Spain will take on England in the 2024 European Championship Final on Monday morning. But how did we get here, what form are both nations in, and who should you look out for in the final?
England was one of the favourites to win the tournament from the outset, and while those expectations have been met on paper so far, their performances have been more inconsistent than fans would've liked.
England made the finals of the Euros in 2021 and have performed consistently at the two previous World Cups, losing to the runner-up on both occasions. However, manager Gareth Southgate made some ruthless selections for this England squad, providing a new look for The Three Lions.
Spain had shown glimpses of improvement going into the Euros, however due to losing to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, they were only touted for a semi-final appearance.
They had won the 2023 edition of the Nations League on penalties but had performed erratically in the 2022 World Cup, losing to Morocco.
La Roja have outperformed their expectations solidifying Spain as a dominant force in the competition. after dispatching the other front runners in France and the hosts Germany on their way to the final.
Scoring the most goals of any nation (13), Spain dominated all of their opponents in their 'group of death' which included Italy and Croatia. The knockout stages were no exceptions, with Spain becoming the first team to win six games in a row, without going to penalties at the Euros.
England struggled in the group stage, scoring just two goals and winning one match. However, going undefeated was enough to top their group. Slowly finding form, they competed in extra time against Slovakia, penalties against Switzerland and scored a stoppage time winner against the Netherlands, to make their way to the final.
Due to their struggles, Southgate experimented with his midfield and has allowed Manchester United’s 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo to shine, in addition to being more flexible with his team's shape in and out of possession.
Celebrating his 17th birthday before the final, Barcelona wunderkind Lamine Yamal has similarly had a breakout tournament for Spain with fellow winger Nico Williams, who both bring electric pace to this traditionally ball-dominant team.
All of these teenagers are tournament debutants for their nations but show no signs of struggling to adapt to the international stage.
Phil Foden has been the creative spark for England in the centre of the park, continuing to build upon his magnificent season for Manchester City. Bukayo Saka though has been a key to the success of this England team. Remaining the only out-and-out winger in the starting line-up, Saka is essential in providing runs and spacing for England and will be crucial come Monday morning.
Due to their dominance, Spain has had more outstanding individuals to look out for, none in a better vein of form than Dani Olmo. He leads the Euros in score involvements (5) and has stepped up in the absence of his teammate Pedri due to injury.
Spain will also likely welcome back Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand into the starting line-up, as they both return from suspension for the Final.
For England, a win would provide them with just their second-ever piece of silverware, and their first since the World Cup in 1966. Despite the lack of trophies, the England fans have continued to fill up live sites all over the country and believe now more than ever, that ‘Football's coming home’.
If they need any more inspiration, they can look towards the Lionesses, who just won the most recent edition of the Women's Euros in 2022.
However, Spain's women's team were the one who snatched victory from the Lionesses in the Final of the Women's World Cup in 2023 co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, providing some motivation to their male counterparts. If the men's team can win the Final against England, they will become the first nation to win the Euros four times.
Spain will be slight favourites walking into the Final, but England have been able to find a way to save each of their last three knockout games.
Only time will tell who will be crowned European Champions.
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