Just over a month after Euro 2024 kicked off with Germany beating Scotland, the competition reaches its climax tonight as England take on Spain in Berlin.
England are hoping to go one better than their penalty shoot-out loss to Italy three years ago and Spain are on course for a record fourth European title.
Team News
England made one change as Gareth Southgate named Luke Shaw at left back in place of Kieran Trippier. It's not clear whether Tripper had a knock or if Southgate just went for the natural left-back.
Shaw has not started a game of any description for 148 days due to a hamstring injury which delayed his involvement in Germany. The Manchester United defender has been substituted in the last two games but was unlikely to start tonight.
Otherwise, it is expected that the Three Lions with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham will continue behind Harry Kane in a 3-4-3.
Yours #Three Lions for the last time! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/89vFVGLfZW
– England (@England) July 14, 2024
Spain made two changes – both expected – with Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand returning to the squad after missing the semi-final win over France through suspension. Jesus Navas and Nacho fell to the bench.
Captain Alvaro Morata has been passed fit despite injuring his knee in a clash with the manager after the post-match celebrations in France.
Certified products
England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Saka, Shaw, Mainoo, Rice, Foden, Bellingham, Kane
Spain: Simon, Carvajal, Laporte, Le Normand, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Olmo, Yamal, Williams, Morata
🚨 GOOD | !!!!
👥 Os presentamos la alineación de Luis de la Fuente para vencer a Inglaterra and GANAR LA EUROCOPA.
💪🏼 ¡A por ellos, equipo!! ¡¡Traed el trofeo a casa!!#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/SJfSmCl3kx
— Select Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 14, 2024
What they say
England struggled early on, drawing in their two group games but faith has grown in the camp as they progressed through the tournament.
Southgate said: “There is no question about that. These are myths that I don't believe in, but there is no question that the way the competition has continued for us has made us believe and stand up. Those qualities are a big part of winning tournaments.
“Spain keeps the ball very well, but it's clear that they are more direct in their attacking play, which makes them slow down a lot. They defend well as a team and press the ball up high, trying to force it into tight spaces. The biggest thing is that we have to use the ball very well.
“We have improved as the competition has gone on – definitely with football – and we have to show those qualities to be able to play under pressure, create scoring opportunities, and we believe we can do those things.”
Southgate's team-mate Luis de la Fuente guided Spain to the final in his first tournament in charge of a senior team (apart from the Nations League which they also win in 2023).
And he expects England to present a real challenge tonight.
He said: “They are a very good national team. Regardless of the results or performance so far in these Euros, I knew that England were a very good team, a very good team and that eventually they would 'open up'.
“I believed that because of the high quality of their players. So there is no complacency or overconfidence on our part. In fact, facing England, I think, is a completely different game than any we have played so far at the Euros.”
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