Euro 2024 Final: England to "haram" their way to first Euro title?

Euro 2024 final preview: Spain vs. England in Berlin. Spain's dominant run faces England's late-game heroics. Key players, tactics, and predictions.

The final of Euro 2024 pitches two different schools of thought in football, which one will triumph on Sunday, total football or handbrakes? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The grand finale of the 2024 Euro championships awaits Spain and the Three Lions of England at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.

Spain blew most opposition out of the waters, winning all their group games and, seeing out juggernauts like Germany and France at the quarter quarter-final and the semifinal respectively, they deserve to be respected ahead of the final.

England wriggled through the group stage with uninspiring performances. While there have been talks of continuity for Gareth Southgate, it’s left to see how creativity improves in the England camp as they plan for the 2026 World Cup.

England left it late in all their knockout games so far; the 3Lions needed a last-gasp bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham to send the game against Slovakia into extra time where Harry Kane headed them into the quarter-finals to play against Switzerland.

The 3Lions once again left it late against the Swiss; having gone down midway into the second half to a Breel Embolo close-range effort, Bukayo Saka leveled with a curler and, England went on to win it 5-3 on penalties after the extra time ended with both inseparable.

The Netherlands stretched England, scoring as early as the 7^th minute after Xavi Simmons beat Declan Rice to a duel before unleashing a scorcher past Jordan Pickford. Harry Kane leveled from the spot after Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have fouled him in the area however, it was a 91st-minute strike from substitute Ollie Watkins that sent the 3Lions through to the final.

Spain is the favorite in this final and, they have the right to be celebrated for their direct football and, mesmerizing approach. The duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have both lit the tournament up, and both have their stocks rising geometrically.

How will England line up? Southgate is under pressure to dump the Kieran Trippier experience, with Luke Shaw fit and available, the three-at-the-back approach may send England tumbling against a strong La Roja side buzzing with pace and trickery.

Bukayo Saka has been the liveliest of the trio behind Harry Kane; Jude Bellingham has scored twice, with the last one rescuing their tournament, but he hasn’t been the same player that ran the show for Real Madrid last season, while Phil Foden looks jaded.

Spain must be wary of the surprises in Saka’s loins. Once again, Spain will utilize their wingers as weapons, with Kyle Walker and the chosen left back ensuring a night filled with runs and timely tackles. It will be intriguing to observe how Spain adjusts to England's tactics.

Verdict: England to win.