The Euro 2024 final between Spain and England will be in Berlin on Sunday. England aims to end a 58-year drought since their 1966 World Cup win. However, they face a formidable opponent in Spain, the only team to have won all six matches in the tournament.
Since the group stage was introduced in 1980, only France in 1984 has won the Euros with a perfect record. The odds reflect Spain’s strong form, with the odds of winning the Euro Cup at +145. Conversely, England has odds of +240, presenting an opportunity for fans who prefer betting on underdogs. Betting on England could yield high rewards, such as winning the biggest online slots in Asia.
The Road to Berlin
Spain has been consistently performing well throughout the tournament. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, they have a clear playing style that combines tactical discipline with attacking flair. Their journey started with a convincing 3-0 win over Croatia, followed by narrow victories against Italy and Albania. In the knockout stages, Spain beat Georgia 4-1, overcame Germany 2-1 after extra time, and secured a 2-1 win against France in the semifinals.
Key players like Dani Olmo, the tournament’s top scorer with three goals, and Fabián Ruiz have been vital in their campaign. Lamine Yamal was also brilliant in the semifinal and will be crucial in the final.
England’s path has been more challenging. Despite having a talented squad, their performances have sometimes lacked cohesion. However, Gareth Southgate’s team has shown great grit, especially in the knockout stages. They secured an extra-time win against Slovakia in the Round of 16 and a tense penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
England’s tactical discipline was clear in the semifinal against the Netherlands, with Ollie Watkins scoring a last-minute winner to secure their place in the final. It is England’s second consecutive Euro final under Southgate.
Key Battles on the Field
The midfield battle is one of the most intriguing aspects of this final. Spain’s Rodri has been instrumental in their success, precisely dictating the tempo and orchestrating the play. He will need to control the game against an England side that has struggled to maintain possession. Alongside him, Fabián Ruiz has provided creativity and energy, making Spain’s midfield a formidable unit.
England’s midfield will need to step up, featuring the Jude Bellingham. Bellingham’s late equalizer against Slovakia showcased his potential to change games. The young midfielder’s partnership with Declan Rice will break Spain’s rhythm and launch counter-attacks.
In the attacking third, Spain’s wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have strengthened their play. Their pace and directness have troubled defenses throughout the tournament. England’s full-backs, likely Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier, will face a stern test in containing these threats. The defensive duo’s positioning and tackling will be critical in limiting Spain’s wide play.
England’s attack, led by Harry Kane, will aim to exploit Spain’s high defensive line. Kane’s fitness remains a concern, but his presence is vital for England. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka have shown glimpses of brilliance, and their interplay with Kane will be essential in unlocking Spain’s defense.
If Kane cannot start, Southgate may rely on Watkins or Ivan Toney, who have significantly contributed to the tournament.
What Victory Means for Both Teams
A win for Spain would cement Luis de la Fuente’s reputation as a top-class manager. He has successfully transitioned from managing youth teams to leading the senior squad, creating a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
Victory in Berlin would crown a decade of effort, nurturing talents like Pedri and Marc Cucurella from youth prospects to international stars.
Lifting the Euro 2024 trophy would be a significant milestone for the players. Rodri’s exceptional form has already drawn Ballon d’Or whispers, and leading Spain to European glory would enhance his standing in world football.
For England, winning Euro 2024 would be a historic achievement. It would mark their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, ending decades of near misses and heartbreak. Gareth Southgate’s tenure has been defined by breaking barriers and changing perceptions. He has made a profound impact, from reaching the World Cup semifinals in 2018 to consecutive Euro finals.
A triumph in Berlin would silence many of Southgate’s critics and solidify his legacy. Transforming from the player who missed a crucial penalty in 1996 to a manager leading his nation to glory would be a remarkable story of redemption. It would be a career-defining moment for the players, particularly the younger generation like Bellingham and Foden.
Final Thoughts
Spain is entering the final as the favorite due to its pressing game, which has impressed everyone throughout the tournament. On the other hand, England has shown a remarkable ability to stay in games and win from tough positions. They were behind in their last-16, quarterfinal, and semifinal matches but managed to come back and win each time.
