England have reached back-to-back finals ahead of Euro 2024 but Spain remain on course for a first major trophy since 1966.
It's the first major final away for the Three Lions but those players and more importantly, Gareth Southgate can't get carried away just yet.
Spain have been the team of the tournament and will face a big challenge in Berlin on Sunday.
We look at where the key battles will be on the field.
If you're interested in betting on Spain v England in the Euro 2024 final, don't forget to visit Betano's free bet offer page for a £30 free bet.
Yamal vs Shaw/Trippier
We still don't know if Luke Shaw or Kieran Trippier will start on the left against Spain.
But we know that Lamine Yamal will once again organize La Roja, and he will be a problem.
The Barcelona youngster scored the goal of the summer against France in the semi-final, making him the youngest goalscorer at either the Euros or the World Cup.
He also broke Pele's record for being the youngest player to play in a semi-final at a major tournament.
Having created 13 chances and provided three more assists, Yamal is a clear threat that Southgate will be preparing for and the big decision he will have to make is who will face him.
Trippier was subbed off at half-time against the Netherlands and Shaw has looked sharp in his two appearances so far at Euro 2024.
As England's only left-back, it may be time to give the Manchester United man a start in the final.
And we must not forget that he scored the first goal against Italy three years ago.
Who will host the show on Sunday?#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/B5v6VC2zAL
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 12, 2024
Cucurella vs Saka
Redemption was on the cards for both Bukayo Saka and Marc Cucurella at Euro 2024.
Saka has been a shining star for Arsenal, but in an England shirt, he is remembered for missing one of England's penalties in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
It has been the opposite for Cucurella, who has struggled to adapt to life at Chelsea since his move from Brighton.
But the 25-year-old has been at the heart of Spain's run to the Euro 2024 finals, holding off Europe's best.
It will be an exciting battle between two Premier League stars on Saturday.
Saka got the better of his opponent recently when Chelsea faced Arsenal in the Premier League but international football is a completely different kettle of fish.
Williams vs Walker
As if one talented running back wasn't enough, England have to deal with the threat of Nico Williams on the left.
Kyle Walker has been the best example for his country so far this summer and it will be interesting to see how his pace and experience cope with the Athletic Bilbao man.
The 21-year-old Williams is 13 years younger than her opponent on Sunday, who excels in one-on-one battles.
The Spanish midfielder has scored 16 goals in LaLiga this season and will be looking to add to his tally and help at Euro 2024.
It's definitely a battle to keep an eye on Berlin.
Foden/Bellingham v Rodri
As it happened in the match between Spain and France, the midfield is where the game can be won or lost.
There is a lot of talent in that area, including Rodri, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.
Southgate has so far managed to accommodate both of his stars in the middle of the line-ups and they will likely need to work together to eliminate the threat of Rodri.
The Manchester City midfielder has lost just one of his last 79 games for club and country and is the heartbeat of the entire Spanish team.
We've seen moments of magic from Bellingham in this tournament, but he may find his match on Sunday in Berlin.
Kane x Bellingham 🏴✊#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/XL7OWKXjLf
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 12, 2024
Source link
