Key Battles As England Faces Spain In EURO 2024 Final

In the EURO 2024 final on Sunday, England, looking to break a 58-year drought for a major trophy, will be up against Spain, who are aiming to secure a historic fourth triumph.

La Roja has been impressive in the tournament, defeating champions Italy, Germany, and favorites France to reach the final. Meanwhile, England has progressed with some difficulty but has a talented group of attacking players capable of creating magical moments.

Sportxparte looks at the key battles in the Berlin final.

Kane vs Laporte

Harry Kane Against Aymeric Laporte

Harry Kane’s long and painful wait to win any major trophy could come to an end spectacularly if he can lead his country to victory.

The Bayern Munich striker, who scored 44 goals in 45 games at club level in his first season in Germany, has struggled to carry that form into the tournament.

Despite showing signs of being off pace and lacking full fitness, Kane has impressively netted three goals, positioning him at the top of the Golden Boot standings along with other players.

He also has a good record against Aymeric Laporte, who he regularly came up against during their time together in the Premier League.

One of Kane’s all-time best Tottenham performances came in scoring two goals in a shock 3-2 win against Laporte’s Manchester City at the Etihad in February 2022.

Laporte has left England to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, yet the center-back has silenced critics during the Euros by showcasing that he can still excel at the highest level despite initial doubts.

Spanish width vs English defense

Spain’s two kings of the wing, Lamine Yamal who turns 17 today, and Nico Williams have helped form the tournament’s most swashbuckling attack.

Euro 2024 – Round of 16 – Spain v Georgia – Cologne Stadium, Cologne, Germany – June 30, 2024 Spain’s Nico Williams celebrates scoring their third goal with Lamine Yamal

The explosive wide men have ripped opponents to shreds this summer and will be La Roja’s main weapon.

Up against them, if Gareth Southgate deploys his wing-back system, will likely be Luke Shaw on England’s left and Bukayo Saka on the right.

Shaw has recently come back from a five-month injury absence, and Saka known for his attacking qualities, has received praise from Southgate for his committed defensive contributions.

Kyle Walker will need to assist him with shackling 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao star, Williams who could soon end up joining one of Europe’s elite sides.

Saka vs Cucurella

Chelsea’s Spanish defender, Marc Cucurella with Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on October 21, 2023.

It’s a good job for England’s sake Saka has seemingly limitless energy because he is also a vital component of their attack.

The Arsenal winger will go head-to-head with Chelsea defender, Marc Cucurella, who has emerged as one of Spain’s key players in the tournament, showcasing his talent despite facing challenges during his time in London in recent seasons.

Saka will be confident of causing damage coming in off the right, as he did when scoring a fine effort from outside the box against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Cucurella aims to push Saka back by teaming up with Williams, to restrict Saka to his half of the field.

Rodri vs Bellingham

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane Against Slovakia

The next winner of the Ballon d’Or could be decided by which of Rodri or Jude Bellingham emerges victorious.

Rodri, a key player for both Spain and Manchester City, has impressively only been on the losing side in one out of his last 79 matches for club and country.

Bellingham, though, has already been on the winning side against Rodri this year when Real Madrid knocked City out of the Champions League on penalties.

In his debut season in Spain, Bellingham secured victories in the European Cup and La Liga, and he may have the chance to add the Euros just days after turning 21.

The toll of a long season has shown in Bellingham’s performances at times, but he kept England in the tournament with a sensational 95th-minute equalizer against Slovakia in the last 16.

Pickford vs Simon

England Goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford

England goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, and his Spanish counterpart, Unai Simon have made crucial saves throughout the tournament and will now face intense scrutiny at the Olympiastadion.

Pickford who saved Manuel Akanji’s penalty in England’s shoot-out win over Switzerland in the quarter-final, has again proved decisive in his fourth major tournament.

Although Simon committed an error in Spain’s first match against Croatia, he redeemed himself by stopping Bruno Petkovic’s penalty and has been consistently reliable ever since.

However, England will look to put the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, under pressure as in the past Simon has been guilty of making some costly errors.