da imperador bet： Gareth Southgate's side are in the unfamiliar role of underdogs heading into Sunday's showpiece, but have the tools to sink La Roja
da doce： So England have made it to the final of Euro 2024, finally clicking into gear at the most crucial stage. But now comes the hardest part of all, beating a Spain team that have been the standout side of the tournament.
The Three Lions have so often failed to take that final step, even when they have had everything in their favour, such as in the Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley or while outplaying France at the 2022 World Cup.
But Spain will be the favourites for Sunday's showdown in Berlin, having won every game while scoring the most goals and conceding the least. Unlike England, they have faced the toughest teams, beating Italy, Croatia, Germany and France while sweeping them all aside. La Roja also have a generational talent in Lamine Yamal, plus perhaps the best midfielder in the world in serial-winner Rodri.
England have been on their own remarkable journey in Germany, shrugging off a series of ugly performances amid fierce criticism to reach the final after falling behind in all three of their knockout games. However, they will need to deliver their best performance of Gareth Southgate's eight-year reign if they are to beat the formidable Spaniards.
GOAL outlines the key areas England should focus on as they plot to beat La Roja and bring 58 years of hurt to an end once and for all…
Getty ImagesTarget Unai Simon
Unai Simon has played at three major tournaments with Spain and has made costly errors in each one. His monumental mis-control gifted Croatia a goal in Euro 2020; his weak hand helped Japan triumph at the Word Cup; his lax footwork gave Croatia a penalty at this tournament.
He ended up saving that spot-kick and has had a solid tournament, but he still looks uncomfortable playing the high-risk passing game Spain favour and he can be got at if England press him high. Phil Foden has led England's high press and Southgate should come up with a targeted plan to put the Athletic Club 'keeper under pressure.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesShackle Rodri
For all the excitement about Yamal and Nico Williams, Rodri remains Spain's most pivotal player. He has run the show from midfield, dictating the play as he has all season for Manchester City. He is also on a remarkable unbeaten run for his country, last losing a match in March 2023, while he has lost just once for City since November 2022.
That record alone makes him a formidable presence, but England have three City players in their ranks who train alongside him every day and can pinpoint his few weak spots. They also have Kobbie Mainoo, who was up against Rodri in the first game he lost for 18 months, the FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United, when the teenager scored.
United used Bruno Fernandes as a false nine to come into midfield and stay on top of Rodri, and while Harry Kane's lack of mobility makes that a tough ask, Jude Bellingham could do the job. The fact that the Spaniard will be one of his main rivals for the Ballon d'Or means he won't lack of motivation, either.
GettyGet to penalties
Playing for spot-kicks would not usually be a recommended strategy for England teams of the past, but Southgate has emphatically improved his nation's record in shootouts. And when it comes to facing Spain, they have history on their side, after beating them on penalties in the quarter-finals in Euro 1996, when Southgate was on the pitch.
England have won three of their four shootouts under the manager's watch, while Spain have a mixed record from 12 yards, winning the 2023 Nations League on spot-kicks but exiting their last three major tournaments on penalties. Worst of all was their showing against Morocco in Qatar, when they lost 3-0.
England's perfect showing against Switzerland, including Southgate's use of a buddy system and his clever substitutions, will give them confidence that they can prevail on penalties against Spain – especially if Jordan Pickford does his homework again.
GOAL/GettyMake use of the bench
Spain might be the better side overall, but England have the superior squad and bench. Just look at the fact that, against the Netherlands, they were able to turn to Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins, who had contributed to a combined total of 66 Premier League goals last season.
Ivan Toney made a small but vital contribution from the bench against Slovakia, while Eberechi Eze was fearless when he was called upon in the same game and against Switzerland.
Spain have a reliable bench and Mikel Merino struck the winner after coming on against Germany, but they do not have the star quality England can lean on, so Southgate must make full use of his options.