In the end, the best team won. England might have had their shot at glory in the final, but Spain were deserved champions of Euro 2024 as Luis de la Fuente’s side won all seven of the matches they played at the tournament. Nobody could stop La Roja and this summer could be the start of another period of Spanish dominance in international football.
This is reflected best by Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal who botht shone at Euro 2024. They are two of the best wide attackers in world football and are still exceptionally young with Lamal only turning 17 last week. Barring any injury misfortune, Spain will be able to count on the pair for a long time to come.
In Rodri, Spain boast the best number six on the planet at the moment. There is nobody else who operates at the base of the midfield like the 28-year-old who gives his national team so much security and freedom to play with attacking verve. Players like Williams and Yamal have a safety net behind them.
Pedri was ruled out of Euro 2024 through injury at the quarter-final stage, but he is the natural successor to Andres Iniesta in the way he finds pockets of space and drifts in between the lines. At 21, he, like Williams and Yamal, is going to be an integral part of Spain’s future, assuming he can stay fit and avoid more injuries.
Then there’s Gavi who missed the entire tournament this summer through injury. He too is another youngster who has already proved himself at the elite level with the 19-year-old incredibly versatile. Indeed, Gavi can play in a number of different positions, but always brings the same level of energy and dynamism.
Dani Olmo, who finished as joint-top scorer at Euro 2024, is only 26 and still has his best years ahead of him while Marc Cucurella, who defied his doubters to impress for Spain at left back this summer, is 25. Factor in Fermin Lopez (21), Martin Zubimendi (25) and Pau Cubarsi (17) Spain are generationally well-stocked.
“It was a wonderful day, where a true team has been crowned. For me they are the best in the world,” de la Fuente said of his own team after Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday. “We can always improve, that’s our goal. In this team we always think we can be better.”
There are areas Spain will need to replenish over the coming years. Dani Carvajal just capped an excellent season for club and country, winning the Champions League and Euro 2024 within a period of just six weeks, but he is now 32 and is entering the twilight of his career. A long-term successor must be found.
Alvaro Morata is another key figure now into his 30s. While the former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker has long had his critics, his scoring record for Spain – 36 goals in 80 games – is admirable. What’s more, his all-round game and work ethic gives de la Fuente plenty to work with in the attacking third. He will take some replacing when the time comes.
Nonetheless, Spain are set up to be a force at the top of international football for the next decade. The 2026 World Cup will present another golden opportunity to this group of players to lift a trophy with La Roja keen to emulate the achievements of the country’s so-called golden generation that became world champions in South Africa 14 years ago. The likes of Williams and Yamal are only getting started.
