Ollie Watkins scores winning goal against Netherlands
Ollie Watkins scores winning goal against Netherlands

Euro 2024 Favorites: Spain and England Clash for the Title

The UEFA Euro 2024 final is upon us, culminating a month of thrilling football action. This year’s championship match features a highly anticipated showdown between two of Europe’s football powerhouses: Spain and England. Set for Sunday, July 14th at 3 p.m. ET, the final promises to be a captivating contest to determine who will be crowned the Euro 2024 champion.

Spain secured their place in the Euro 2024 final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final. Despite conceding an early goal, Spain demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess to overcome the deficit. A standout moment was the exceptional performance of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who not only equalized with a stunning strike from outside the box but also etched his name in history.

Yamal’s goal at 16 years and 362 days old marked a historic milestone, making him the youngest player to ever score in a Euros or World Cup match, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s long-standing record. Dani Olmo further solidified Spain’s lead with another goal shortly after, giving them the advantage they would defend against a persistent French side. This victory marked Spain’s sixth win in the current Euro edition, a feat unmatched in the tournament’s history, and their sixth consecutive win in a single Euro tournament, highlighting their dominant form.

England’s path to the final was equally dramatic, marked by a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. Mirroring Spain’s semi-final, England also conceded an early goal, with Xavi Simons putting the Netherlands ahead. However, England responded swiftly, with Harry Kane converting a penalty to level the score. The match remained tightly contested until the final moments when Ollie Watkins, a late substitute, scored a decisive goal in the 90th minute, sending England to the final.

Ollie Watkins scores winning goal against NetherlandsOllie Watkins scores winning goal against Netherlands

Watkins’s goal was only the second 90th-minute winning goal in a Euro knockout match that involved a tied score, adding to the thrilling narrative of England’s journey. As the final approaches, the betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 10 reflect the anticipation and close nature of the matchup between these two Favorites To Win Euro 2024.

Updated Odds to Win UEFA Euro 2024:

Spain: -155 (Bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
England: +120 (Bet $10 to win $22 total)

These odds indicate that Spain is currently considered the slight favorite to win Euro 2024. However, the narrow margin suggests a highly competitive final is expected. Historically, both Spain and England have had significant moments in the UEFA Euro championships. Spain has a rich history, with multiple titles, while England is seeking to add their name to the Euro winners’ list.

Previous UEFA Euro Champions:

2020: Italy def. England
2016: Portugal def. France
2012: Spain def. Italy
2008: Spain def. Germany
2004: Greece def. Portugal
2000: France def. Italy
1996: Germany def. Czech Republic
1992: Denmark def. Germany
1988: Netherlands def. Soviet Union
1984: France def. Spain
1980: West Germany def. Belgium
1976: Czechoslovakia def. West Germany
1972: West Germany def. Soviet Union
1968: Italy def. Yugoslavia
1964: Spain def. Soviet Union
1960: Soviet Union def. Yugoslavia

The Euro 2024 final between Spain and England is set to be a momentous occasion. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional quality and resilience throughout the tournament, solidifying their positions as the favorites to win Euro 2024. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans to witness who will lift the coveted trophy.

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