Spain v England

About the Drawing

Spain's victory over England in the UEFA Euro 2024 Final brought the tournament to a memorable conclusion in Berlin. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal secured a 2–1 win, giving Spain a record fourth European Championship and many supporters feeling they were watching the beginning of a new generation.

For this drawing, I listened to both Spanish and English radio commentary, sometimes switching between them and sometimes listening to them almost at the same time. It could be wonderfully confusing, but it also offered two different perspectives on the same match. The excitement was unmistakable in both broadcasts, even if each told the story in its own way.

The match was decided by fine margins. England fought back through Cole Palmer before a dramatic late clearance by Dani Olmo denied what seemed a certain equalizer. As the final whistle approached, the tension gave way to celebration. Rodri was named Player of the Tournament, Lamine Yamal received the Young Player award, and Spain lifted the European Championship once again.

One small detail has stayed with me since then. After scoring or celebrating, Lamine Yamal often makes the number 304 with his hands, a reference to the final three digits of the postcode of Rocafonda, the neighbourhood where he grew up. I like the simplicity of that gesture. Even as his football takes him onto the biggest stages, it keeps a connection with where his journey began.

Whenever I look at this drawing, I remember not only a thrilling final, but also the feeling that one generation was giving way to another. Football has a remarkable way of constantly renewing itself, while still finding new ways to surprise us.