The European Football Championship i.e. Euro Cup 2024 has reached its final stage. Spain and England will face each other in the final of the tournament on Sunday at 12:30 pm. England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the second semi-final to make it to the final on foreign soil for the first time.
In this final to be played in Berlin, the England team will face a tough challenge from the Spain team which is in top form. Spain will try to win a record fourth title. Spain has become the best performing team in Euro Cup 2024. They are the only team to have won all their matches and scored 13 goals, which equals the Spanish record for most goals scored in the European Championship and is one goal less than the record set by France in 1984. Spain coach De la Fuente warned England that our team will give its best in the final. The England team always inspires us to give a match-winning performance.
The final match will be played after Lamin Yamal's 17th birthday. He became the youngest player to score a goal in the Euro Cup. His goal helped Spain beat France 2-1 and enter the Euro 2024 final. Supporters of both teams have already reached Berlin. The final is expected to be exciting as England are set to win the Euro Cup on foreign soil for the first time.
The numbers game
This will be the third match between Spain and England at the European Championship. England won 2-1 in the 1980 group stage. In 1996, after a 0-0 draw after regulation time, they won 4-2 in a penalty shootout and reached the quarter-finals.
Spain has lost only four of its last 14 matches against England in all types of football tournaments. Spain has seven wins and three draws. Before this record, the Spanish team had lost seven consecutive matches against England.
The Spanish team has won its last three major tournament finals. Spain won the 2008 and 2012 European Championship and the 2010 FIFA World Cup title. No team in Europe has been as successful as Spain with four consecutive finals.
Players to watch
Lamin Yamal (Spain)
Lamin Yamal has impressed everyone with his speed, skill and ability to shoot from long distance at Euro 2024. The 16-year-old Spanish winger is at the top of the tournament in assisting teammates for goals. His brilliant goal against France in the semi-finals has signaled danger against England.
Koby Manu (England)
18-year-old Koby Manu has been a major contributor to England's success and has become a key player in Gareth Southgate's team. His grip on the ball, excellent passing and quick running ability can be a big threat to Spain's backline. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is also well aware of his goal-scoring potential.
Nico Williams (Spain)
Spain's other winger Nico Williams has also put his name on the radar of Europe's top clubs with his impressive performances at Euro 2024. Like Yamal, Nico also displays great speed and ball control. Nico will face England veteran Kyle Walker in the final.
Phil Foden (England)
Phil Foden, who won the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season title, performed brilliantly against England in the Euro Cup. The Netherlands defense could not cope with it in the semi-finals. Foden's excellent passing and ability to hit long shots from time to time will make the Spanish team cautious. He can assist team mates in clever passing.