After a thrilling month of matches across Germany, the Euro 2024 tournament reaches its climax on Sunday with a mouthwatering final between Spain and England at Berlin's Olympiastadion.
Spain has dazzled throughout the tournament, showcasing impressive teamwork and a clear strategy. Their journey to the final included a standout 2-1 victory over France, highlighted by 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.
Under the guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente, key players like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Fabian Ruiz, Marc Cucurella, and Rodri have led La Furia Roja to become the most balanced team in the competition.
England's path has been more uneven. Despite their star-studded lineup, they've struggled to find cohesion. Manager Gareth Southgate’s squad has relied on late-game heroics, including a dramatic 90th-minute goal from Ollie Watkins to secure a 2-1 win against the Netherlands.
Key players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistent performances will be crucial.
With captain Harry Kane on three goals for the tournament but needing to step up, the final promises to be an intense battle between Spain's smooth coordination and England's gritty determination.
MORE: Euro 2024 schedule and results, updated LIVE | Who will win Euro 2024? Latest odds and predictions | How to watch all the Euro 2024 action
England vs. Spain TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, BBC One.
- Live Streaming: ITVX, STV Player, BBC iPlayer/website.
Sunday's grand finale will be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC One, ITV1, and STV Scotland in the UK. Fans can also stream the game online via BBC iPlayer, the BBC website, ITVX, and STV Player.
If the Euro 2024 final is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
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England vs. Spain lineups & team news
Gareth Southgate has settled on a 3-4-2-1 system for England from the quarterfinal win over Switzerland onwards, but he still had a couple of selection dilemmas to make for the final.
Luke Shaw, who scored the Three Lions' only goal in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, comes in at left wing-back ahead of right-footed defender Kieran Trippier, having overcome an injury that he carried over to Germany. After coming off the bench in the past two games and replacing Trippier at halftime in Dortmund, the Manchester United defender is part of a plan to restrict the dazzling Lamine Yamal on Spain's right wing.
Calls for the energetic Ollie Watkins to start ahead of Harry Kane, who has struggled to make notable impact and cut a frustrated figure for much of the tournament despite getting on the scoresheet three times, ramped up after Watkins scored the winner off the bench against the Netherlands. However, Southgate is banking on his best striker, leader and captain to come good when it matters the most.
England starting lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Pickford (GK) — Walker, Stones, Guehi — Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier — Foden, Bellingham — Kane.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has a double defensive boost for Sunday's grand finale with defenders Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal both returning from respective one-match bans. They slot straight back in to replace Nacho Fernandez and 38-year-old Jesus Navas, the latter of whom had a tough time of things against the electrifying Kylian Mbappe last time out and went off with a knock in the second half.
Striker Alvaro Morata looked to hurt his knee when a security guard slipped and collided with him during the post-match celebrations. Morata was wincing as he made his way off the pitch, raising doubts about his availability for Sunday's final, but he is fit enough to lead out the team in Berlin.
Otherwise De La Fuente has a full-strength squad available at his disposal to pick starting XI from, with the exception of Pedri missing out with the knee injury he suffered against Germany. RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo replaced him against France and retains his place in midfield after bagging the winner against Les Bleus.
Spain starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Simon (GK) — Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella — Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz — Lamine Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams.
England vs. Spain prediction
- Score prediction: England 1-1 Spain (a.e.t, England to win on penalties)
Both teams have the defensive solidity required to shut up shop and each has the attacking talent required to breach the other's rearguard, although the Three Lions' attack has occasionally lacked cutting edge during these Euros.
Spain are a vibrant, well-organised and energetic side with bags of flair and creativity, as well as a ruthless streak that has seen them down the likes of France and Germany along the way. However, it can also not be denied that England have more talent and experience in high-stakes matches, which plays a crucial role in games of this magnitude.
There are no two ways about it, it's very tough to call and could well go all the way. This encounter might not be settled over the course of 90 or even 120 minutes. No fan from either nation wants the final to be decided by a penalty shootout, but that is the direction TSN expect Sunday's battle to head in, and Southgate's side will hope to rely on their recent experience from 12 yards to finally bring football home.