After thrilling semi-finals that saw the joint winners of the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest (crazy right!?) (Netherlands, France, Spain, England) battling it out, the stage is set for an epic showdown between Spain and England in the Euro 2024 final.
As England dreams of ending decades of tournament pain since their last major triumph in 1966, the question on everyone’s lips is: will it finally come home?
On the other side, Spain, a team that once dominated European football in the early 21st century, seeks to reclaim glory after a disappointing 2016 campaign and a loss to Italy in the semi-finals in 2020. With both teams hungry for victory, this final promises to be a clash for the ages.
What to know for the Euro Final
Team News:
England head into the Euro 2024 final with a stroke of good luck regarding injuries, allowing them to field a near-full-strength squad. The only expected change is Luke Shaw replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back. Shaw, who has been managing an injury, made a significant impact when he came on for the second half against the Netherlands. The 2020 final goalscorer is set to make his first start of the tournament.
Spain also boasts a nearly full squad for the final. Key players Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal, who missed the semi-final victory over France due to suspension, are expected to return. However, the team will be without the effective Pedri, who is still sidelined with an injury he sustained earlier in the tournament.
The last man standing! 💪
— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 11, 2024
Spain may have a new generation at Euro 2024, but Jesus Navas remains the sole link to their 2012 triumph! 🇪🇸✨
Can Navas lead La Roja to glory again? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/YzWZofiFN7
Roads to the Euro Final:
England’s Road to the Final:
England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final has been characterized by gritty and determined performances. Despite not always playing the most exhilarating football, the Three Lions managed to top Group C with a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia, a 1-1 draw with Denmark, and a goalless stalemate against Slovenia.
They showed resilience in the knockout stages, edging past Slovakia 2-1 in extra time and surviving a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final against the Netherlands saw Ollie Watkins score a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory, propelling England to their second consecutive Euro final.
Spain’s Road to the Final:
In stark contrast, Spain’s path to the final has been electrifying. La Roja dominated Group B, starting with a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia, followed by slender wins against Italy and Albania. They continued their impressive form with a 4-1 thrashing of Georgia in the Round of 16. Spain then showcased their tenacity by overcoming Germany 2-1 in extra time during the quarter-finals.
Their semi-final clash against France was another high-energy encounter, ending in a 2-1 triumph. With a combination of youthful exuberance and seasoned skill, Spain enters the final having won all their matches and scoring 13 goals while conceding just three.
Head-to-Head:
Head-to-Head:
England and Spain have played each other 27 times, with England holding the edge, winning 14 matches, and Spain 10. Their most recent encounter was in the UEFA Nations League in October 2018, where England secured a 3-2 victory.
This long-standing rivalry has seen many memorable matches, with England’s strength traditionally lying in their robust and dynamic play, while Spain is known for their technical and possession-based style. As they meet in the Euro 2024 final, both teams will be looking to add another significant chapter to their history.
Key Storylines:
The Evolution of Kobbie Mainoo:
If you’ve ever played The Journey on FIFA, then you’ll have an idea of what kind of a year Kobbie Mainoo has had. Mainoo has experienced a whirlwind transformation into top-flight football. He started his 2023/24 season away at Copenhagen… in the U19 UEFA Youth League before making his way to the United first team. Some stellar performances helped him maintain a first-team position and then an England call-up.
He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup Final and Gareth Southgate couldn’t ignore the young man. He had to be on the plane to Germany. Despite being the player with the least senior minutes in the WHOLE tournament, Mainoo has shone. He has started each knockout game and has just gone from strength to strength. His family are out in Germany supporting him. He’s the youngest elder. The 19-year-old with twenty years of experience. He’s insane. Don’t be shocked if he has a massive impact on Sunday!
Impact 👊#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/75ATAn1p6M
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 12, 2024
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams:
These two going band for band on the wing is a terrific sight to see (unless you’re an England fan). They are sensational. Direct, technical, fast, and skillful, they both have it all.
The craziest part, Williams is five years older than Yamal, and he only turns 22 today! With both of them celebrating their birthdays the days before the final, the best present they could ask for would be a goal and a trophy..!
Jude Bellingham against the country that adores him so much (well… half)
The Spanish media loves Bellingham. He’s the hero and talisman of Real Madrid, of course, they idolise him. Yet now he’s on the other side. Bellingham hasn’t been at his best this tournament, but he has still come up with some pivotal moments, like the 90th-minute bicycle kick against Slovakia to save England. If he does something similar against Spain, he might get a slightly different reception when he returns to the Bernabeu…
It’s unlikely though. Whatever happens, he’s still their star.
Key Players:
England – Harry Kane: Despite a slightly underwhelming performance by his standards, Harry Kane has still managed to score three goals, making him the joint top scorer of the tournament. If he can channel his Bayern Munich form on Sunday, England will be in for a treat.
Spain – Rodri: Rodri has been a cornerstone for Spain, losing only one game since February 2023. He dictates the game, breaks up play, and is the ultimate boss in midfield. His presence will be pivotal in the final.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
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