Spain out to avenge controversial England defeat from 28 years ago when THREE game-changing decisions went against them

GUILLERMO AMOR says Spain are out for revenge for their Euro 96 exit at the hands of England.

At Wembley 28 years ago, the Spanish had two goals wrongly disallowed for offside through Julio Salinas and Kiko.

Steve McManaman and Guillermo Amor during the Euro 96 gameAP:Associated Press

And they were also left fuming when referee Marc Batta refused to award a clear penalty after Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne had brought down Alfonso Perez in the box.

The hosts weathered the storm and won a penalty shootout to book a semi-final clash against Germany.

As fate would have it, current Spain and Manchester City superstar Rodri was born that day — June 22, 1996 — and Barcelona legend Amor feels it may be a good omen for his country tomorrow.

The former midfielder, 56, said: “England v Spain at Euro 96 was a great game.

“We had a great opportunity, played a brilliant game and deserved more! As a team, we all pulled in the same direction.

“That defeat against England rankles with us because we could have done something important had we gone through. And I think we could have gone all the way.

“Both countries respect each other and I won’t be drawn into saying whether it was an injustice or not, only that what happened can be used as a fuel. And in a final, motivation will come on its own.

“Rodri was born that day, which shows life is full of coincidences!

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“He’s a magnificent footballer who has proven it game after game for Spain and at Manchester City.

“He’s always in the right position to receive the ball and always looks to have the best passing option, making the squad tick.

“He works so hard, excels at winning the ball back and always puts his body on the line for the team.”

Amor was a key player in Johan Cruyff’s famous Barcelona team including Romario, Hristo Stoichkov and Pep Guardiola in the 1990s.

The 37-cap Spain star also won the European Cup at Wembley in 1992, and five LaLiga titles.

England have progressively got stronger throughout Euro 2024 but Amor is sure that Spain’s name should end up on the trophy tomorrow due to their exciting brand of football.

He said: “England have a good team with great players who will give everything to win the title. And they will certainly shoot for the stars.

“But the way Spain have been playing — they deserve to win the championship.

“They have played better throughout the Euros and have tasted only victory so far.

“As a team they have also been the most consistent but anything can happen as both sides have what it takes to be champions.”

Asked if Spain have more to lose than England, Amor said: “Both teams have pressure because there is something very important at stake.”

And he praised Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who ditched what had become inefficient sideways tiki-taka football in favour of a more direct style of play.

He added: “The coach has done a terrific job.

“He’s very serious and professional and has created a good atmosphere with his man-management skills.

“He always defends his players and you can see in the way they work that they are dedicated.”

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Amor Guillermo pictured in April 2017[/caption]