Berlin: The Women’s World Cup final. Now the men’s European Championship final.

While Spain versus England lacks the classic, deep-rooted international rivalry of some soccer nations, their consecutive appearances in major tournament title matches within 11 months could mark the beginning of one.

Spain's 1-0 victory in Sydney last August, in what was the pinnacle of women’s soccer, was overshadowed by controversy when Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy ceremony. This sparked a player rebellion, triggered discussions on gender issues, and ultimately led to Rubiales' removal from power.

Now, the men's teams will face off in the Euro 2024 final, marking their first major tournament encounter since Euro '96 and potentially sparking a new chapter in their football rivalry. Here’s a glance back at their storied history.

Stuart Pearce's Redemption:

In the Euro '96 quarter finals at Wembley, Stuart Pearce famously exorcised his penalty shootout demons by scoring against Spain, leading England to a 4-2 victory. This emotional moment saw Pearce, who had missed a crucial penalty in the 1990 World Cup semifinals, celebrate with tears of joy, symbolising England's triumph over Spain.

Gary Lineker's Four-Goal Masterclass:

In 1987, Gary Lineker, then playing for Barcelona, stunned Madrid with all four goals in England's 4-2 win over Spain in a friendly. His lethal finishing inside the box showcased his prowess, adding to his reputation as a top striker during his time in Spain.

Telmo Zarra's Maracana Winner:

Spain dealt a blow to England in the 1950 World Cup, ending their campaign with a 1-0 victory at Maracana Stadium in Brazil. Telmo Zarra's goal sealed England's fate just days after their infamous loss to the USA, marking a significant moment in their early World Cup encounters.

Historical Scorelines:

England's largest margin of victory against Spain came in 1931 with a resounding 7-1 win in a friendly at Highbury. Spain's revenge came in 1960 with a 3-0 victory in Madrid, featuring stars like Di Stefano and Gento, highlighting their occasional dominance over the English side.

Ahead of Euro 2024:

As Spain and England prepare for their Euro 2024 showdown, their last competitive encounter dates back to Euro '96, where England emerged victorious. The upcoming final presents an opportunity to renew their rivalry on the grand stage, with Spain showcasing their tournament dominance and England displaying resilience by coming from behind in all knockout-stage games.

Hence, while Spain and England lack a classic football rivalry in the traditional sense, their encounters have produced memorable moments across decades, setting the stage for a potentially historic Euro 2024 final. AP