Spain midfielder Rodri was named the best player of Euro 2024 after helping La Roja beat England 2-1 to win the competition for a fourth time in Berlin on Sunday.

Rodri had to be replaced at halftime of the final after picking up a knee injury but was rewarded for his excellent performances as Spain also overcame hosts Germany and France to reach the final.

The Manchester City man’s only goal of the tournament came in scoring the equaliser in a 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16.

However, he was hailed by coach Luis de la Fuente as a “perfect computer” for his metronomic passing and reading of the game that proved vital to carrying a young side through a devilishly difficult draw to glory.

Rodri has now lost just once in his last 80 games in all competitions for club and country and can add the Euros to a glittering list of silverware in that time.

The 28-year-old has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup with City, as well as the Nations League with Spain.

Who said what after a late Mikel Oyarzabal winner gave Spain a 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday:

“Euphoric. Very happy. All our people deserve it. The family, the fans… European champions and now we’re going for the World Cup (in 2026).”

— Spain’s opening goalscorer Nico Williams on what it means to win Euro 2024.

“I did my job, what I had to do at every moment. I was lucky enough to score the winner. You value it a lot. And if you’re lucky enough to score the goal… It’s the best.”

— Oyarzabal on his match-winning strike in the 86th minute.

“Losing in a final is as tough as it gets… We done really well to get back in the game at 1-1 and then we couldn’t use our momentum to push on… It’s as painful as it can be in a football match.”

— England captain Harry Kane.

“Gareth will go away and take time to decide. We wanted to win it for him.”

— Kane on the future of manager Gareth Southgate who hinted he might step down if England failed to win Euro 2024.

“I’m devastated for everyone really… Across the 90 minutes I’m not sure we did quite enough.”

— Southgate.

“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”

— Southgate on his future.

Spain struck late to win Euro 2024 with a 2-1 victory over England on Sunday in Berlin to capture the trophy for a record fourth time.

Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal turned home in the 86th minute after Nico Williams sent Spain ahead early in the second half but England substitute Cole Palmer pulled the Three Lions level.

England almost equalised at the death but Dani Olmo headed Marc Guehi’s effort off the line to safety.

More Details Later…

England has advanced to another European Championship final following a dramatic comeback win against the Netherlands in Dortmund, Germany. The thrilling match saw England emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks to a last-minute goal by Ollie Watkins. This victory sets up a title clash with Spain, marking England’s first major final on foreign soil since their 1966 World Cup win.

The match was filled with tension and excitement. Netherlands took an early lead through Xavi Simons, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by England. However, England equalized when Harry Kane converted a penalty after being fouled by Denzel Dumfries. The game seemed destined for extra time until Gareth Southgate made a bold move, substituting Ollie Watkins for captain Harry Kane. Watkins, with a single touch from Cole Palmer’s pass, fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner in stoppage time, sealing the victory.

King Charles III, along with the rest of the nation, experienced the roller coaster of emotions. In his congratulatory message, the king humorously urged the team to avoid any more last-minute dramas to spare the nation’s collective heart rate.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to bring on Watkins proved to be a masterstroke. Watkins, who had only made one previous appearance in Euro 2024, expressed his elation, stating, “Unbelievable—I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I got the opportunity and took it with both hands.”

The victory was a bitter pill for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who had believed his team could win in extra time. England now faces Spain in the final in Berlin, a game that Harry Kane described as “unbelievably tough—a really difficult game.”

The Dutch supporters, known for their vocal presence, dominated the city center before the game, making the atmosphere intense. Despite the early setback, England’s resilience and tactical changes led to a memorable win. The team’s journey through Euro 2024 has been filled with last-minute goals and penalty shootouts, keeping their fans on the edge of their seats.

Gareth Southgate praised his team’s character and performance, noting that coming from behind to win showed their resilience and determination. England now looks forward to the final, with the hopes of ending their long wait for a major trophy since 1966.

Spain vs Germany
Euro 2024 quarterfinals
Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Time: 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) kickoff on Friday, July 6

Spain:

• Pedri: The young midfielder’s vision and passing ability are critical for Spain’s ball control and attack.
• Alvaro Morata: Spain’s leading striker, known for his positioning and finishing skills, will be essential for converting chances into goals.

Germany:

• Joshua Kimmich: As a versatile midfielder, Kimmich’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball will be key.
• Serge Gnabry: The forward’s pace and scoring prowess make him a constant threat to Spain’s defense.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Historical Matchups:

• Spain and Germany have faced each other multiple times in major tournaments, with each team having its share of victories.
• W-D-L Record: Germany: 10 Wins, Draws: 8, Spain: 9 Wins

Tactical Approaches:

• Spain: Known for their tiki-taka style, Spain will aim to dominate possession and create opportunities through intricate passing.
• Germany: Germany will likely adopt a balanced approach, leveraging quick transitions and the technical skills of their midfield.

Match Expectations

This quarterfinal clash promises a tactical battle between two football powerhouses. Spain’s possession-based style will be tested against Germany’s disciplined and dynamic play. Key players like Pedri and Kimmich will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome, ensuring a high-intensity and captivating match.

Portugal vs France
Euro 2024 quarterfinals
Stadium: Volksparkstadion Stadium in Hamburg, Germany
Time: 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) kickoff on Friday, July 5

Key Players and Their Influence

Portugal:

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal’s iconic forward, known for his scoring and leadership, will be crucial in turning the tide in their favor.

Bruno Fernandes: His creativity and set-piece expertise are vital for breaking down France’s defense.

France:

Kylian Mbappé: The speedy forward is a constant threat, capable of exploiting defensive gaps.

N’Golo Kanté: His defensive skills and work rate will be key in disrupting Portugal’s play and transitioning to attack.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Historical Matchups:

Portugal and France have a storied rivalry, including Portugal’s victory in the Euro 2016 final.

W-D-L Record: France: 19 Wins, Draws: 2, Portugal: 6 Wins

Tactical Approaches

• Portugal: Expect disciplined defense and counter-attacks, leveraging Ronaldo’s and Fernandes’ strengths.
• France: They will aim to control possession and utilize Mbappé’s pace for creating opportunities.

Match Expectations

The quarterfinal promises a tactical battle, with both teams showcasing a blend of experience and young talent. Key players like Fernandes and Kanté will play crucial roles, and fans can anticipate high-intensity action with potential game-changing moments.