Three Arsenal players are in the England squad which just beat The Netherlands to reach the Euro 2024 final, and history will be made before a ball is even kicked.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, midfielder Declan Rice and attacker Bukayo Saka are all in the England squad, who will face David Raya’s Spain in Berlin.
The Gunners have had many World Cup winners over the years, but less have won the European Championships whilst an active Arsenal player, with Cesc Fabregas the last to do so in 2008.
Fabregas and Spain also won the World Cup in 2010, as they beat a strong Netherlands side containing then-Arsenal star Robin van Persie. It was the first and only time that two Arsenal players have been on opposing sides in an International final.
Raya’s presence in the Spain squad will see his side face England’s, and Ramsdale’s inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s squad means that the final will now see something which has never happened before.
David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale will be the first club goalkeepers to face each other in an International final
Raya and Ramsdale endured a drawn-out battle for the Arsenal number one shirt last season, with Raya winning the battle.
Their Nations will now battle in the Euro 2024 final, and for the first time in football history, two goalkeepers from the same club squad will be on opposing teams in an international final, with this never happening at the World Cup or Euros.
Raya and Ramsdale are both bench options for their countries. Spain prefer Athletic Bilbao star Unai Simon, but Raya did impress as he started the final group game against Georgia.
Ramsdale could have challenged for the England starting spot, but the 26-year-old dropping to the bench last season ruled out any chance of usurping Jordan Pickford from the starting XI.
David Raya or Aaron Ramsdale will make Arsenal history in Euro 2024 final
Despite not being part of either starting XI, one of Raya or Ramsdale will become the first Arsenal goalkeeper to ever win the European Championships.
Manuel Almunia was never part of the winning Spain sides in 2008 or 2012, and Jens Lehmann was on the losing side as Germany lost to Spain in 2008 in his final season at Arsenal.
One of Raya or Ramsdale will return to North London with a winners’ medal, but neither are unlikely to appear unless there is an injury.
However, if the final does go to a penalty shootout, Raya may back himself to be called upon given his strong record at penalties, having saved twice in the shootout in Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Porto last season.
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