ENGLAND fans have spotted a stark similarity with 2016 European champions Portugal that points towards them triumphing in Berlin on Sunday.
Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute strike against Netherlands has sent Gareth Southgate’s men into a final against Spain.
The Three Lions are the underdogs heading into the showpiece event as Luis de la Fuente’s men have lit up the tournament with wins over Germany and France.
But England supporters are now pointing towards their team’s mirroring of Portugal’s run eight years ago as a reason to believe they can claim victory over Spain.
Southgate‘s side beat Slovakia after extra time in the last 16 as Jude Bellingham’s dramatic late overhead kick saved them from being knocked out.
They then beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals, before a win in 90 minutes over the Dutch in the last four.
That is exactly the same path Portugal took to the 2016 final in Paris.
Fernando Santos’ team beat Croatia after extra time to seal a quarter-final place, before they beat Poland on penalties.
A 2-0 victory over Wales in the semis then set up a final with hosts France – who were the favourites heading into the match.
And Eder’s extra-time goal clinched Portugal‘s first ever major trophy in front of a stunned Parisian crowd.
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Much like the Portuguese, England are the underdogs heading into the final.
But the likeness of their run with the Euro 2016 winners is giving Three Lions fans hope of an upset.
Reacting to the comparison on social media, one fan said: “England will also beat the favourites. England to beat Spain .”
Another added: “We’re going to have a massive f***ing party. England will not be working on Monday.”
A third replied: “The record of the underdog who’s mugged its way through the tournament winning the final is untouchable. Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Greece, Portugal…”
While a fourth responded: “The final is gonna be the story of Portugal in 2016. England is winning it!”
England have played Spain 27 times in total - here is a look at every result...
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
