Against All Odds: How England Reached the Euro 2024 Final

Winning Matters More Than How We Play

England reached Final said Former center-back Matt Upson. Winning matters more than how we play. During England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. Gareth Southgate’s team has found ways to succeed through luck, determination or brilliance. That made it possible and England reached in Final 2024.

Although England reached in final and prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday. Let’s look back at the key moments from their journey in Germany.

Saka’s Redirected Pass

The Three Lions started Euro 2024 strong after a 1-0 loss to Iceland defeating Serbia 1-0 in their Group C opener in Schalke. Bukayo Saka’s cross from the right took a lucky bounce. And Jude Bellingham scored with a powerful header.

Furthermore They set the tone early for the tournament with this decisive win.

The draw widens

England drew 1-1 with Denmark in their second group match. A performance criticized as “very poor” by former striker Alan Shearer. However the result meant that a win against Slovenia in their final group game would secure them as Group C winners.

Moreover The match ended in a dull 0-0 draw but Denmark’s draw with Serbia ensured. England topped the group and landed. On what was considered the easier side of the knockout stage.

However A late equalizer by Niclas Fullkrug for Germany against Switzerland. Meant they topped Group A avoiding England’s side of the draw. France and Belgium among the favorites ended up on Germany’s side as well.

England’s semi-final against the Netherlands marked their first meeting with a top-10 ranked team in the tournament.

Slovakia wasted a great opportunity

England faced a tough situation in their last-16 match against Slovakia trailing 1-0 early due to Ivan Schranz’s goal. Additionaly The match could have turned embarrassing if David Strelec’s long range attempt in the second half.

Where he spotted England keeper Jordan Pickford off his line hadn’t missed the target.

Bellingham’s spectacular bicycle kick

Strelec’s missed opportunity gave England a second chance. And Bellingham seized it by scoring an acrobatic volley in the 95th minute. His goal equalized the match against Slovakia saving England from potential elimination.

Although This sparked a dramatic comeback culminating in Harry Kane’s extra-time goal. And securing a thrilling 2-1 victory for the Three Lions.

Saka cuts through the Swiss defense

Once again England had to recover from a deficit in the quarter-final against Switzerland after Breel Embolo scored. This time Saka played the hero equalizing with a superb goal.

He dribbled in from the right and struck a precise left-footed shot. Into the bottom corner forcing the match into extra time.

Shaqiri hits the crossbar

England had some fortunate moments at Euro 2024. Especially when the goalpost saved goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in extra time against Switzerland.

Near the end of the match Xherdan Shaqiri from Switzerland attempted a tricky corner kick to surprise Pickford. But the ball hit the crossbar. The game ended 1-1 leading to a penalty shootout with three minutes left.

Pickford reacts swiftly and nails his penalties

While fortunate to escape conceding from Shaqiri’s corner Pickford showed outstanding skill in the penalty shootout. He made crucial saves including denying Manuel Akanji.

Ensuring that if England’s penalty takers didn’t make mistakes a historical weakness for the team in previous tournaments . They would advance to the semi-finals. Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

All calmly scored their penalties, demonstrating their preparation and handling pressure effectively from their training.

Crucial penalty moment and Watkins’ heroic actions

In their semi-final match, England once again had to recover from a deficit after Xavi Simons scored early for the Netherlands. They got a stroke of luck when Kane was given a controversial penalty.

Which he converted to tie the game and shift the momentum. Then just before extra time substitute Ollie Watkins scored a decisive goal. In the 90th minute with a superb low shot from a difficult angle sending England into their second consecutive Euros final.