Spain beat England as roughly -150 favorites to win the 2024 UEFA European Championship heading into the final.
It's the second straight heartbreak for England at international football's second-most important tournament behind the World Cup after having lost to Italy in 2020. England had been roughly +380 to win it all heading into the knockout rounds — the vast favorite due to a favorable draw.
But that all could have ended after being down 1-0 to Slovakia in the Round of 16. England clawed back with a stoppage time goal by Jude Bellingham and a further goal in extra time. England then beat Switzerland in penalties and the Netherlands in the semifinals to set up a tilt with Spain in the final.
England entered the matchup as +120 underdogs to lift the cup.
Spain on the 90-minute moneyline would have paid out $145 for every $100 wagered. The draw was priced at +175, and England was +240 on the moneyline, according to bet365.
Spain had a much tougher road to the final, having to dispatch of an upstart Georgia, Germany and then France. But Spain was the decided favorite in all of those matchups on account of their astute defense. While the Spainards didn't inspire the most offensively, the team's organization and ability to control midfield proved crucial in their success this tournament.
For England, it's back to the drawing boards. While the Three Lions are among the favorites for the 2026 World Cup — clocking in behind France, Spain and Brazil — it'll be a long two years ahead for a team whose talisman is getting older and older.
But for Spain — tied among the favorites for soccer's premier tournament — the expectation is for most of its core to return to compete for yet another international championship. That's with the exception of right back Dani Carvajal, one of the greatest fullbacks in team history, who will be 34 when the next tournament begins in 2026.
