The English captain races for his first team trophy with a national team that has never won the Euros. The rival has already won three times.
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The Olympic Stadium in Berlin is the stage for this Sunday’s European Championship final, a match that will crown either Spain as the first four-time European champion or England as a first-time winner.
After six matches played by each team, La Roja is somewhat favored, especially due to their impressive ability to combine good football with positive results. The current Nations League champion the first senior title for coach Luis de la Fuente, who had previously found success with the U-19 and U-21 teams has an unblemished record of six victories, matching the record of the Spain team that won Euro 2008, and which they now have the chance to surpass.
Spain's journey to the final has been marked by a blend of youth and experience. The youthful exuberance of players like Nico Williams and Yamal, a prodigy who just turned 17 yesterday, has been pivotal. Their energy and creativity complement the stability and skill of more experienced players such as Rodri, Fabián Ruíz, and Dani Olmo. This dynamic combination has allowed Spain to play an attractive, effective style of football that has yielded positive results throughout the tournament.
On the English side, the journey was anything but smooth, and Gareth Southgate and his players had to deal with much criticism, particularly from the press and fans. After a group stage with one win and two draws, the Three Lions team was seconds away from falling to Slovakia. A bicycle kick from Bellingham saved them, sending the game into extra time where Kane decided the match. The captain, an extraordinary player, is aiming to win his first team title this Sunday, a "monkey" he hasn't managed to shake off even at Bayern. Southgate, who has been more astute and courageous in recent games for example, substituting Kane for Watkins against the Netherlands, with the latter scoring the decisive goal is also seeking his first trophy, bearing in mind the final lost three years ago to Italy in London.
England, despite their rocky path, has shown remarkable resilience and determination. The team boasts a wealth of young talent, with players like Bellingham, Saka, Foden, and Palmer leading the charge. These young stars have been instrumental in England's progress, showcasing their skill and composure under pressure. Additionally, the consistency and reliability of players like Rice and the defensive unit have provided a solid foundation for the team. This blend of youth and experience, coupled with a more mature and pragmatic approach, has positioned England as a formidable contender, threatening to break their long-standing curse since the 1966 World Cup.
Spain regains the suspended Carvajal and Le Normand, who is competing with Nacho for a spot in the starting eleven; for England, the question is whether they will return to the 4-2-3-1 formation or stick with the 3-4-2-1. The tactical decisions made by both coaches will be crucial in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated final.
As the two teams prepare to face off, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest. Will Spain's fluid and attacking style prevail, or will England's resilience and tactical acumen see them lift their first European Championship trophy? The stage is set for an unforgettable finale to Euro 2024.
