramos scored in added time with a diving header, but it was too little, too late. England held on for a memorable 3-2 victory, their first win on Spanish soil in 31 years.
Spain and England met at Wembley, with both teams fielding strong line-ups. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for England in the 11th minute, converting a pinpoint cross from Luke Shaw. However, Spain responded swiftly. Saúl Ñíguez levelled the score with a well-taken goal, and Rodrigo Moreno gave Spain the lead by cleverly redirecting a free kick past Jordan Pickford.
Marcus Rashford's stunning strike gives England a crucial lead at Wembley // Picture – Goal.com
The match was marred by a severe injury to Luke Shaw, who was stretchered off following a collision. Despite the disruption, England pushed for an equaliser. Rashford and Harry Maguire came close, but their efforts were thwarted. In a controversial moment during injury time, Danny Welbeck’s goal was disallowed for a perceived foul on David De Gea, leaving England fans fuming as Spain secured a 2-1 win.
In a friendly at Wembley, England delivered a spirited performance against Spain. Adam Lallana’s penalty and Jamie Vardy’s goal had England 2-0 up and cruising. The team played with confidence and flair, providing hope for a brighter future under Gareth Southgate’s interim management.
Iago Aspas celebrates his spectacular 90th-minute goal as Spain stages a dramatic comeback at Wembley // Picture Courtesy -- @Squawka_Live
However, Spain had other plans. Iago Aspas scored a breathtaking goal in the 90th minute, and Isco equalised deep into stoppage time. The match ended 2-2, a reminder of Spain’s resilience and England’s ongoing quest for consistency.
In Alicante, Spain demonstrated their superiority with a 2-0 victory over England. Mario Gaspar scored a sensational acrobatic volley, and Santi Cazorla added a second to seal the win. Despite some promising moments from England, Spain’s control of the game was never truly threatened.
England’s performance highlighted the gap between themselves and Europe’s elite. Michael Carrick and Fabian Delph struggled in midfield, and the team’s lack of composure in possession was evident.
Captain Frank Lampard scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Spain at Wembley, heading in after Darren Bent’s effort hit the post. England’s disciplined and industrious performance, epitomised by Scott Parker and Joleon Lescott, secured a morale-boosting victory against the World Cup holders.
Captain Frank Lampard heads in the winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley // Picture Courtesy -- @England
Spain dominated possession but failed to convert their chances. David Villa hit the post, and Cesc Fabregas missed a late opportunity, allowing England to celebrate a hard-fought win that injected confidence into Fabio Capello’s side.
