Roy Keane believes Spain will be favourites for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final but says “sometimes things are written in the stars” after another late England win.
The Three Lions came from behind once again to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund. Harry Kane’s penalty cancelled out a fine first-half strike from Xavi Simons, but Ollie Watkins’ late goal sent England through to another Euro final.
It was another demonstration of England’s strength in depth and character with another last-minute goal, and Sky Sports Pundit Keane says things could be lining up for Gareth Southgate’s side ahead of Sunday’s game in Berlin.
“I would put Spain among the favourites but sometimes things are written in the stars for this England team,” he said. ITV Sport.
“They should have been out of the game about a week ago, but they have momentum now.
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Ollie Watkins has insisted his friends and family told him in advance he would score and make the difference for England against the Netherlands
“It’s good to see players coming off the bench with the right mindset. They want to get into the game and make an impact.
“They come on and score late goals, it’s going to be a brilliant game against Spain. The impact of the substitutes has been huge for a lot of teams in this tournament.”
The Euro 2024 final will be the first time the men’s team have played the final of a major tournament on foreign soil, and fellow pundit Gary Neville agrees the momentum could swing in England’s favour.
“It’s an incredible achievement, to reach a final again is an incredible achievement. Go out there and finish it. How many times will England be in this position? I’ve never managed it once,” he added. ITV Sport.
“Spain, not many people liked them. Neither did I. But they are the best team and they played the best football. So we have our work cut out for us but you can feel that something is happening. Things are going in England’s favour and that’s a confidence boost.”
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England fans across the country went wild as Gareth Southgate’s men booked their place in the European Championship final
“But it’s clear that Spain have been a much better team than us in this tournament.
“It’s unbelievable. The group of players and the manager haven’t been at their best in this tournament, but they’ve managed to stay in the game and get over the line. Over the years they’ve been called naive, they’ve played well and lost, but this team is doing everything right. And they’re getting better.”
“It’s absolutely incredible the way they’ve done it and it’s something English teams haven’t been able to do in the past.”
