Spain v England: Key battles ahead of Euro 2024 final

Ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final with Spain on Sunday, we’ve looked at some key battles that may decide the tie.

Spain have undoubtedly been the team of the tournament, breezing through a group containing Croatia, Italy and Albania, surviving an early scare against Georgia before beating Germany and France to reach the final.

By contrast, England have won just two games in 90 minutes – and one of them relied on a goal in the last second of normal time with the other win coming against Serbia. They’ve needed a 95th-minute overhead kick to take Slovakia to extra-time and needed penalties to beat Switzerland.

Nevertheless, the Three Lions have made it to Berlin, largely on the back of individual moments and there’s no denying they have the players to do the same against Spain.

But football is a team game, and we’ve looked at where Sunday’s final may be won and lost.

Nico Williams v Kyle Walker

Lamine Yamal has taken all the plaudits – rightly so – for his performances so far, but it was Nico Williams on the opposite flank who shone brighter earlier in the tournament.

The Athletic Club man was sensational against Italy, scoring a wonderful goal against Georgia and will be a key outlet for La Roja on Sunday.

As he gets older, Kyle Walker’s pace is no longer the weapon it once was, and should Williams get a chance to stretch his legs, he may have the beating of Walker, and as far as a one-on-one duel goes, Williams will certainly fancy his chances.

In the last two games, Gareth Southgate has deployed Bukayo Saka in a deeper role, utilising a hybrid back-three/four, and it may be that the Arsenal winger is called upon to give Walker a helping hand.

Dani Olmo v Declan Rice

It’s hard to see Gareth Southgate making any changes to his side having played so well in the first half against the Netherlands, but a brave call would be to find a place for Conor Gallagher.

The Chelsea man was a baffling introduction against Denmark and an even more baffling inclusion against Slovenia, being hooked at half-time. But Gallagher’s biggest strengths are out of possession, and with this the first time England are up against top-class opposition, it’s the most suitable time to play Gallagher.

Kobbie Mainoo has been excellent for England throughout the tournament, but Gallagher’s energy and ability to press high up the pitch would be crucial on Sunday. As it is, a lot of the defensive responsibility will fall on Declan Rice’s shoulders, and if he’s not at his best, Dani Olmo could have a field day.

Olmo was sensational against admittedly limited opposition in Georgia when he came off the bench. But the RB Leipzig playmaker finds pockets of space for fun and will link up superbly with Spain’s two wingers.

While Rice isn’t exactly a traditional holding midfielder, it may be that he’s needed in his defensive third on Sunday, and if the Arsenal man can nullify Olmo, Spain will quickly find themselves frustrated.

Marc Cucurella v Bukayo Saka

There isn’t much Bukayo Saka can’t do. Frankly, it’s remarkable that he still has so many critics to win over. He may not always be the most graceful on the ball – a little like Mohamed Salah in that respect – but he’s ridiculously effective thanks to brilliant awareness, movement and decision-making that makes him an output machine who’s registered 25 goal contributions in each of his last two Premier League seasons.

It’s not just going forward where Saka impresses, either. He’s got a fantastic engine that’s seen him essentially operate in a back five for England’s last two matches while still getting up the other end of the pitch to score one goal and have another ruled out for offside.

We all know Marc Cucurella’s biggest asset and that’s his blistering place; Saka won’t be winning any foot races on Sunday night but can get the better of the Chelsea man at both ends of the pitch. While Williams would prefer to cut in onto his right, he’s more than capable of going down the line; either way, Cucurella will be keen to make his presence known in the final third on the overlap and Saka will likely need to keep an eye on the full-back while being ready to exploit him on the counter.

While Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham have shone in spells, Saka has been England’s most consistent performer and any Three Lions success on Sunday night will surely involve the Arsenal star.