Great entertainers Spain bring much-needed thrills to Euro 2024

Spain have been a class apart despite a devilishly difficult draw that has seen them beat 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, holders Italy, hosts Germany and the pre-tournament favourites in France. By contrast, England have stumbled their way into a first ever final on foreign soil thanks to a series of late goals.

They were among the continent's powerhouses accused of turning European football's showpiece into a tough watch. England topped Group C despite scoring just two goals in three games, form which drew such opprobrium from their own fans that Southgate was pelted with beer cups after a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.

Should Southgate's men go on to lift the trophy, Jude Bellingham's 95th-minute overhead kick to avoid a last-16 exit to Slovakia will go down as one of the most significant goals in English history. But it was also their first shot on target of the match.