Euro 2024 final: The European Championship final in Berlin on Sunday promises to be a thrilling contest between England and Spain. England entered the tournament with high hopes with an attacking lineup from some of the worlds most competitive leagues. Despite a shaky start, they managed to reach the final.On the other hand, Spain has lived up to their potential and improved with each match. Their quality was evident from the start, and they have consistently performed well. Luis de la Fuente, the Spain coach, confidently declared his team the best in the tournament, and their performance has backed up his claim.Spain 🆚 EnglandBerlin. Sunday.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/f1NqmQfOpO— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024Spains path to finalSpains journey to the final has been impressive. They have demonstrated their ability to control matches with skilled possession play. They scored some dazzling goals and maintained a solid defense. Key players like Lamine Yamal and Dani Vivian have stepped up. Young gun Yamal lighted up the tournament and Vivian effectively handled defensive duties. Spain scored 13 goals in the tournament nearly double Englands tally.Englands journey so farEngland have had to overcome big challenges. Englands journey has been a rollercoaster ride. English skipper Harry Kane stated that they still have one more match to win. Kane, with 406 goals for club and country, aims to secure his first-ever trophy and potentially the Golden Boot.Both teams have shown similarities in their journey. Despite conceding goals in all knockout rounds, they have a robust defense. Englands defensive statistics are particularly impressive, with the least number of tackles lost among the quarter-finalists.Midfield battleThe midfield battle will be a key aspect of the final, with Englands Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Kobbie Mainoo up against Spains Yamal, Nico Williams, Fabian Ruiz, and Rodri. Both teams have high passing accuracy. England has 90.3% passing accuracy while Spain has 90% passing accuracy. Spains midfield maestro, Rodri has been crucial in dictating games. Rodri lost only one of his last 79 matches for club and country.Both teams are led by coaches who have risen through the ranks and have a deep understanding of their players. De la Fuente has nurtured many of his squad members from Spains youth teams, while Gareth Southgate has been instrumental in developing Englands elite players. Historical context of Spain vs EnglandSpain and England have a history of competitive encounters at various levels, including an under-17 World Cup final and a Womens World Cup final. However, the mens teams have not faced each other in a Euro or World Cup since 1996.
