Based on the previous results between the two teams, expect this to be a close game between Spain and England. The last two fixtures have been decided by a single goal, with the previous meeting finishing 3-2 to England.
Both sides have the attacking options to be the deciding factors for this game. Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever scorer at an international tournament in the semi-final. Yamal also has one shot on target in his last three games for the national side. Phil Foden will be expected to contribute after the Manchester City midfielder had two shots on target against the Netherlands.
Dani Olmo and Harry Kane will be likely scorers for either side, with both players tied for the Golden Boot on three goals heading into the final. Spain ranks highest in fouls committed with 83 and have obtained 15 yellow cards. Rodri has three yellow cards and Robin Le Normand has two respectively.
We are predicting a tightly contested affair between the two teams for this all-important final, and likely for both teams to score. We are edging towards an England win by a 2-1 scoreline. Spain 1-2 England.
Euro 2024 Final: Spain vs England - Preview
The final of the European Championship takes place on Sunday, with the summer for football reaching its dramatic end. Three-time European Champions, Spain, face an England side looking to avenge their defeat in the previous final.
Location: Olympistadion
Date: Sunday, 14 July 2024
Kick-Off: 3pm ET
Spain, have undoubtedly been the best team in the tournament so far and La Roja could become the single most successful team in the European Championships if they win on Sunday, as they are currently tied with three along with Germany. On the other hand, England are chasing their maiden European Championship but will be buoyed by the fact they’ve reached their second consecutive final under Gareth Southgate.
As for Spain, they’ve been brilliant this tournament, having won all their group games and only played one single game in extra time this whole tournament. Spain were tipped as 8/1 at the start of the tournament, making them fourth favourites behind the likes of Germany, France and their opponents England to win the competition.
Spain’s route to the final began with a group consisting of Italy, Croatia and Albania. La Roja began their campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Croatia and secured qualification through a 1-0 win over Italy. Spain remained unbeaten in their group with a final-game victory over Albania. Spain were impressive in their knockout victories over Georgia and Germany. The semi-final against France showcased their intentions, as La Roja reached their fifth European Championship final.
For England, the nation awaits and expects that finally this year will break the 58-year heartache of not lifting an international trophy. This will be England’s third international final, having won the World Cup in 1966 and losing the previous European Championship final against Italy. England were tipped as early tournament favourites at 3/1 alongside France, and thus far have achieved bookmakers’ expectations in reaching the final.
The Three Lions’ route to the final began with a group consisting of Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. England were 1–0 winners over Serbia; however, they followed that up with two consecutive draws against Denmark and Slovenia, which left many questioning England’s chances for the tournament. England then faced Slovakia in the round of 16 and were on the verge of elimination barring a moment of brilliance by Jude Bellingham.
The quarter-final presented a familiar tale of penalties for England, although this time England held their nerve as Switzerland were beaten by the Three Lions. In the semi-final, England arguably produced their best display of the tournament, but still left it late as Ollie Watkins scored in the 91st minute to send delirium into the fans in Dortmund and back home.
The previous meetings between the two sides suggest it could be anyone’s game on Sunday. In the last five games between the two sides, both Spain and England have taken two victories from each other, with the remaining game being a draw. The last meeting between the teams resulted in a 3-2 win for England.
Spain vs England - Team News
Spain
Daniel Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas at full-back following his recent suspension. Pedri is unavailable, and Dani Olmo will feature in the midfield three for La Roja.
England
Gareth Southgate might risk the fitness of Luke Shaw. The Manchester United left-back played 45 minutes against the Netherlands, replacing Kieran Trippier. That will be expected to be the only change to the line-up should Southgate alter his options.
Spain vs England - Where to Watch
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Spain vs England - Recent Form
Spain are in brilliant form heading into their fifth European Final, having only faced extra time once this tournament. La Roja have won five from their previous five games and are unbeaten in their last eight international games. In competitive fixtures, Spain have not lost in their last 14 games, having last suffered a defeat against Scotland in qualifying for this tournament.
Before the defeat against Scotland in qualifying, Spain had endured a difficult patch of form, having lost two from the previous five – which included a knockout defeat at the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Morocco.
Spain’s proficiency in the attack has been evident throughout this tournament, having scored at least one goal in every game thus far. In this tournament, Spain have scored 13 goals in six games, averaging 2.16 goals per game this tournament. From the 13 goals scored this tournament, Spain have recorded seven of those in the first half – including the two quick-fire goals against Germany in the Quarter-Final.
Defensively, Spain will turn out to be a stubborn outfit, having only conceded three goals the entire tournament. La Roja have conceded 0.5 goals per game this tournament and have kept three clean sheets from six played. All three clean sheets were in the group stage phase.
In the semi-final against tournament favourites France, Spain edged out Les Blues despite having a lower xG as their opponents. Spain recorded a 0.75xG in comparison to France’s 1.10xG, although the main statistic in Spain’s favour was the possession. Spain averaged 58% possession, which allowed them to control the tempo in certain situations.
Despite the criticism of Gareth Southgate’s side from the media and the public, the Three Lions heads into this game in brilliant form like their opponents, although not as great as Spain. England are unbeaten in their last six games and conveniently all six games through this tournament, even remaining unbeaten in the group stages.
England’s last defeat was a 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland at Wembley. Before their defeat against Iceland, England had only won one of their previous five, which was a 3-0 defeat against Bosnia & Herzegovina. England’s form heading into the tournament had been uninspiring, having lost two of the four friendly games leading into Germany.
In comparison to Spain, England would need to improve their scoring frequency to win on Sunday. The Three Lions have scored seven goals this entire tournament from six games – averaging 1.1 goals per game this tournament.
England have scored 42% of their goals in the second half of games this tournament with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham contributing to the big moments. The Three Lions have also scored two of their five goals in the knockout stages in injury time during regulation play.
Defensively, England have been superb also, only conceding four goals in six tournament games – averaging 0.8 conceded per game. Southgate’s side have kept two clean sheets this tournament.
In the semi-final against the Netherlands, England produced their best performance of the tournament in a deserved 2-1 win. England had the larger share of possession with 58% and created two big chances with an xG of 1.25. In comparison, the Netherlands created only 0.54 with Xavi Simons’ effort contributing 0.13xG.
European Championship - Group B
Pos
Club
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1
Spain
3
3
0
0
+5
9
2
Italy
3
1
1
1
0
4
3
Croatia
3
0
2
1
-3
2
Last updated 07/09/2024
European Championship - Group C
Pos
Club
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1
England
3
1
2
0
+1
5
2
Denmark
3
0
3
0
0
3
3
Slovenia
3
0
3
0
0
3
Last updated 07/09/2024
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