Ollie Watkins labelled Spain's Lamine Yamal as a "generational talent" ahead of England's clash with La Roja in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday. 

Yamal played a key role in Spain reaching their first major tournament final since 2012, scoring a stunner to cancel out Randal Kolo Muani's opener before Dani Olmo's winner four minutes later. 

The teenager has had 13 shot involvements following a ball carry at Euro 2024 (six shots, seven chances created), at least three more than any other player.

Having beaten Pele's record in becoming the youngest player to score at a major tournament, more history beckons for Yamal in Berlin. 

A day after his 17th birthday, the Barcelona forward could be the youngest player to feature in a World Cup or European Championship final, again, beating Pele's record from the 1958 World Cup (17y 249d).

“Everyone's seen what he can do. It's not often that you are scoring a goal against France in the top corner in the semi-final of the Euros when you're 16," Watkins said.

"He’s got the world at his feet and is miles ahead of me when I was 16 or 17.”

England left it late to secure their place in their first major tournament final on foreign soil, with Watkins striking the deciding blow against the Netherlands. 

The Three Lions' hopes of reaching back-to-back European Championship finals were dented early on when Xavi Simons fired beyond Jordan Pickford from distance. 

However, Harry Kane levelled from the spot, before Watkins emerged from the bench to fire Gareth Southgate's side into the tournament's showpiece game. 

Watkins was under no illusions about the difficulty awaiting his side in Berlin, acknowledging Spain's run to the final where they have beaten Italy, Germany and France.

“They’ve had to come through a harder journey than us playing against Italy, Germany and France - the so-called bigger teams - and I feel like they have been probably the best team of the competition so far," he said.

“The wingers for Spain are very dynamic, young, full of confidence and direct but also across our team, we have goals from everywhere and world class talent, so it's going to be a very exciting match.

"I can't wait to watch it and be a part of it. And hopefully we can get the get the job done."

Like many England fans, Watkins has had his fourth international goal from their semi-final win over the Netherlands on repeat. 

"I watched it quite a few times, when I got back to camp," said Watkins. "I was manifesting it, a lot has led up to it.

"A good friend said he felt like I would score in the Euros final, I did it a match before, but you never know, I might be saving another one for the final."

Gareth Southgate believes England have every chance of upsetting Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final, although he warned the Three Lions will have to be at their best with and without the ball.

England are through to their second successive European Championship final after Ollie Watkins came off the bench to net a 90th-minute winner in Wednesday's semi-final against the Netherlands.

They have now reached more major tournament finals in four attempts under Southgate (two), than they did in 23 campaigns before his 2016 appointment (one).

But if England are to end a 58-year wait to follow up their 1966 World Cup win, they will have to get past the only team to win all six of their matches at the tournament.

Since the group stage was introduced in 1980, only France in 1984 (5/5) have won the Euros while maintaining a 100 per cent record.  

While Southgate has full faith in England's ability to hurt La Roja, he says their first challenge will be to get hold of the ball.

"We will have to get the ball off them first," Southgate said of Spain. "It is not as simple as us having the ball and making them run. 

"We have to be exceptional with the ball and without it. They have been the best team.

"We are starting to show a better version of ourselves, but we are in there with what we have shown to this point. 

"We have as good a chance as they do. We have come here to win it. It is a huge task, but we are still here and fighting."

Luis de la Fuente's side reached the final by overcoming France 2-1 on Tuesday, and their 13 goals at this edition of the Euros have only ever been bettered by France in 1984 (14).

The Spain squad watched Wednesday's second semi-final together, before De la Fuente began preparing for Sunday's showpiece game.

He told Spanish outlet La 1: "Both teams were very tough opponents.

"We are going to have played all the great teams in this competition, and it couldn't be any other way. The two best teams made it to the final.

"We had dinner and were watching the match, and then we were in our office, analysing it in a more relaxed way. 

"Now our work begins to analyse England in more detail."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain – Lamine Yamal 

Yamal made history in the last four, his stunning equaliser making him the youngest player to ever score at a World Cup or Euros.

Aged 17 years and one day, he could be the youngest ever player to feature in a World Cup or European Championship final, surpassing Pele's record from the 1958 World Cup (17 years, 249 days). 

He has three assists so far at Euro 2024, with no Spaniard ever providing more at a single edition of the tournament.

He has had 13 shot involvements following a ball carry at Euro 2024 (six shots, seven chances created), at least three more than any other player.

England – Phil Foden

Foden produced his best display of the tournament in the semi-finals, recording a game-high three shots, hitting the post with one long-range strike and seeing another effort cleared off the goal line.

He also completed all 40 of his attempted passes before being withdrawn for Cole Palmer, who teed up the Three Lions' winner.

England's switch to a back three has benefitted Foden, allowing him to play from the right-hand side and cut onto his favoured left foot. 

Might he silence his doubters on the biggest stage of all?

MATCH PREDICTION: SPAIN WIN

This will be the third meeting between Spain and England at the Euros, and the Three Lions have fond memories of the previous two, winning 2-1 in the group stage in 1980 and progressing on penalties after a quarter-final draw in 1996.

However, La Roja have only lost four of their last 14 meetings with England overall, having lost the previous seven in a row.

Spain have also won their last three major tournament finals and could become the first European nation to triumph in four straight World Cup/Euros title matches. 

The Opta supercomputer gives them a 60.4 per cent chance of lifting the trophy to England's 39.6 per cent. 

England will play their first major tournament final on foreign soil after playing the showpiece games at the 1966 World Cup and Euro 2020 at Wembley. 

They have never lost a match in Berlin in six attempts (four wins, two draws), only playing more often in Helsinki (eight times), Amsterdam and Sunderland (seven each) without ever losing. 

Can they upset the tournament's outstanding team to bring it home?

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

Spain – 40.5 per cent

England – 29.0 per cent

Draw – 30.5 per cent

The Netherlands and England were to face off in the second semi-final at Euro 2024.

A place in Sunday's showpiece match in Berlin was up for grabs, with Spain the opponents.

La Roja defeated France 2-1 in a thrilling clash on Tuesday.

Here, we round up the best Euro 2024 social media posts from Tuesday and Wednesday.

Dortmund goes Dutch

Dortmund isn't far from the Dutch border, so it was no surprise to see a swathe of Oranje fans head over to western Germany to get a taste of the atmosphere, even if they didn't manage to get a ticket.

As they have been all tournament, the Netherlands supporters were in fantastic voice as they took over the centre of the city.

Apparently, there were around 110,000 Dutch fans who took part in the fan march.

Imagine what it'll be like if they make the final!

Carragher lauds Cody 

Cody Gakpo has been hugely impressive at Euro 2024, and has been crucial in the Netherlands' run. 

The forward has not always found his best form for club side Liverpool, but Jamie Carragher has been impressed with Gakpo's performances in Germany.

"He's been their number one attacker, and we're waiting for that to transform into a Liverpool shirt. He's done well, but it's not been easy for him," said Carragher.

"He's playing in a position that favours him, out on the left. He's been a revelation, no doubt he's been one of the best in the tournament."

Van Dijk's fan club

Virgil van Dijk is another Dutch star who plies his trade for Liverpool, and the Oranje fans were chanting their captain's name ahead of kick-off.

Here, journalist Chris Chambers shared a taste of the atmosphere in Dortmund.

Boy wonder

Lamine Yamal played a starring role in Spain's victory over France on Tuesday, scoring a sublime equaliser.

That made the 16-year-old the youngest-ever player to net at the Euros.

BBC Sport pundit Gary Lineker eulogised over the Barcelona prodigy on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast.

Mi hermano

Yamal is not the only Spain winger to have dazzled in Germany, with Nico Williams having also caught the eye.

But Williams was more than happy for the limelight to be on his "brother" after Yamal's stunner.

It's worth noting, mind, that Williams does have an actual brother, who he plays alongside at Athletic Bilbao - that's Inaki Williams.

On your marks...

England have hardly been the most impressive of sides at Euro 2024, but they are, nevertheless, in the semi-finals.

And they do not want to go home now.

The Three Lions' squad were sharpening up in training on Monday with some sprints and races, by the looks. Will that have come in handy against the Dutch?

Selfie time

Dortmund is, of course, home to one of Germany's biggest clubs, and one of BVB's star players, Karim Adeyemi, proved to be something of an attraction for a section of Dutch fans who spotted the winger sitting in traffic in the city.

A journalist spotted the fans crowding Adeyemi's car, and filmed the action.

Luis de la Fuente is hopeful the freak injury suffered by captain Alvaro Morata after Spain's Euro 2024 semi-final win over France is "nothing".

Morata held his knee and limped down the tunnel after a security guard slipped and slid into him in the aftermath of Tuesday's 2-1 victory in Munich.

The security guard was trying to apprehend a pitch invader who ran in the direction of the celebrating Spain players at the Allianz Arena.

While the full extent of the damage to Morata's knee is still unknown, De la Fuente is hoping to have the striker available for Sunday's final.

"Alvaro... We have to wait and see tomorrow," he told reporters. "We believe it's nothing. It hurts, but we think it's nothing."

Morata played 76 minutes for Spain as quickfire goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani's early opener.

Yamal's superb strike from range made him the youngest player to ever score in a European Championship finals at 16 years and 362 days.

The Barcelona youngster has been one of the stars of Spain's run to the final, where either England or the Netherlands await in Berlin.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Yamal said: "I'm very happy to have made it to the final. Now the most important thing is to win it.

"We were in a difficult moment early on; you wouldn't expect a goal so soon. I wanted to put it in where it went in, and I'm very happy. 

"I try not to think too much, enjoy it and help the team and if it works out like this, I'm happy and content with the victory."

Yamal, who turns 17 on Saturday, added: "I want to win, win and win. I'll celebrate my birthday here in Germany with my team."

Spain will now have a close eye on Wednesday's second semi-final as they prepare for their first major tournament final since Euro 2012.

Experienced defender Nacho, who made his Spain debut the year after that tournament win, said: "I'm happy and exhausted after that match. 

"It's emotional for all the country. We showed lots of character and how you grow with adversity."

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente labelled Lamine Yamal's goal as a "touch of genius" following their 2-1 triumph over France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024. 

De la Fuente's side came from a goal behind to book their place in Sunday's final in Berlin, with Yamal starting the comeback with a fine effort from outside the area. 

The 16-year-old became the youngest player to score a goal at a major tournament, a record previously held by Brazil’s Pele against Wales at the 1958 World Cup. 

"We all know who he is. We need to take care of him," de la Fuente said. 

"I want him to work with the same humility, keep his feet on the ground in order to keep improving, learning with the same kind of attitude and that professionalism, that maturity that he shows on the pitch.

"He looks like a much more experienced player to be honest but fundamentally I celebrate that he's in our team, that he's Spanish and that we count on him and I hope we can enjoy him for years to come."

Spain's triumph also saw them become the first team to win six matches at a single edition of the Euros, reaching their first international final since 2012. 

It was just the second time in the tournament that La Roja had fallen behind in a game, previously doing so against Georgia in their last 16 clash in Cologne. 

De la Fuente praised his sides cohesion and quality to come from a goal down, lauding Spain's spirit of sacrifice. 

"Our idea of football is based on our self-assurance. This is what we want to play, we want to play to our strengths," the Spain head coach said.

"I know that we are able to play football, we've seen it throughout the tournament. 

"Individually they are fantastic but they offer the collective benefits of their individual qualities, they always work for the common good, for the collective effort.

"They are very generous in their efforts and work rate. This is just one more sign that this is an insatiable team, that they want to keep improving with the spirit of sacrifice."

Kylian Mbappe has admitted both he and France failed at Euro 2024 after Les Bleus' campaign was brought crashing to a halt in the semi-finals by Spain.

France had struggled to live up to their tag as pre-tournament favourites in Germany but still ground their way through to the last four, only to come unstuck in Munich.

Randal Kolo Muani gave them an early lead with Les Bleus' first non-penalty goal (excluding own goals) of the tournament, but Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo netted – the former becoming the youngest goalscorer in World Cup or Euros history – in a quickfire turnaround.

France were unable to force an equaliser in the second half as they lost a major tournament semi-final for the first time since Euro 1996, with Mbappe wasting one good opportunity late on.

Mbappe ended the tournament with no non-penalty goals from 23 such shots. Since records began in 1980, only Deco in 2004 (24) has ever had more non-penalty shots without netting at a single edition of the European Championships.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the defeat, Mbappe said: "They played a better game than us. We conceded two goals quickly and in the second half we had chances to come back but we didn't take them.

"The competition was a failure. I wanted us to be European champions and we're not. That's football."

Having suffered a broken nose during France's Group D opener against Austria last month, Mbappe was asked whether his condition had impacted his form. 

The forward – who will link up with his new Real Madrid team-mates in the coming weeks – refused to blame the injury for his lack of goals, saying: "We have to move on. 

"It's been a long year, I'm going to go on vacation to rest, it's going to do me a lot of good. We mustn't complicate football too much.

"You're good or you're not good. I wasn't good and we're going home, it's simple. I have to rest. After that, I'm leaving for a new life."

Mbappe played the semi-final without the protective mask he wore for France's last three games, which Didier Deschamps previously said was impacting his vision.

Asked about the decision to abandon the mask, Mbappe said: "We made the choice before the match.

"I was fed up with the mask. I asked the doctor if I could play without it, and he told me to do what I want."

Once the dominant force in Europe, Spain reclaimed their place among the elite of international football on Tuesday. 

La Roja reached their first major tournament final since Euro 2012 following a 2-1 victory over France in Munich. 

After several dull knockout games meandered their way to extra time and penalties, a frenetic 25 minutes had eyes across the world glued to their screens for this one.

With Spain the first team to book their place in Sunday's final, we take a deep dive into the best Opta statistics from a memorable encounter.

Spain 2-1 France: Roja baton passed down to Yamal

In a battle between the tournament's most potent strike force and best defence, it would be La Roja's crop of attacking talent that emerged victorious. 

Attention was fixated on the talented feet of youngster Yamal, and his goal was worthy of winning any semi-final, let alone levelling it. 

Yamal twisted and turned before curling a fine effort beyond the grasp of Mike Maignan and in off the post, announcing football's newest superstar on the big stage. 

And at the age of 16 years and 362 days, the Barcelona forward became the youngest goalscorer at a major tournament (World Cup/Euros), a record previously held by Brazil’s Pele against Wales at the 1958 World Cup (17 years, 239 days). 

While Yamal is only beginning his footballing journey, history was also made by one of the senior players in the Roja dressing room. 

Despite enduring a difficult evening against Kylian Mbappe, Spain's Jesus Navas will leave Germany with a record to his name, and possibly the Henri Delaunay Cup. 

At 38 years and 231 days, Navas became the oldest ever outfield player to appear in a semi-final at a major international tournament. 

While much of the focus will centre around the mercurial talents of Yamal, midfielder Dani Olmo once again proved his worth to Luis de la Fuente's side. 

Olmo was on target again for Spain, doing brilliantly to manoeuvre space inside the France penalty area before striking the ball home for what proved to be the winner. 

The RB Leipzig midfielder became the first Spanish player to score in three successive games at the European Championship finals, while his five goal involvements at Euro 2024 (three goals, two assists) are the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists). 

Olmo also had the joint-most touches in the opposition box along with Fabian Ruiz (three), also showing his defensive influence by winning four of his six duels, a total only bettered by Yamal and Alvaro Morata (both six). 

Spain's triumph also saw them become the first team to win six matches at a single edition of the Euros, while including World Cups, only Brazil in 2002 have won more games at a major international tournament (seven). 

For France, however, their stuttering run in Germany finally came to an end. 

It is only the second time Les Bleus have taken the lead and lost a game at the European Championships, having last done so at Euro 2000, in a 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands in the group stages. 

Ranal Kolo Muani's eighth-minute strike threatened to tell a different story, but it wasn't meant to be for Didier Deschamps' side. 

It was Kolo Muani's fifth goal in his last five starts for France in all competitions (four goals, one assist). 

The Paris Saint-Germain forward also became just the third player to score for France in the semi-finals of both the World Cup and Euros, after Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.

The defeat also marked the first time Les Bleus have been eliminated at the semi-final stage of a major tournament since Euro 1996, with only Germany (eight) going out of major tournaments at the semi-final stage more often among European sides than France (six).  

It is often said that international tournaments are not about playing the prettiest football, but the most effective, about finding a way to get over the line.

When France – a team that had only scored via a penalty and two own goals as they somehow ground their way through Euro 2024 – took an eighth-minute lead in Tuesday's first semi-final versus Spain, it looked like those old adages might stand.

La Roja, and their wonderkid Lamine Yamal, had other ideas.

The 16-year-old Barcelona winger curled home a magnificent 25-yard strike to become the youngest ever scorer at a World Cup or Euros, before Dani Olmo's fine touch and finish completed the turnaround by the 25th minute.

Spain had to show another side to their game in the second half as they dug in to hold off an improved Bleus side, but they were ultimately deserved winners.

Most who have watched them in Germany would agree they are deserving finalists, and they will surely approach Sunday's Berlin showpiece – against either the Netherlands or England – as favourites. 

Many of Euro 2024's top sides have failed to deliver on the entertainment front, but Spain have done things a different way, led by a teenage sensation in Yamal.

Yamal's historic moment

What were you doing at 16 years old? On second thought, don't answer that.

You certainly were not scoring at a major tournament, because nobody – not even Brazil icon Pele – had netted at a World Cup or European Championships at that age, until now.

Pele had to wait until he reached the grand old age of 17 years and 239 days before making his mark on the big stage, scoring against Wales at the 1958 World Cup.

The fact Pele is considered to this day to have enjoyed the ultimate breakout tournament gives a sense of how monumental Yamal's moment of magic was.

Particularly if La Roja go on to lift the trophy, it will become a byword for a prodigy bursting onto the scene.

The goal was certainly befitting of the history it made. Almost like a mirror image of Kylian Mbappe in an inside-right position, Yamal twisted once, twice… three times to shake off the attentions of Adrien Rabiot, before bending a wonderful strike beyond the reach of Mike Maignan. 

His goal was not a bolt from the blue, either. He was involved in the build-up to Olmo's winner, a clever reverse pass leading to the cross that was eventually half-cleared to the La Roja matchwinner. 

Only Mbappe (four) bettered Yamal's three shots throughout the game, and he was not too far away from a near-identical second goal when he cut inside to rifle over the crossbar in the second half.

He was also the only Spain player to create two chances, while he refused to be cowed by some rough treatment, his six duels won only being matched by Alvaro Morata among Luis de la Fuente's players.

Only team-mate Olmo (three goals, two assists) has now bettered his four goal involvements at this tournament (one goal, three assists), while he ranks joint-first for chances created (16, with Christian Eriksen) and joint-sixth for dribbles completed (13).

Yamal has enjoyed one of the greatest breakout campaigns in memory, and must surely be among the contenders for player of the tournament honours.

He already has the moment of the tournament sewn up.

'Tika-Taka' evolves

Ahead of Tuesday's game, Spain enforcer Rodri discussed the way in which La Roja had "matured" in their approach at this tournament, no longer prioritising possession for possession's sake, but becoming more comfortable in controlling games without the ball.

Spain even had less than 50% of the possession in impressive wins over Croatia and Germany, and though that figure was back up to 58.1% versus France, they showed their adaptability in the second half.

La Roja only recorded one shot – Yamal's long-range strike over the crossbar – after the interval, with France generating six efforts worth 0.57 expected goals (xG).

Yet in the first half, Spain led for shots (five to three), shots on target (two to one) and xG (0.73 to 0.43). Those may not be resounding figures, but they backed up their reputation as the tournament's outstanding team, with Yamal and Olmo producing two pieces of incredible technical quality when it mattered most. 

Spain lead all teams at the tournament for goals (13), xG (11.05), shots (106) and shots on target (38), yet they are no longer blindly committed to 'Tika-Taka', becoming almost as comfortable without the ball as with it.

Mbappe's tournament Bleus

When Mbappe delivered the assist for Randal Kolo Muani's opener – his 11th goal involvement in 12 major tournament knockout games for France – it looked like things may finally have clicked for the Real Madrid man.

His protective mask removed and playing against a 38-year-old Jesus Navas, who was on a booking within 14 minutes, Mbappe looked set to have a decisive say.

However, he did not see a clear sight of goal until the 86th minute, when he blazed comfortably over the crossbar with Spain's defence in a panic.

His Euros ended with just one goal – a group-stage penalty against Poland – from 24 shots worth 2.95 xG, edging out the profligate Cristiano Ronaldo (23) for the most shots taken at the tournament. 

Unsurprisingly, Mbappe's shot conversion rate of 4.17% is the lowest of any player to have scored at this edition of the European Championships.

France may reflect on the broken nose he suffered against Austria in their Group D opener as the main reason for their attacking troubles, but they also suffered from a general lack of imagination in the forward areas.

Excluding own goals, Kolo Muani's opener was their first non-penalty goal at the tournament, from their 87th non-penalty shot.

While France improved in the second half, Spain saw the victory out in relative comfort as their positive approach to the first half was rewarded. 

It was a case of he who dares wins, and the Netherlands and England – both of whom have flattered to deceive thus far – might wish to take note. 

Didier Deschamps acknowledged Spain were "superior" as France suffered Euro 2024 elimination following their 2-1 semi-final defeat in Munich.

Les Bleus opened the scoring after just eight minutes through Randal Kolo Muani's header, though Lamine Yamal levelled with a long-range stunner, becoming the youngest scorer in major tournament history at the age of just 16 years and 362 days.

Dani Olmo seized on that momentum swing just four minutes later, dancing through the France defence before finishing past Mike Maignan as Jules Kounde was unable to clear on the line.

Spain held on to move into Sunday's final as France opened the scoring and lost for only the second time in a European Championship game, after a 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands in the 2000 group stages.

Defeat also marked the first time France have been eliminated at the semi-final stage of a major tournament since Euro 1996, though Deschamps admitted his side did not deserve to progress.

"Spain proved tonight that they are a very good team," Deschamps told French outlet TF1 shortly after the full-time whistle on Tuesday. 

"We were lucky enough to open the scoring, but they caused us difficulties because they were superior in their control. Tonight, they showed all their qualities.

"We were a little slow, perhaps a little less fresh. We didn't move [the ball] forward often enough and were slow in our passing."

France, in truth, had failed to live up to their tag as pre-tournament favourites, alongside England – who meet the Netherlands on Wednesday for a place in the final.

Les Bleus only scored their first non-penalty goal at Euro 2024 (excluding own goals) through Kolo Muani's opener, with their 87th shot from such situations.

Yet no team in Germany would have been able to cope with Roja winger Yamal for large parts, with the teenager scoring from 25 yards out to level after beating Adrien Rabiot with ease.

Yamal also became the youngest-ever player to feature in a semi-final at a major tournament, surpassing Brazil's Pele (aged 17 years and 244 days at the 1958 World Cup, against France).

Unsurprisingly, the Barcelona attacker was named as UEFA's Player of the Match for his dominant showing on the right flank.

"I am extremely happy to share this moment with the team, I am savouring the victory," Yamal said, as quoted by UEFA's official media channels.

Yamal will turn 17 on Saturday, the day before the final in Berlin.

Asked what he would like for his birthday, Yamal responded: "To win, win, win. It will be a joy to celebrate my birthday in Germany with the team."

Lamine Yamal etched his name in history with a record-breaking goal before Dani Olmo fired Spain into the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 victory over France.

Yamal produced a remarkable long-range equaliser shortly after Randal Kolo Muani's ninth-minute opener in Tuesday's first semi-final in Munich, the 16-year-old becoming the youngest scorer at a major tournament in history.

In-form Olmo then delivered the decisive strike midway through the opening half, manufacturing space inside Les Bleus' area before squeezing a low effort home.

Didier Deschamps' side had been unconvincing before this last-four meeting, and though they improved in the second half, they were unable to find a leveller as Spain teed up a meeting with either the Netherlands or England.

Luis de la Fuente's Roja entered this clash as the only team to win all five games at the tournament (including extra time), and another dominant start saw them go close within five minutes.

Yamal was afforded far too much time to clip towards the back post for an unmarked Fabian Ruiz, who could only head over with Mike Maignan's goal at his mercy.

Yet France struck the first blow just three minutes later when the now-unmasked Kylian Mbappe stood up Jesus Navas before delivering from the left for Kolo Muani to head past the helpless Unai Simon.

Yamal single-handedly dragged La Roja back into the contest, however, shifting the ball away from Adrien Rabiot before curling a sumptuous strike into the top-left corner from 25 yards out.

Spurred on by that historic moment, Spain completed the turnaround within four further minutes as Olmo pounced on Navas' half-cleared cross before finishing past Maignan, with Jules Kounde unable to clear on the line.

Maignan was somewhat fortunate moments after the interval, mindlessly racing towards the touchline to challenge Nico Williams, who would have been clean through without the goalkeeper's questionable lunge.

Les Bleus improved from then on, though, with a free Aurelien Tchouameni heading straight at Simon from Ousmane Dembele's right-sided corner after 52 minutes.

Theo Hernandez wasted a gilt-edged opportunity to equalise with 15 minutes remaining, blazing over from the edge of the area before Mbappe followed suit 10 minutes later, as Spain held on to reach their fifth Euros final.

Spain toast new king Yamal

At the age of 16 years and 362 days, Yamal made history by becoming the youngest-ever player to appear in a semi-final at a major international tournament, a record previously held by Brazil's Pele (17 years, 244 days versus France at the 1958 World Cup).

Yet the Barcelona winger was not satisfied with that record, delivering a remarkable leveller to surpass Pele – who found the net aged 17 years and 239 days against Wales at the 1958 World Cup – as the youngest scorer in history at either major tournament.

His teenage brilliance helped inspire Spain to their sixth straight win at the Euros, a feat never achieved by any team previously, while La Roja are also the first side to win six matches in a single European Championship tournament (including extra time, but not penalties).

However, Yamal cannot take all the credit as Olmo – with three goals and two assists – became the first Spain player to manage five-plus goal contributions at a single tournament since David Silva during their victorious Euro 2012 campaign (two goals, three assists).

One French problem solved, another found

Deschamps may have been over the moon to finally see a French player score from open play at the tournament, with Kolo Muani's headed opener Les Bleus' first goal to not come from the penalty spot or an own goal.

That strike came from France's 87th non-penalty attempt at Euro 2024, and somewhat repaid the faith of Deschamps, with Kolo Muani scoring his fourth goal when starting for Les Bleus as opposed to just one strike from the bench.

The joy was short-lived, however, as France then conceded twice within the opening 25 minutes – more goals than they allowed in their first five matches at Euro 2024 combined (one, a penalty against Poland).

A rapid turnaround marked the first time France had taken a 1-0 lead but trailed by half-time in European Championship history, and that first-half collapse proved decisive.

Lamine Yamal produced a long-range stunner for Spain against France, becoming the youngest-ever scorer at a major tournament in history.

Aged just 16 years and 362 days, the Roja winger picked out the top-left corner with a remarkable finish from outside the area to achieve the historic feat in Spain's Euro 2024 semi-final.

Yamal surpassed Brazil icon Pele as the youngest to ever find the net at the World Cup or Euros, with the Selecao legend aged 17 years and 239 days when scoring against Wales at the 1958 World Cup.

The Barcelona winger had already broken Pele's record as the youngest player to ever feature in a major tournament semi-final, also against France when the legendary forward was 17 years and 244 days old at the same World Cup.

Yamal's eye-catching strike brought Spain level at 1-1 in Munich after Randal Kolo Muani's early header, before Dani Olmo's strike helped La Roja into the ascendancy.

Lamine Yamal has become the youngest-ever player to appear in a major tournament semi-final, aged only 16 years and 362 days old at Euro 2024.

Yamal started Spain's last-four clash against France in Munich on Tuesday.

The Barcelona winger surpasses the record held by Pele, who was 17 years and 244 days old when he represented Brazil in the 1958 World Cup, also against France.

The teenager had already made history at the tournament when he started La Roja's opener against Croatia on June 15, as he became the youngest-ever player to feature at the European Championships (16 years, 338 days).

Yamal has been impressive at the tournament so far, managing three assists, with no Spanish player ever registering more in a single edition of the competition.

His 14 chances created so far are also the most by a teenager at a major tournament on record (since 1966 for the World Cup, 1980 for the Euros).

At the other end of the spectrum, Jesus Navas (38y 231d) became the oldest-ever outfield player to appear in a semi-final at a major international tournament by replacing Dani Carvajal at right-back.

Lamine Yamal must appreciate the "reality" of rough treatment by opponents at Euro 2024, so says Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, ahead of Tuesday's last-four meeting with France.

The 16-year-old has impressed for La Roja in Germany, assisting three goals as Spain have won all five of their matches at the tournament.

No Spanish player has ever registered more assists at a single European Championship tournament, while Yamal has created 14 chances – the most at a major competition for Spain since Xavi's 25 at Euro 2012.

Yet Spain have been somewhat frustrated by tactics from the opposition to stop Yamal and wing partner Nico Williams, with repeated calls for more protection of their players.

Yamal has only won four free-kicks at this tournament, however, and De la Fuente acknowledged his teenage star must learn to adapt.

"It's part of football, it's part of the game," De la Fuente said at Monday's pre-match press conference. "There are ways to gain an edge through playing or with intimidatory tactics.

"Each one uses their tools, always within a disciplinary regime imposed by the referee.

"You have to explain to a 16-year-old kid that he needs to see that reality. Lamine has to continue being him and learn that this is how it is.

"You will gain experience little by little. And he does it very quickly."

Though De la Fuente suggested Yamal must learn from his early playing days, Spain team-mate Rodri went the other way, demanding greater protection for his youthful colleague.

"As football players, we always want to be protected," Rodri said. "This is the job of the referee.

"I mean, he puts the standard, so what is a yellow card or red card is his job. It's not our job. And we play with the rules or with the level he put, this is the reality."

France's Adrien Rabiot has already referenced Yamal's danger, with the Les Bleus midfielder keen on putting "pressure" on the Barcelona forward.

Rodri expects a tough test, nevertheless, as Spain attempt to tee up a final with either the Netherlands or England, who meet on Wednesday in Dortmund.

"Tomorrow is going to be a very, very physical battle because they are a very physical team," the Manchester City star added. 

"So we will have to go in the same way, try to be strong, use the body, because we know the power they have."

Spain heading into Euro 2024 as "outsiders" instead of the pre-tournament favourites has aided La Roja, says Marc Cucurella ahead of Tuesday's semi-final against France.

Luis de la Fuente's side are looking to reach their fifth European Championship final, with only Germany playing in more (six), after remaining perfect through five games so far.

Spain needed a last-gasp Mikel Merino header for their 2-1 extra-time victory over hosts Germany in Friday's quarter-final, but Cucurella insists confidence continues to grow within the La Roja camp.

"Within football, there has long been respect for Spain, how we play and the players we have, but maybe coming in [to Euro 2024] as outsiders helped us," the Chelsea full-back said on Sunday. 

"We started with the confidence of having nothing to lose. Now that confidence has grown and we are in the key moment of the tournament.

"I knew we had a great team, which has been proven. We have fought so hard to be here, and now we need one last big effort. Two more steps."

De la Fuente's team will meet an out-of-sorts France in Munich for their last-four clash after Les Bleus scraped past Portugal on penalties in the quarter-final.

Didier Deschamps' men once again failed to find the net across 120 minutes of action in their last-eight goalless draw on Friday, with only four goals scored by either team in France's five Euro 2024 matches thus far.

Indeed, all 128 non-penalty shots have failed to be scored (86 for France, 42 for opponents), while they are the only team on record since 1980 to have more than 50 non-penalty shots at a Euros and fail to find the net with any of them.

Kylian Mbappe's form remains a concern for Deschamps, too, with the Real Madrid-bound forward scoring just one goal from 20 shots at this edition, a penalty against Poland in their final group game.

Rather than excitement around Mbappe, who has scored just once from 34 attempts at the European Championship overall, most of the focus revolves around Spanish wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

"With the Spanish national team, danger can come from anywhere," France midfielder Youssouf Fofana said at his pre-match press conference.

"Nico Williams and Yamal have had a great season, but I expect them to lose on Tuesday. We have to stay as solid as we have been so far in defence."

As for the criticism over France's playing style, Fofana insists he has no problem, adding: "In the end, we're in the semi-finals."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain – Lamine Yamal

Yamal has created 14 chances at this tournament, the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since Xavi en route to winning Euro 2012 (25).

The Barcelona winger's 14 chances created are also the most by a teenager at a major tournament that Opta has on record (since 1966 for World Cup, 1980 for Euros).

And the 16-year-old has three assists within that tally, too, with no Spanish player ever registering more at a single European Championship tournament.

France – Mike Maignan

Les Bleus have had their backs against the wall for large parts of this competition in Germany, placing a heavy burden on Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Frenchman has a save percentage of 94% at Euro 2024 the best of any goalkeeper to have played more than one game.

Indeed, it is the best by a goalkeeper at a Euros tournament since Iker Casillas for the Euro 2012 winners Spain (also 94%).

MATCH PREDICTION: SPAIN WIN

Spain appear the narrow favourites to reach the final, with La Roja winning in 90 minutes in 38.1% of pre-match simulations by the Opta supercomputer.

France are still afforded a 31.8% chance of victory, with the draw – sending the tie to extra time and possibly penalties – forecast in 30% of the same data-led simulations.

Yet Deschamps will be well aware of Spain's quality, given De la Fuente's team have won 15 of their 19 matches since the start of 2023 – their 79% win percentage is the best of any European nation in that period.

Spain are the only team to have won all five games at this tournament, though no side has ever gone six in a row in the competition's history, nor triumphed in six matches across a single edition.

If La Roja can achieve that unprecedented feat here, then a place in the final in Berlin awaits against either England or the Netherlands.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Spain – 38.2%

France – 31.8%

Draw – 30%

Mikel Merino's last-gasp header sent Spain into the semi-finals of Euro 2024 as La Roja beat hosts Germany 2-1 after extra time.

Florian Wirtz's 89th-minute strike had cancelled out Dani Olmo's calm finish in a frantic encounter in Stuttgart on Friday.

Yet having had the best chances of extra time, Germany became the first Euros hosts to lose a quarter-final when Merino brilliantly headed home Spain's latest ever goal in the competition in the 119th minute.

Niclas Fullkrug's header was just inches away from rescuing Germany and setting up penalties, but Luis de la Fuente's team, who had Dani Carvajal sent off late on, held on to tee up a clash with either Portugal or France.

Pedri's early injury saw Olmo come on, and the substitute sparked a slow-burner of a contest into life in the 51st minute.

After seeing Alvaro Morata lash over from close range, Olmo made no mistake when he side-footed home from Lamine Yamal's cutback.

Simon made a fantastic save from Robert Andrich's drive, before the post came to Spain's salvation when Niclas Fullkrug's effort clipped off the right-hand upright.

Germany should have been level when Simon made a calamitous clearance soon after, but with the goal at his mercy, Havertz chipped over.

But Havertz's blushes were spared by Wirtz, who drilled in off the post after latching onto Joshua Kimmich's knockdown.

Wirtz had the best chance of the first half of extra time, sending a low effort just wide, before chaos broke out.

Germany saw a penalty appeal turned down after Jamal Musiala hit Marc Cucurella's arm, and Simon saved a fantastic Fullkrug header.

With penalties beckoning, Spain broke clear, and La Roja were in ecstasy as Merino planted in from Olmo's inch-perfect cross.

Ferran Torres' poor finish moments later could have proved costly had Fullkrug's attempt been half a yard to the left, but it was not to be for Germany, even though Spain were reduced to 10 for the final minute after Carvajal picked up his second booking.

Spain call on the super-subs as Lamal sparkles again

Olmo is now the first Spain player to score two goals as a substitute at a single edition of the Euros, and third at any major tournament, after Fernando Morientes at the 2002 World Cup and Morata at the 2022 edition of that competition.

The RB Leipzig attacker is also the second player to have scored in two consecutive knockout stage appearances for Spain at the European Championships, after Chus Pereda way back in 1964.

And Merino's winner meant Spain have now scored two goals from substitutes in a single Euros match for just the second time, after the Euro 2012 final against Italy.

There has been no such scoring luck so far for Yamal at Euro 2024, with the youngster having had 13 shots without finding the back of the net (only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 20, has had more attempts and not scored at this tournament).

However, he again showcased his creative talents, laying on three chances and taking his tally of assists for the tournament to three. He is the first-ever teenager to record three assists at a single edition of the Euros or World Cup.

Musiala cannot find the magic touch

Jamal Musiala went into Friday's tie having scored in three of Germany's four previous games, and aiming to move clear at the top of the Euro 2024 scoring charts and match Wayne Rooney (at Euro 2004) as the only player to score four goals at a single edition of the tournament while aged 21 or younger.

Yet the Bayern Munich playmaker struggled to wield his usual influence on proceedings, creating only one chance, and though his fellow youngster Wirtz shined, it was not enough for the hosts.

There will be more major tournament opportunities for Musiala and Wirtz, but at the other end of the age spectrum, Toni Kroos made his final appearance before retirement. The 34-year-old finished the match with 83 passes attempted, the most on the pitch.