Spain will take on England in the final of the Euro 2024 in Berlin on Sunday. The Spaniards beat France 2-1 in the semifinal, while England prevailed over the Netherlands by the same margin. This is the first time England has reached the final of a major international tournament on foreign soil.
On the other hand, it is also a great opportunity for Spain to win a major international title since 2012. Luis de la Fuente’s team has become the first one to beat Italy, Germany and France in the same international tournament.
Spain Has Displayed Great Form in the Tournament
Spain has been imperious with their football in the tournament, having won all their matches to maintain a perfect record. None of its matches has gone into a penalty shootout either. With the pair of wingers, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, in great form, La Roja have been able to breach the opposition defences with aplomb.
Spain has scored 13 goals in their six matches so far, which makes them the best attacking unit in the competition. In comparison, England has scored only seven goals, which underlines the difference between the two sides in terms of attacking might.
However, in the quarterfinal against Germany, Spain was on the back-foot for a considerable period of time and looked vulnerable at times. It was the only time in the tournament that Spain’s midfield looked second-best against relentless pressure from the Germans.
England will take heart from that and will know that the Spaniards are not unbeatable, though very difficult to beat. Moreover, the Three Lions have made it a habit of turning over precarious positions to force their way through.
England Will Be No Pushovers
England will fancy their chances despite being the underdogs to an extent in the final. The Three Lions endured heartbreak in the Euro 2020 final, losing to Italy on penalties. They will definitely want to exorcise the demons of that defeat by winning their first major title in 58 years.
The English, however, will have a few selection dilemmas ahead of the match. Both Kieran Trippier and captain Harry Kane might feel some pressure, as Luke Shaw and Ollie Watkins might seem to be better alternatives for a lot of people at the moment. It remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate thinks in the same way and decides to make some changes in his starting XI against Spain.
England’s recent switch to a back-three might be beneficial to them in this regard, as Kyle Walker and Marc Guéhi will be dedicated towards stopping the inside runs of Williams and Yamal, respectively. The midfield battle involving Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Jude Bellingham with the likes of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo could also prove to be decisive. England’s defence has played well in the tournament, but it has to be kept in mind that they have only been able to keep two clean sheets in their six matches so far, while Spain has kept three.
Overall, it should be a close match, but ot is difficult to look past Spain as the ultimate winner. England will have to do really well to turn things around on Sunday and win their second-ever major international title and their first one away from home.