Spain and England in Euro finals

The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is one of the most prestigious football tournaments, second only to the FIFA World Cup. This Sunday Spain and England, two of Europe's football powerhouses, play the Euro 2024 final. Fans of both team are currently actively looking for the best Euro final tickets in our inventory. Leading up to this game we decided to take a look at the previous Euro final both nations played so far.

Spain: A legacy of dominance

Spain's journey in the European Championship is marked by periods of both struggle and unparalleled success. The Spanish national team, known as La Roja, has a storied history in the Euros, with three championship titles to their name.

1964 - The first triumph

Spain's first major international success came in 1964 when they hosted the European Championship. Under the guidance of coach José Villalonga, Spain triumphed in the final against the Soviet Union with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Jesús María Pereda and Marcelino Martínez. This victory established Spain as a formidable force in European football.

2008 - The golden generation

After a long period of underachievement, Spain emerged victorious again in 2008. Under the management of Luis Aragonés, Spain showcased a mesmerizing style of play known as "tiki-taka," characterized by short passes and maintaining possession. The final against Germany saw a 1-0 victory, with Fernando Torres scoring the decisive goal. This triumph marked the beginning of Spain's golden era in international football.

2012 - back-to-back champions

Spain continued their dominance in the 2012 European Championship held in Poland and Ukraine. Managed by Vicente del Bosque, Spain defended their title with flair and precision. In the final, Spain delivered a masterclass performance, defeating Italy 4-0. Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata sealed their third Euro title, making them the first team to win back-to-back European Championships and adding to their 2010 World Cup victory.

England: The quest for European glory

England, the birthplace of modern football, has a passionate football culture and a rich history. However, their journey in the European Championship has been a tale of near-misses and heartbreaks.

1968 - The early years

England's first significant foray into the Euros came in 1968 when they reached the semi-finals. Managed by Sir Alf Ramsey, who led them to World Cup glory in 1966, England finished third after defeating the Soviet Union 2-0 in the third-place playoff.

1996 - Football comes home

England hosted the European Championship in 1996, a tournament fondly remembered for its catchy anthem "Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)" and the iconic Wembley Stadium. Managed by Terry Venables, England reached the semi-finals, displaying thrilling performances. However, their campaign ended in heartbreak with a penalty shootout loss to Germany. Despite the disappointment, Euro 1996 reignited the nation's footballing spirit.

2020 - Agonizingly close

The delayed 2020 European Championship, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw England reach their first-ever Euro final. Under the management of Gareth Southgate, England showcased a blend of youth and experience. The final at Wembley against Italy ended 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Italy emerged victorious 3-2 on penalties, leaving England's quest for European glory unfulfilled but showcasing their potential for future success.