The non-football fan's guide to the England v Spain Euro 2024 final

Virgin Radio

12 Jul 2024, 13:16

Euros fever has gripped everyone in England, from full-on footy nuts to people who don’t know their Ollie Watkins from their Olly Murs.

And the country will come to a standstill at 8pm on Sunday 14th July, as everyone gathers around tellies in living rooms and pubs to watch England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

If you’re not a massive football fan and want to get up to speed with everything you need to know about the upcoming game, then virginradio.co.uk has got you covered.

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How can I watch the Euro 2024 Final? 

This is one of those unusual occasions where both BBC One and ITV1 have the rights to the match. So, the good news is that it is free-to-air (and on BBC iPlayer and ITVX), meaning that you can choose between Gary Lineker or Mark Pougatch as your anchor for the night.

What time does it start?

The match kicks-off at 8pm. There will be punditry galore in the build-up, so if you want to skip all that, just turn the telly on at 7.55pm in time for pre-match National Anthems.

How long will the match last?

The game is made up of two halves of 45 minutes, either side of a 15-minute half-time break. 

What happens if it’s a draw?

If the game ends in a draw, it will be immediately followed by 30 minutes of extra-time (split into two 15-minute halves).

And what if it’s still a draw after that?

Well, then it will go to the dreaded penalty shoot-out, which is the most tense thing that can happen in a football match. 

Each team gets five penalties, and whoever scores the most wins. If it is level after five penalties each, the penalties will continue until one team scores and another misses. This is known, somewhat dramatically, as sudden-death.

England lost the 2020 Euro final on penalties to Italy, and current England manager Gareth Southgate missed a vital sudden-death penalty when the Three Lions played Germany in the semi-final in 1996.

Why are England and Spain in the Final?

The tournament began with group stages, and England and Spain topped their groups. 

They both then progressed through the knockout matches (2nd round, quarter-final and semi-final) and are therefore the only two teams left in the competition. 

Whoever wins on Sunday will be the European Champions.

What are some good things to say to mates/shout at the telly?

Tricky one this, as quipping the wrong thing at the wrong time could make you look like Roger Nouveau, the clueless footy fan from The Fast Show.

If you’re feeling brave, then try something like “Harry Kane looks like he’s carrying an injury”, “Marc Guéhi has had a great tournament”, “Spain keep possession well, don’t they?” or “When do you think Southgate will change things up?”.

Or you can just give the referee some stick from time to time. That’s always a pretty safe one.

Are Spain any good? 

In a word, yes. They have won every game they have played so far in Euro 2024 and go into the match as favourites.

Are England any good? 

Also yes, although they took their time to get going in the tournament. They have drawn three of their six games so far, and required a dramatic last-ditch goal to save them from going out against Slovakia in the second round.

They only beat Switzerland in the quarter-final thanks to a penalty shoot-out, and there has been some dissent from fans regarding manager Gareth Southgate’s somewhat cautious tactics.

However, the performance against Netherlands in the semi-final was their best in Euro 2024 by some distance.

Who are the players to look out for?

Jude Bellingham is the one of the poster-boys for England. His overhead-kick against Slovakia is the reason the team didn’t come home quite a while ago.

Also, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden can make things happen. Harry Kane looks exhausted but is always good for a goal. Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer made a big impact from the bench in the semi-final.

For Spain, Lamine Yamal is the player to look out for. The 16-year-old (yes, he’s 16) became the youngest player to score at a men's European Championship when he netted in the semi-final win against France.

Also, keep en eye on Dani Olmo, Nico Williams and Rodri.

Which songs will the fans be singing?

Well, there’s obviously Three Lions, the Lightning Seeds/Baddiel and Skinner classic. You already know that one backwards.

A new one that fans are singing at this tournament is a version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark, in honour of Phil Foden. Read all about it here.

And The Killers’ Mr Brightside has also just become a surprise England anthem, as the Las Vegas band helped fans celebrate with a massive singalong when the team won their semi-final. 

What happens if England lose?

Lots of tears and a miserable commute to work for fans on Monday morning. 

Please note, saying, “Cheer up, it’s only a game,” will not help.

What happens if England win?

Beer gets thrown everywhere, people party in the streets until the early hours. Hangovers on Monday. Potential knighthoods for Southgate and his players.

Oh, and all eyes will immediately turn to a certain Sir Keir Starmer in the hope that the footy-mad new PM will announce an additional bank holiday this year in honour of the Three Lions!

You know it makes sense, Sir Keir!

When did England last win the Euros?

The men’s team have never won the Euros. 

The Lionesses, however, won the 2022 Women’s Euros, beating Germany in the final at Wembley.

How often do the Euros take place?

Every four years. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Wales will co-host the tournament in 2028.

Before then, the (also four-yearly) World Cup takes place in Canada, Mexico and USA in 2026.

So there you go. Hopefully you are now fully up to date, ready to cheer on the lads.

Enjoy the game and COME ON ENGLAND”!