England has waited 58 years for a day like this. It has won Euro 2024. The players dance with joy. Gareth Southgate weeps.

This is the dream of millions of England fans. This Sunday it could become a reality. If England do take the trophy it will be their first piece of silverware since the 1966 World Cup.

On Sunday they face mighty Spain. Victory is far from assured. But if England do win, the tremors might be felt outside football.

Extra time. When Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, the entire country got a day off. With a football-mad prime minister, an England victory might have the same result.

Arise Sir Gareth. Manager Southgate has had a rocky tournament. If England win, however, he is tipped to be rewarded with a knighthoodAn official title given to British men who have performed some kind of extraordinary service. .

Role model. The 22-year-old Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been a star of the tournament. Saka's "quiet confidence", hard-working spirit and sense of humour might make him the positive face of Britain across the world.

Soft touch. England fans can be cruel about their team and its manager. A victory would lay such gripes to rest. And it might make people kinder - at least for a while.

Have a go. The taste of victory could encourage more people to give the sport a try themselves. A nation could be inspired into fitness and teamwork.

Is football more important than politics?

Yes! Politics divides a nation. Football brings it together.

No! Football cannot guarantee equal rights, protect minorities, stop climate change or uphold the rule of law. It is a distraction from what really matters.

Knighthood - An official title given to British men who have performed some kind of extraordinary service.