One team is considered the strongest in the tournament, potentially entering a new era of success thanks to a talented young player, a strong midfield, and a change in tactics.
The other team has survived tough challenges, reaching the final with key moments, resilience, and a coach who has faced criticism but now has a chance to end his country’s long wait for a major men’s title.
The European Championship final between Spain and England on Sunday is filled with stories, but one stands out.
At the historic Olympiastadion in Berlin, built for the 1936 Olympic Games, Lamine Yamal, just turned 17, aims to cap his rise as soccer’s newest star by leading Spain to their first major men’s trophy since winning consecutive Euros around the 2010 World Cup.
Yamal has been a standout in a tournament where many big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and England’s Harry Kane have not lived up to expectations.
His three assists before the semifinals hinted at his potential, but it was his stunning curling goal against France in the semifinals that showed he has arrived on the big stage.
With Yamal and winger Nico Williams adding a new directness, Spain’s strength lies in their central midfield. Rodri, one of the world’s most effective players, and Fabian Ruiz form the backbone of Spain’s game, supported by Dani Olmo, who adds attacking flair to their midfield trio, a challenge England will find hard to handle.
Spain topped a group that included defending champion Italy and World Cup semifinalist Croatia, and then defeated host Germany and France, considered by many as the favorites before the tournament.
La Roja has won six matches in a row. It’s no surprise they are strongly favored going into the final.
“They have been the best team,” said England coach Gareth Southgate about Spain. “… but we are there, and based on what we have shown so far, we have just as good a chance as they do.”
Spain should not overlook England, whose determination and spirit have been more impressive than their quality of play at Euro 2024.
England’s most talented squad in two decades has not performed as well, often looking unbalanced, lacking creativity, and sometimes tired. Yet, they have managed to reach their second consecutive European Championship final.
Three years ago, England lost to Italy in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium, extending their long wait for a major men’s title since the 1966 World Cup.
Southgate’s team is back in the final, their first away from England, and they are growing in confidence as underdogs. Players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane have the potential to make a difference with crucial goals.
Bellingham scored a stoppage-time equalizer against Slovakia in the round of 16, Saka scored in the 80th minute against Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and even substitute Ollie Watkins scored around the 90th minute against the Netherlands in the semifinals.
Who will step up for Southgate’s team on Sunday — if anyone does?
“They have the ability to cause a lot of problems, even if their style isn’t always fluid,” remarked Spain defender Dani Vivian. “But they possess that quality to create moments of brilliance.”
However, most predictions favor Spain to win their seventh consecutive match and secure a record fourth European Championship title.
It would be a fitting conclusion to a tournament where few teams truly found their rhythm except for Spain, who have combined a more clinical attacking approach with their trademark possession game.
This style was epitomized in their dominant 4-0 victory over Italy in the Euro 2012 final, orchestrated by a midfield including Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, and David Silva.
The current squad of 2024 may not have these exact stars, but they would be deserving successors.
