Euro 2024

[Durhamfootman]

but the first 20 minutes or so were quite extraordinary

25 mins of course

A more subdued second half as Spain channelled their inner England and shifted to a 6 at the back with 4 holding mids in front formation to cede territory to Les Bleus, but France just didn't have any more goals in them. A few good chances created, but I doubt any of them were on target

A comfortable win for Spain in the end

[alfie]

Fair to say Spain in the final is no surprise ! They've looked the class of the field throughout the rounds. French had enough opportunities ; but they have been unable to convert most of their chances in any of their previous games so also unsurprising they failed here. For a very favoured team coming in they have been rather disappointing : did semi even flatter them a little ?

Guess Spain will justifiably start favourite against either England or Netherlands in the final. Doesn't make them unbeatable of course : some sharper finishing might have made them pay for some defensive lapses this morning. But anyone who beats them will have truly earned the trophy.

[Durhamfootman]

anything can happen in a final, of course, but Spain will be massive, massive favourites against whoever they face

[sussexpob]

Fair to say Spain in the final is no surprise ! They've looked the class of the field throughout the rounds. French had enough opportunities ; but they have been unable to convert most of their chances in any of their previous games so also unsurprising they failed here. For a very favoured team coming in they have been rather disappointing : did semi even flatter them a little ?

Guess Spain will justifiably start favourite against either England or Netherlands in the final. Doesn't make them unbeatable of course : some sharper finishing might have made them pay for some defensive lapses this morning. But anyone who beats them will have truly earned the trophy.

France certainly left the two teams from today some hope, as they dominated after the break and really should have got back into the game.

Spain have been the best team no doubt, and even an on form England would struggle against the speed they move the ball.... but for 45 minutes France proved they arent impossible to get into.

[sussexpob]

Can Luke Shaw even run? Spent the whole half waddling around at walking pace

[sussexpob]

What a strike that is...take a bow Ollie Watkins

[bigfluffylemon]

Wow, another final.

Spain must be favourites, but England might prefer it that way. The pressure will ease a bit.

[sussexpob]

Replay of the Switzerland game really. Lots of possession going nowhere, they came back into it and had more chances, we prevail in the end.

We were good till he put Shaw on. Guy is clearly 10 percent fit, should be nowhere near the final

[Gingerfinch]

Shaw looks slow but he can (though not tonight) bring balance to the force.

What a goal though. England were superb first half but Holland got in our faces in the 2nd before tiring, They had their chances but unlike Watkins, didn't take them.

[sussexpob]

Shaw looks slow but he can (though not tonight) bring balance to the force.

What a goal though. England were superb first half but Holland got in our faces in the 2nd before tiring, They had their chances but unlike Watkins, didn't take them.

Not a comment on shaws quality, but he didn't look fit.

Superb is generous. I thought the penalty was a bit dodgy, and Foden had the ball just on the line, but it was the only chance we really created... Obviously Foden whacked the post, but it's a pot shot from distance

Defo slow improvement

[bigfluffylemon]

Credit where due, the substitutions of Watkins and Palmer got the job done.

[Gingerfinch]

Shaw looks slow but he can (though not tonight) bring balance to the force.

What a goal though. England were superb first half but Holland got in our faces in the 2nd before tiring, They had their chances but unlike Watkins, didn't take them.

Not a comment on shaws quality, but he didn't look fit.

Superb is generous. I thought the penalty was a bit dodgy, and Foden had the ball just on the line, but it was the only chance we really created... Obviously Foden whacked the post, but it's a pot shot from distance

Defo slow improvement

I reckon I my take Shaw over 30 yards. I'd still have him over Trippier though.

[alfie]

That was worth setting the alarm for

Far and away their best display so it seems they do lift when they play better teams : will need to lift again for Spain ... but I have some hopes now as they seem to have developed a handy knack of getting results ...

[bigfluffylemon]

Not on FTA in Australia, so not sure if I can watch the final without forking over $25 for an Optus subscription. Not sure it'll be worth it...

[Durhamfootman]

Well done England. Back to back Euro finals is quite the achievement

I've only seen the first half, but it was a great perfomance from England. Foden was particularly good, but the whole mindset for the half was positive intent and attacking threat. I'm with Ginger, they were superb. I'd even go as far as to say that that half was their best performance since maybe even the WC QF defeat to France, where they so very nearly turned the game on its head. Definitely not a pen, but after decades of dodgy decisions going against England, I'm happy to take it, even if it was a bit of a head scratcher. I'm not sure what Dumfries is supposed to do when Kane's follow through sees his shin hit the defenders toe end. And a yellow to add insult to injury. He has to challenge for that ball, he can't let Kane have a free shot

It's just a shame that the manager stifles that positivity for 19 matches in every 20

I have a feeling, when I watch the second half in the morning, that England will revert to type in the second and I'll get grumpy again, but I can console myself with the full and certain knowledge that the next match will be Southgate's last. Worryingly I heard that some of the BBC pundits are begining to form a groundswell of opinion in favour of........................ Lampard to take over...... FFS!