Obtain a comprehensive overview of the four teams that are still competing for victory in Germany.
The UEFA EURO 2024 semi-finalists have been finalized, with only four teams remaining out of the initial 24. These four teams are now in the running to win the Henri Delaunay Cup in Berlin on 14 July.
Semi-final fixtures
- Spain vs France (Munich, 9 July, 21:00)
- Netherland vs England (Dortmund, 10 July, 21:00)
England
Group C winners
- 1-0 vs Serbia (Gelsenkirchen, 16 June)
- 1-1 vs Denmark (Frankfurt, 20 June)
- 0-0 vs Slovenia (Cologne, 25 June)
Round of 16
- 2-1 aet vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 30 June)
Quarter-final
- 1-1 aet 5-3p vs Switzerland (Düsseldorf, 6 July)
Semi-final vs Netherlands (Dortmund, 10 July, 21:00)
Pedigree
- EURO best: Runners-up (2020)
- EURO 2020: Runners-up, lost 3-2 on penalties to Italy (1-1 aet)
Story so far
England did not display their best form in Group C, yet they managed to finish on top of their group without suffering any defeats. Throughout all three matches, glimpses of brilliance from forwards like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden were evident. Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick led to extra time in the round of 16 victory over Slovakia, where Kane scored the winning goal. Additionally, they showed resilience by coming from behind against Switzerland, with Bukayo Saka scoring the equalizer before securing a win on penalties by converting all five spot kicks. With just one more victory, the Three Lions could reach their second consecutive EURO final.
Coach: Gareth Southgate
Southgate, the former Three Lions centre-back, has reached a EURO final, a World Cup quarter-final, and a World Cup semi-final in his three major tournaments in charge. He will be eager for his fourth attempt to bring luck. He will strive to maximize the potential of the abundant talent available to him in the upcoming matches.
Key player: Jude Bellingham
Bellingham truly embodies England’s knack for delivering in crucial moments, standing out among his squadmates. His two goals in the EURO, notably a stunning bicycle kick in the final minutes against Slovakia, have solidified his position as Southgate’s go-to player for game-changing performances. His exceptional abilities shine brightest when the pressure is on, making him a key player for important matches.
One to watch: Cole Palmer
The attacking midfielder proved to be Chelsea’s top performer in the 2023/24 season, delivering a steady stream of goals and creative plays. His calm and composed presence on the field has led to him being nicknamed ‘Cold Palmer’; it appears that nothing can rattle him, as evidenced by his successful conversion of England’s initial penalty in the shootout victory against Switzerland. Whether on the field or as a substitute, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming semi-finals.
France
Group D runners-up
- 1-0 vs Austria (Düsseldorf, 17 June)
- 0-0 vs Netherlands (Leipzig, 21 June)
- 1-1 Poland (Dortmund, 25 June)
Round of 16
- 1-0 vs Belgium (Düsseldorf, 1 July)
Quarter-final
- 0-0 aet 5-3p vs Portugal (Hamburg, 5 July)
Semi-final vs Spain (Munich, 9 July, 21:00)
Pedigree
- EURO best: Winners (1984, 2000)
- EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 5-4 on penalties to Switzerland (3-3 aet)
Story so far
France did not manage to secure the top spot in their group for the first time since EURO 2012. Despite a hard-fought victory against Austria, they settled for draws against the Netherlands and Poland. However, they maintained an undefeated record, and Kylian Mbappé scored his first goal with a penalty in their last Group D match before narrowly defeating Belgium in the round of 16. Their proficiency in spot kicks once again proved crucial as they converted all five penalties to avenge their loss to Portugal in the EURO 2016 final.
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Deschamps, one of the most accomplished individuals in global football, is determined to finally claim the one championship that has eluded him as a coach. Despite coming so close in 2016, the disappointment from that near miss will only fuel his competitive spirit. With his composed demeanor and effective communication skills, the World Cup champion appears poised to guide his team to success.
Key player: Kylian Mbappé
France has an abundance of talent in their forward line, but the exceptional Parisian stands out from the rest. At only 25 years old, he has already achieved a lot in the game, but winning a EURO trophy is definitely one of his goals. Mbappé’s name alone instills fear in his opponents due to his destructive, powerful, and all-powerful playing style. After taking over the captain’s armband from Hugo Lloris, the former Monaco youth has grown in influence and taken on responsibilities with great skill.
One to watch: Bradley Barcola
The young Parisian forward, aged 21, has a laid-back appearance that masks his impressive speed on the field, leading to a successful season. His straightforward approach to running and his ability to outmaneuver defenders in different directions make him a formidable opponent. In the contemporary era of football, players are required to exhibit strategic thinking and adaptability, and Barcola’s dedication to pressing and attacking from the front is greatly admired by his coaches in club and international settings.
Netherlands
Third place in Group D
- 2-1 vs Poland (Hamburg, 16 June)
- 0-0 vs France (Leipzig, 21 June)
- 2-3 vs Austria (Berlin, 25 June)
Round of 16
- 3-0 vs Romania (Munich, 2 July)
Quarter-final
- 2-1 vs Türkiye (Berlin, 6 July)
Semi-final vs England (Dortmund, 10 July, 21:00)
Pedigree
- EURO best: Winners (1988)
- EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 2-0 to Czechia
Story so far
The Netherlands had a varied beginning, starting with a strong comeback win against Poland, then a goalless draw with France, and finally a dramatic 3-2 loss to Austria. Despite this, they managed to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. In the round of 16, they easily defeated Romania 3-0, showcasing their strength. They then secured a place in the EURO semi-final for the first time since 2004 with a hard-fought victory against Turkey.
Coach: Ronald Koeman
Koeman’s return to lead the Oranje got off to a shaky start, suffering defeats in three out of his first four matches against France, Croatia, and Italy. Despite this, he managed to turn things around, guiding the Dutch team to victory in all their group qualification games except for the ones against France. Having won the EURO as a player in 1988, the 61-year-old could secure a place in Dutch football history if he were to achieve the same success as a coach.
Key player: Memphis Depay
In recent seasons, the Atlético de Madrid ace has been plagued by a series of frustrating injuries. However, when he is fit, he is the unquestionable leader of the Dutch attack. Depay is just four goals away from matching Robin van Persie’s all-time record of 50 goals, and he averages a goal every two matches for the national team, while also providing numerous assists.
One to watch: Xavi Simons
The Leipzig midfielder struggled to make an impact in his first 13 appearances for the Oranje, failing to register an assist or a goal. However, he has since hit his stride, scoring against Iceland in a pre-tournament friendly and setting up goals in matches against Austria and Romania. Simons’ creativity, vision, and ability to exploit spaces between the lines are essential to the Dutch attack’s success.
Spain
Group B winners
- 3-0 vs Croatia (Berlin, 15 June)
- 1-0 vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, 20 June)
- 1-0 vs Albania (Düsseldorf, 24 June)
Round of 16
- 4-1 vs Georgia (Cologne, 30 June)
Quarter-final
- 2-1 aet vs Germany (Stuttgart, 5 July)
Semi-final vs France (Munich, 9 July, 21:00)
Pedigree
- EURO best: Winners (1964, 2008, 2012)
- EURO 2020: Semi-finals, lost 4-2 on penalties to Italy (1-1 aet)
Story so far
Spain’s national team has been performing exceptionally well in Germany, emerging victorious in all five matches, scoring a total of 11 goals and only conceding twice. Lamine Yamal, a winger, made history by becoming the youngest player to participate in a EURO match against Croatia. He also provided an assist as Spain demonstrated their strength by defeating the hosts in extra time during the quarter-finals, despite conceding a late goal. If they manage to win in Germany, they will be the first team to secure four EURO titles.
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
The Spain manager, a popular Basque who achieved success in the Spanish Liga as a full-back with Athletic Club, has a proven track record of winning. He guided Spanish national teams to victory in the EURO at youth levels – the Under-19s in 2015 and the U21s in 2019. His senior team triumphed over Italy and Croatia to claim the UEFA Nations League title last summer, and repeated the feat against the same opponents in Group B. De la Fuente has instilled a remarkable atmosphere, mentality, and playing style since his arrival in Germany, earning the admiration of his squad.
Key player: Rodri
Rodri, despite being a midfielder, often goes unnoticed for his exceptional skills on the field. He is arguably one of the top players globally at the moment. With his natural talent, athleticism, and competitive spirit, he is currently in his prime and possesses the required expertise. Having a track record of winning trophies with Manchester City, he serves as a source of inspiration through both his actions and words.
One to watch: Lamine Yamal
Yamal, a remarkable and unpredictable talent, brings great enjoyment regardless of whether you are a fan of La Roja or not. Typically utilized as a winger, this left-footed teenager broke the record for the youngest player to have appeared in a EURO finals when he stepped onto the field at the age of just 16 years and 338 days on Matchday 1. With over 60 appearances for both club and country, he is highly regarded as a promising prospect by his hometown team Barcelona. While Pedri shone at EURO 2020, Yamal has undeniably been one of the tournament’s standout young players thus far.
