It really could be coming home this evening, with England taking on Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
After going behind early on, goals from Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins saw England beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final clash, confirming the Three Lions’ spot in the Euro 2024 final. Spain have arguably been the standout team of Euro 2024, with England’s opponents beating France 2-1 in their semi-final as they look to win a fourth European Championship.
After losing on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, Gareth Southgate will be desperate to go one better this evening and win England’s first-ever Euros. The 53-year-old’s future as England manager was uncertain heading into Euro 2024, but it’s now reported that Southgate will remain in charge, no matter the outcome of the final later today.
So, who will emerge victorious in the Euro 2024 final? Let’s take a look…
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To complete this simulation, we used the EA FC 24 Euro 2024 game mode and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Spain could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Olmo, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
We predict that England could line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham; Kane.
England started on the back foot in Berlin, with Spain looking much more comfortable on the ball in the opening stages of the game. Lamine Yamal was at his best as he tormented Kieran Trippier down the right, and he almost found the breakthrough when his header at the back post clipped the crossbar from close range.
Southgate’s side was struggling to get a grasp of the game, and they were let off when Alvaro Morata sent a wild shot over the bar from 10 yards out after John Stones gifted the striker possession just before the break. Despite seeing little of the ball, England remained patient, and they started to enjoy some possession for the first time in the second half, with confidence growing in the side.
But, with just over 15 minutes to go, Southgate’s side were handed a major blow.
After receiving a yellow card for pulling Morata’s shirt just after the restart, a late lunge from Marc Guehi in the 74th minute saw the Crystal Palace defender handed a second yellow, with England reduced to 10 men. Spain had the man advantage, but they were unable to capitalise as the Three Lions defended bravely to take the game to extra-time.
Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Watkins were all introduced for extra time, with Southgate hesitant to make attacking changes after going a man down. But, after a tense 28 minutes, a moment of brilliance saw England score in the 118th minute to take a late lead.
Watkins drifted out to the left to make himself an option for the long ball, with the Aston Villa striker being picked out by Jordan Pickford on the wing. Watkins successfully took on his marker before firing a fantastic cross into the box, and Palmer met the ball with a cushioned volley into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
The two substitutes who combined for the late goal against the Netherlands did it again in the final, and it proved to be the decisive goal as England beat Spain 1-0 to win the Euro 2024 final.
What do you think the score will be between England and Spain? Let us know in the comments!
