EURO 2024 draws to a close with the big final between Spain and England that will take place this Sunday, 14th of July, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, at 20:00 BST.
How to watch Spain vs England
You can catch the live broadcast of the match on both BBC One and ITV 1. Additionally, the final will be available for live streaming on the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and apps, as well as on ITVX's website and app.
Spain vs England preview
Spain have been by far the most entertaining team to watch at this year's Euros and they will hope to cap off the tournament with a triumph in the final act. Youngsters Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have taken the competition by storm, with 6 goal contributions between them.
Moreover, Yamal became the youngest goalscorer ever in the Euros history after his wondergoal in the semifinal against France. With blistering pace and mesmerizing skills, the young duo on the wings will likely cause Gareth Southgate the most headaches ahead of the final.
But also another factor that helped Spain defeat every opponent they faced so far is the precise control of the midfield. Even though Luis de la Fuente implemented a more direct style of play, the three-time champions are still blessed to have a midfield maestro in Rodri, who dictates the tempo of the game.
The Manchester City star scored a crucial equalizer against Georgia in the round of 16 that helped his team earn a come-back after conceding early in the game. He is also very important defensively, breaking the opponent's counters with his quick and precise interceptions. Next to him to complete the midfield three are Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, who both displayed fantastic football at this Euros.
England have not been as impressive as Spain on their route to the final, but they still managed to secure their tickets to Berlin. Against the Netherlands in the semis, The Three Lions earned only their second win in normal time at this tournament, after defeating Serbia 1-0 in their opening fixture almost one month ago. Since then, they drew the remaining two group games, 1-1 against Denmark and 0-0 against Slovenia, and only knocked out Slovakia and Switzerland after extra-time and penalties in the round of 16 and the quarter-finals, respectively.
Still, even with a not-so-entertaining football, England reached their second consecutive Euros final, an achievement that Gareth Southgate and his players should not be stripped of. They are a much stronger side mentally than they were 6 years ago when they fell short in extra-time against Croatia in the World Cup semifinals.
Since then, they won four out of the last five encounters that went to extra-time or penalties, including the two victories against Slovakia and Switzerland at EURO 2024. And with players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane, England will always be a team to fear, no matter their defensive playstyle.
Spain vs England Head-to-Head
Matches Played: 27
Spain Won: 10
Match Draw: 3
England Won: 14
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Spain vs England Recent Meetings
Spain and England last faced each other in 2018, in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League. They were paired in the same group that year, with both winning the away fixture: 3-2 for England in Sevilla and 2-1 for Spain at the Wembley stadium.
Before that, the last competitive fixture between them dates all the way back to EURO 1996, when The Three Lions managed to defeat Furia Roja in the quarter-finals on penalties, with a certain Gareth Southgate playing in defence.
Spain team news
Spain's quarterfinal showdown against Germany saw them lose two crucial players in defence, Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, who were both suspended for the semifinal clash against France. They will be eligible to play against England though and will most likely take their place back in the starting 11, sending Jesus Navas and Nacho to the bench.
However, Luis de la Fuente will be without Pedri, who picked up an injury against Germany after a clash with Toni Kroos and will be sidelined for a longer period. Also, ex-Leicester City man Ayoze Perez picked up a knock and won't be available for the final.
Spain's predicted line-up:
Simon - Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella - Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo - Yamal, Morata, Williams
England team news
With Luke Shaw back from injury, it will be interesting to find out whether or not Southgate will back the Manchester United full-back and throw him in the starting line-up. Apart from Shaw, no other England player is reported to deal with any kind of injuries, so The Three Lions have the full squad available at their disposal.
England's predicted line-up:
Pickford - Walker, Stones, Guehi - Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw - Bellingham Foden; Kane
Spain vs England prediction
As mentioned, Spain have been in flying form at EURO 2024, while England were underperforming in most of their matches. However, a final is always special and these types of matches usually go down to the wire. While it's difficult to pick a favourite for the final, Spain may have what it takes to scrape through Southgate's side in Berlin.