¿Se está volviendo a casa? Spain vs England: Euro 2024 Final Preview

And just like that, another European Championships reaches its conclusion. While early favourites such as France have flattered to deceive, a previously under-the-radar Spain have lit up the tournament to go all the way. Surprise packages have come through the likes of Turkey and Georgia, who exceeded initial expectations while playing electrifying football. And of course, we must mention England, whose nail-biting route to the final has defied critics (myself included!) every step of the way. Whether your allegiance lies with La Roja or the Three Lions, it is shaping up to be a momentous conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable tournament.

Spain vs England - The Final

KO 8pm 14/07

While they may never match the golden generation that triumphed in three major tournaments in a row between 2008 and 2012, Spain have undoubtedly been the standout team of the competition this time around. Playing with flair and composure, they have won every game, ultimately outfoxed two tournament favourites in Germany and France and stand on the brink of a first European Championships title in twelve years.

In perhaps the greatest match of the tournament so far, it was 16 year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal whose stunning strike from outside the box kickstarted a rapid turnaround of France’s early lead. Yamal will undoubtedly be looking to add to his goal contributions against England, who will have their work cut out to keep him quiet. Moreover, Dani Olmo, who jointly leads the goalscoring charts coming into the final, will certainly also be looking to add to his tally in order to claim the Golden Boot for himself. Luis de la Fuente’s side will go into the match as favourites based on their form so far, and England have an almighty task on their hands to keep their attacking threat at bay.

Although they have made it this far, England, like France, have not shone in the way that one might have expected prior to the tournament. Gareth Southgate’s men have taken an unconventional route to the final, drawing two of their group stage matches and looking certain to be going home at the last 16 before being rescued by Jude Bellingham. The quarter-final against Switzerland was a similarly tense affair, with the Three Lions trailing yet again before a sublime penalty shootout performance. The likes of Harry Kane and Phil Foden, who enjoyed excellent seasons with their respective clubs, have also come under scrutiny for below-par performances.

Nevertheless, Gareth Southgate has proved the doubters wrong time and time again and England find themselves in their second successive Euros final. Although the semi-final against the Netherlands was decided in the 90th minute courtesy of Ollie Watkins, it was an overall far more dynamic performance than their laboured showings earlier in the tournament. Now that England appear to have kicked into gear, it would be foolish to write them off; Spain may look like favourites, but a first tournament win in nearly sixty years remains ours for the taking.

In team news, Spain will welcome the returns of Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand from suspension. Álvaro Morata is also fit despite worries of a freak injury sustained in the semi-final celebrations. Spain’s only absence is midfielder Pedri, who is still yet to recover from a knee injury picked up against Germany.

Turning to England, Gareth Southgate is likely to keep his faith with the same starting line-up from the semi-final. Although captain Kane has struggled at several moments during this tournament, his goalscoring record speaks for itself and he is almost certain to get the nod ahead of Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney. Elsewhere, while Luke Shaw has provided competition for Kieran Trippier at left wing-back, his relative lack of match fitness means that Trippier is likely to retain his spot.

El Chumbazo's Predictions:

Alex: I was surprised and impressed with how much England improved between the quarter-final and semi-final. Although they looked spent against Switzerland, I would certainly not rule them out to go one better than last time and win the whole thing. However, I think Spain have been the far more consistent side overall, and their confident displays against France and Germany exemplify this. I think that Southgate’s men will put in a shift, but ultimately Spain will be too strong for them. I can see goals from Yamal and Bukayo Saka within 90 minutes, before a heartbreaking winner from Morata in extra time hands Spain the trophy. Spain 2-1 England (AET)

Jack H: Having placed a £10 bet on Spain to lift the trophy after the Last 16, I'm in a win-win situation. Of course I'll be supporting England but when giving a prediction one must be unbiased. Spain are certainly the favourites and their pace on the attack could cause the Three Lions problems. Yamal, Williams, Olmo, Fabián and Rodri have been sensational this tournament and are key components in their build-up play. England will give it a good go but, reluctantly, I think Spain will prove too strong. I hope I'm proved wrong though. Spain 2-1 England (AET).

George: There seems to be something in the air around the England camp this year. Yes, we haven’t played as well as we should have done for a lot of this tournament, but we’ve got the results anyway, and that just shows the character of this squad. On paper, we lose this one. But football isn’t played on paper. I’ve just got a feeling we’ll get over the line, somehow. Let’s just pray that it’s not penalties though eh. Spain 2-3 England (AET).

Jack B: Dare I say the 5 words ‘I’ve just got a feeling’. This game is going to take everything those England boys have. Spain have a fantastic squad and chemistry, and if we leave gaps in the middle and let them play in between the lines, we’ll be punished. But something has been different this tournament. 2018 we rode the wave of a new found success we hadn’t had before, 2020 & 2022 we saw dominant performances that we couldn’t follow through. We have been down and out many times this tournament but always come back. That is not typical England, that is, in my opinion, champions!

Spain 0-1 England.