England and Spain have long been regarded as pre-eminent footballing nations, yet the pair have met infrequently on the biggest stage.
The two countries have endured peaks and troughs, only Spain made far greater use of their otherworldly talent during their imperious 2008-2012 cycle compared to England, who are still searching for that elusive piece of silverware since their World Cup triumph of 1966.
The Three Lions have been through it all, with what was then “30 years of hurt” when Baddiel & Skinner’s iconic track was released in 1996 perpetuating into 2024.
Spain, however, have also endured long ruts and, in more ways than one, boast distinct similarities with the English. They were once perpetual underachievers and had previously adopted a style far more primitive compared to their neutral-pleasing and swashbuckling contemporary form.
Here’s an overview of England’s head-to-head record with Spain.
