Only one will remain. Spain and England they got to the point Euro 24 final, ready to compete for the title in the prestigious setting ofOlympiastadion in Berlin, with the awareness that participating matters little or nothing. Only a success, in fact, would make the event worthy of being remembered, because if it is true that getting this far is nothing, it is also true that a defeat would really hurt too much. This is especially true for the English, still burned by what happened at Wembley in 2021 and, more generally, without victories for 58 years, but also the Spanish they want to break an abstinence that has lasted since 2012.
Spain – England (Berlin at 21pm, Rai Uno and Sky)
Between "go back home"and "it's coming home” there is all the trust of the respective peoples, albeit with the inevitable differences of two historically rival countries, not only in football. Staying at this, however, the national teams in question they couldn't be more different, as Spain arrived in Berlin with a sparkling football, while England clung to individual talent. The path means that La Roja are favourites, even if the refereeing "event" against Germany (clear penalty denied to the Germans in extra time) reminds us that they too saw the witches, albeit for a few seconds, while the Three Lions instead lived a European Championship on the sly, struggling practically all the time: in the three group matches against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia (one win, two draws and only two goals scored), but above all in the direct elimination phase against Slovakia (Bellingham equalized in the 95th minute) , Switzerland (on penalties) and Holland (Watkins' decisive goal in the 91st minute). However, the finals reset everything, especially when the talent is equal, so it is reasonable to consider Spain ahead, but only by a little.
Yamal-Bellingham, what a challenge! The European Championship and Ballon d'Or are up for grabs?
Let's move on to the most anticipated protagonists, destined to compete for the European title and, perhaps, also the next one Golden Ball. Vinicius permitting (but the Brazilian failed in the Copa America), in fact, they are the best players this season, given Mbappé's flop (also with PSG) and the now twilight of Ronaldo and Messi (who however will play for the title South American against Colombia). Of course, Bellingham has done much more and is the natural favorite for the award of best player in the world, but Yamal literally bewitched the audience with a sparkling European Championship and a victory (perhaps with a goal) could change the course of history. We will certainly witness a confrontation that is anything but casual, between two footballers who will keep critics and fans talking for a long, long time to come.
De La Fuente: “Ready to fight for victory, but we have to impose our game”
“We are in an exceptional moment, playing a European Championship final is one of the greatest sporting objectives – the thought of From La Fuente -. I will tell the players to play with concentration, but also to have fun because they have worked a lot and the time has come to reap the results of the work done. Nobody gave anything to these guys, they earned it themselves: Memory is fragile and unfair to those who play in a final, but those who played in them never forget it. Our tendency is evident, with our players it is difficult to give up that style. If we are not at the level of Spain, we will not have many opportunities. It is important that our identity and our strengths are recognizable - she added, reiterating the concept -. We will try to impose ourselves by playing our game. We are ready to fight for victory."
Southgate: “For two years I only thought about how to win this European Championship”
“Emotionally, it would be impossible for me to make a logical decision right now because my only goal for two years has been to win this tournament,” Southgate underlined. We have a fabulous opportunity to achieve the goal that we set out from the moment we left Qatar a little earlier than we would have liked, the last five or six weeks have been a real rollercoaster, so we don't really I know where I am other than being very focused on preparing the team for this match. I am determined to continue to lead them in the way I have done over the last month, we have to make sure we manage emotions well because in big games you may not have to perform at a level you have never achieved before. Will the country stop to see us? I'm aware of it, obviously, but it's not what you think about when you step onto the pitch."
Spain – England, the lineups
De La Fuente finds Carvajal and Le Normand again, absent against the Netherlands due to suspension, so he will be able to return to the 4-2-3-1 type seen throughout the European Championship, with the exception of the injured Pedri. Only confirmations also for Southgate, ready to start again from the usual 3-4-2-1 with Bellingham and Foden behind Kane.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Williams; Morata
On the bench: Raya, Remiro, Nacho, Vivian, Grimaldo, Zubimendi, Merino, Baena, Fermin Lopez, Joselu, Ferran Torres, Oyarzabal, Ayoze Perez
Coach: De La Fuente
Unavailable: Pedri, Jesus Navas
Disqualified: none
England (3-4-2-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
On the bench: Henderson, Ramsdale, Gordon, Trippier, Alexander-Arnold, Dunk, Gomez, Konsa, Gallagher, Wharton, Bowen, Eze, Palmer, Toney, Watkins
Manager: Southgate
Unavailable: none
Disqualified: none
