The UEFA Euro 2024 is on the business end. The tournament in Germany has been interesting with the lower-ranked teams having played well. There have been a lot of upsets in the tournament. Most of the favourites of the tournament have been out of the tournament. Spain will be facing England in the final. La Roja has been amazing throughout the tournament with their mixed bag of experience and young guns.
Nobody predicted them to be in the final. Some teams were much better on paper, but they proved them wrong and are the contenders to win their fourth European championship. The Three Lions who were termed as the favourites have somehow made it to the final. Despite not performing at their very best the side defeated Netherlands in the semi-final. Making a place in back-to-back finals of the championship. They will like to win the silverware this time. After missing against Italy in the 2020 edition.
Spain and England when it comes to big competitions, England drew at the 1982 World Cup but defeated Spain in the European Championship in 1966 and 1968. Six years ago, in Seville, the Three Lions prevailed 3-2 in their most recent encounter. The final will be exciting to watch as there will be some exciting battles to watch out for in the game.
Here are the 3 player battles to watch out for in Spain vs England Euro 2024 final
3. Jude Bellingham vs Dani Carvajal
Jude Bellingham has not been in great form in the UEFA Euro 2024. Despite scoring 2 goals in the tournament, he has not found the touch he had in the club season. For Real Madrid, he was their best player in the 2023/24 season. However, amidst all these struggles he will look to turn out big in the final for the Three Lions.
But Dani Carvajal who is his club teammate will make his life difficult in the final. The experienced defender missed the semi-final against France due to suspension. He will be available for the final and the two club teammates will be up against each other. The battle will surely be interesting for the fans.
2. Lamine Yamal vs Luke Shaw
Lamine Yamal has been the star in the tournament for the Spanish side. He has been at his best in the major event. The 16-year-old was named the Man of the Match in the semi-final against France for his amazing goal and sensational display on the night. Yamal has been the best footballer for Spain and will look to do something big in the final as well.
Gareth Southgate might play a tactical change in his backline by making it four defenders. Luke Shaw might start in the final match ahead of Kieran Trippier to stop the runs of Yamal down the wing and keep the pressure as well. Shaw is also better on the left than the Newcastle footballer. The battle will be an important one to look at in the final.
1. Fabian Ruiz vs Kobbie Mainoo
Fabian Ruiz has been dominating the midfield for La Roja in the ongoing tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been excellent so far making the late runs inside the box and creating chances for the side as well. Ruiz has been difficult to handle by the opponents.
Kobbie Mainoo has been impressive in England’s midfield. Since he started the games for the side he has been the leader in the middle of the park. He has balanced the attacking and defensive parts equally. So the 19-year-old will be having a good match-up against Ruiz in the middle area. The game will be built around the very same area. The team dominating the midfield will win the game.
