England can make history in Berlin as they prepare to take on Spain in the final of Euro 2024 – get the full lowdown on the Three Lions’ opponents below…
Marc Guéhi was back in the starting XI after suspension saw him miss the quarter-final against Switzerland, starting on the left of a back-three alongside John Stones and Kyle Walker.
Ebere Eze has been making an impact from the bench and did so once again to help book the semi-final slot, while Adam Wharton could make his first appearance of the tournament from the bench.
England will hope their attackers can be on the same kind of form as when the two nations last met back in October 2018, when the Three Lions raced into a 3-0 lead after just 38 minutes.
Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford were the scorers, with Spain getting two goals back but failing to prevent England taking all three Nations League points.
England XI: Pickford (GK), Trippier (Alexander-Arnold, 85), Maguire, Gomez, Chilwell, Dier, Winks (N. Chalobah, 90), Barkley (Walker, 76), Rashford, Sterling, Kane.
Subs not used: Bettinelli (GK), Butland (GK), Dunk, Maddison, Mount, Sancho.
The reality is, as Gareth Southgate conceded, that England are coming up against the best side in the tournament so far in the final. Spain have been nothing short of majestic in their direct attacking football, from easing past Croatia in their opening game to beating France in the semi-final.
Although they lost Pedri in the quarter-final against Germany, their midfield trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo have been superb, with the latter currently tied for the Golden Boot on three goals, as well as contributing two assists.
They have had a difficult route to the final, beating Germany in the final minute of extra-time and narrowly edging past France, and will hope to complete a remarkable run by seeing off England in the final.
Can they win a third Euros in 12 years in Berlin on Sunday?
Lamine Yamal announced himself to the world as a bona fide superstar with his stunning goal against France, cutting inside and curling into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Nico Williams on the opposite flank has also been a revelation, and much of England’s chances hinge on keeping the pair quiet.
In midfield, Rodri continues to demonstrate why he is arguably the world’s best defensive midfielder.
Luis de la Fuente
Much like Gareth Southgate, de la Fuente was promoted to the senior national side after working in the youth system, managing Spain’s Under-19s and Under-21s before taking the senior role in 2022. His appointment has been a major success, creating a dynamic and attacking playing style and reaching a major final.
