Spain, the favorites for many, are well-acquainted with the Henri Delaunay Trophy. In contrast, England, World Cup winners in 1966, have yet to lift this particular trophy. Both teams had to fight hard in their semi-finals: Spain edged out France, and England triumphed over the Netherlands to secure their spots in the final.
This final also brings a sense of déjà vu, as the two nations clashed in notable matches last year. England's Under-21 team defeated Spain to win their European Championship, while Spain's women's team clinched the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over England.
Spain, often overlooked amid the pre-tournament hype surrounding Germany and France, made a strong statement by dominating the so-called 'Group of Death.' They emerged as the only team with a perfect record, defeating Croatia, Italy, and Albania without conceding a goal to an opposition player. Even when debutants Georgia took a surprise lead in the last 16, Spain remained resolute and continued their impressive run by overcoming hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
Key performances came from players like Mikel Merino and the young sensation Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest scorer in Euros history. Spain's path to the final saw them overturn a deficit against France, securing their place in their sixth major tournament final.
A win on Sunday would see Spain become the first European men's team to win four major tournament finals consecutively and the most successful team in Euros history, surpassing Germany's three titles. Spain's form is formidable, with 16 wins in their last 18 matches.
On the other side, England's journey to the final has been less straightforward. They struggled to convince in their group stage games and their last-16 match against Slovakia, which was saved by the heroics of Jude Bellingham. Bukayo Saka's crucial penalty in the quarter-final against Switzerland kept their hopes alive.
England's semi-final against the Netherlands saw a late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a controversial penalty converted by Harry Kane. This victory marked England's first-ever Euros final reached after trailing in both the quarters and semis.
Gareth Southgate, whose future as England manager has been the subject of debate, has guided his team to their first major tournament final on foreign soil. Southgate's history with Spain includes a memorable win in the Nations League in 2018. Now, his current squad looks to emulate the success of England's women's and Under-21 teams.
As the final approaches, both Spain and England are prepared for a monumental clash. Will Spain add another chapter to their illustrious history, or will England finally bring football home? The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in Berlin.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Spain's heated quarter-final against Germany saw key defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand run afoul of the referee. Both were suspended for the semi-final, with Le Normand sidelined due to an accumulation of yellow cards and Carvajal sent off in extra time. However, both players are now available for the final and will bring fresh energy to the team.Carvajal, in top form over the past year, will replace Jesus Navas, the last remaining member of Spain's Euro 2012 squad. Le Normand will likely take over from ex-Real Madrid captain Nacho on the bench.
Unfortunately, Pedri will miss the final due to a knee injury from the quarter-finals, and former Leicester City player Ayoze Perez is also out with a quadriceps tear.
Despite Mikel Merino's excellent performance in the quarter-final, RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo, who has scored three goals in the tournament, will be the central figure between the talented Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Yamal might face an England player who hasn't started in the tournament yet.
There was a moment of worry when Alvaro Morata was injured by a security guard during a pitch invasion, but he has recovered and is expected to lead Spain's attack.
England arrives in Berlin with a clean bill of health. Luke Shaw, who has struggled with injuries, is fit and may start. Shaw impressed after coming on in the semi-final against Switzerland and replacing Kieran Trippier in the second half. Given his fitness and past performance, including his memorable goal in the Euro 2020 final, Shaw is likely to be in the starting lineup.
Gareth Southgate is expected to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation. Despite Ollie Watkins' heroics in the semi-final, Harry Kane will continue as captain, supported by Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
Nineteen-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, now the youngest player to start a major tournament semi-final for England, has seamlessly integrated into the team and is expected to start in the final.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Spain possible starting lineup:Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
EXPERT PREDICTION
Spain 2-1 England
Southgate knows that only perfection will do if England are to end 58 years of disappointment in men's football. However, England fans haven't seen anything close to perfection from their team in Germany these past few weeks.
In the semi-final, when the Netherlands strengthened their midfield, England struggled to create chances until the Palmer-Watkins connection brought a breakthrough. A similar challenge could arise against Spain, especially with the ever-present Rodri controlling the midfield.
While England might manage to score, given Spain's less-than-impenetrable defense, Spain's young and dynamic attackers are likely to be too much for even England's strong defense to handle. Just as it happened at Wembley three years ago, this final might end in heartbreak for the Three Lions, with Spain set to become the most successful team in European Championship history.
are the favorites, but it's a final, and anyone can knick this
Vamos Espanola
