Diversity in Euro 2024: England vs Spain

England’s Diverse Team Shines in Euro 2024

England has secured a spot in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, with a significant contribution from players with diverse backgrounds. The Migration Museum in London has initiated a campaign to highlight the vital role of immigration in driving England to the tournament final.

In the semi-final match against the Netherlands, England triumphed with a 2-1 victory, with goals scored by Harry Kane, born to an Irish father, and Ollie Watkins, with Jamaican heritage. The Migration Museum reveals that 71% of the players fielded against the Dutch have foreign-born parents or grandparents.

Throughout the tournament, players with immigrant backgrounds have been instrumental. In the quarterfinals against Switzerland, all of England’s penalty takers – Palmer, Bellingham, Toney, Saka, and Alexander-Arnold – have ties to immigration.

Spain’s Diverse Talent

Spain’s team also showcases diversity, with key players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams having migrant backgrounds. Lamine Yamal, born to an Equatorial Guinean mother and Moroccan father, and Nico Williams, born to Ghanaian parents in Spain, have been standout performers for Spain in Euro 2024.

Migration and Identity in Football

The intersection of migration and identity in football has been a prominent theme in Euro 2024. The tournament opened with controversy around racism, as a survey suggested a preference for more white players in the German national team. However, players like Joshua Kimmich have condemned such sentiments, emphasizing football’s power to unite people of diverse backgrounds.