England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, marking a historic moment for the national team. Gareth Southgate has led England to consecutive European Championship finals and their first men’s major tournament final on foreign soil. Spain, on the other hand, has been the standout team of the tournament, displaying an entertaining style of play. In this final, there are five key battles that could ultimately determine the winner.
The midfield battle between Rodri and Phil Foden & Jude Bellingham is likely to be crucial. Southgate has managed to utilize both Foden and Bellingham in a central attacking role, and their performances will be key to unlocking Spain’s defense. However, they will have to contend with Rodri, the Manchester City holding midfielder who is considered one of the best players in his position. Rodri’s ability to dictate play and recover the ball will pose a challenge for England’s attacking duo.
Another key battle to watch out for is between Lamine Yamal and Luke Shaw. Yamal, the 16-year-old winger from Barcelona, has been a revelation in this tournament, becoming the youngest player to start a European Championship match and breaking records previously held by Pele. He has been causing havoc on the right wing for Spain. If England wants to have a chance at winning, they will need to find a way to deal with Spain’s threat down the flanks. Shaw, who replaced the injured Kieran Trippier in the semi-final, could be the answer. He has looked sharp since coming back from injury and has proven himself on the big occasion, scoring in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka will also be involved in an intriguing battle. Cucurella, who faced criticism from his own fans earlier this year, has been in excellent form for Chelsea and has carried that form into Euro 2024. He has formed a brilliant partnership with Nico Williams down Spain’s left-hand side. Saka, on the other hand, has shown great resilience after the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final and the racial abuse he received. He has been a consistent threat for England and scored a fine goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final. This battle between two talented wingers promises to be an exciting one.
In the midfield, Declan Rice will be tasked with stopping RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. Rice has been a standout performer for England throughout the tournament, covering more distance than any other player and excelling both defensively and offensively. Olmo, on the other hand, has been one of Spain’s top performers, leading the race for the Golden Boot with three goals and two assists. Rice will need to dominate the middle of the park to prevent Olmo from adding to his tally.
Lastly, the battle between Nico Williams and Kyle Walker will be crucial in determining Spain’s attacking threat from the wings. Williams, alongside Yamal, has impressed with his dribbling and ability to run at defenses. Walker, known for his speed and one-on-one defending, will need to use his pace effectively to keep up with Williams and prevent any birthday/Euro-winning celebrations.
These five key battles will shape the outcome of the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain. Both teams have shown their strengths throughout the tournament, and it will be fascinating to see how these individual duels play out on the big stage.