England face Spain in the Euro 2024 final as Gareth Southgate looks to deliver the country’s first piece of men’s silverware since 1966. Spain are three-time European Championship winners having won the tournament back-to-back in 2008 and 2012. So how will the Three Lions fare as they look to win a first ever Euros and their first trophy on foreign soil? Our Express Sport team predict how the final could pan out…
Mikael McKenzie: England 1-0 Spain
England have got that knack of grinding out results and nothing boosts confidence more than a 90th-minute goal – or two. Jude Bellingham knows most of the Spanish squad, he could prove vital in preparing to face the nation where he plies his trade.
Alex Turk: England 1-1 Spain (England win on penalties)
It’s time to exorcise some demons… Three years ago, England entered a Euro final against a team that had won all six games and took an early lead before suffering penalty heartbreak. The Three Lions face the same daunting task on Sunday, but five sensational spot-kicks to down the Swiss offered hope they are ready to make amends if history repeats itself. Spain’s ultra-talented squad will understandably be favoured to re-shatter the hopes and dreams of the nation, but this England team has a knack for finding remarkable ways to win…
Charlie Malam: England 1-2 Spain
England have ridden their luck a bit this Euros while Spain have been by far the best team of the tournament. Their results prove it. They should – being the operative word – win this final. Fabian Ruiz and Rodri have been sublime and will be vital. Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo are very dangerous. While England can pose Spain their toughest test yet, I expect Spain to edge it.
Sam Smith: England 2-1 Spain
There will be some nervy moments and both teams will score. But while Spain have faced the best teams at the tournament, England will pose an entirely different test to Germany and France – almost an amalgamation of both sides with the youthful, no-fear exuberance of the Germans and the inherent conservatism and the ruthlessness of France. On paper, England actually have a better team than Spain. Keep the Spanish wide men quiet by continuing with the compact 3-4-2-1 and football may finally come home.
Charlie Gordon: England 1-0 Spain
There’s a lot to be said for peaking at the right time, and England have been steadily improving since the start of the knockout rounds. Spain are playing to an exceptionally high level but how long can they keep it up? Particularly after taxing wins over Germany and France. It just feels like a surprise could be on the cards. England’s big stars are beginning to warm up and there are several who still have more gears to go through. I’m backing the Three Lions to score early and hang on with big performances from Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo and Marc Guehi.
Fraser Watson: England 1-2 Spain
The Bellingham overhead kick, the Saka penalty, Ollie Watkins at the death, England have provided fans with iconic tournament moments in Germany that will stand the test of the time. But they don’t mask a stark reality – the Three Lions go into the final as underdogs against a Spain side who have been considerably more impressive. England will have their moments in Berlin and should carry enough threat to score at least once. But Spain have shown far more prowess in creating chances and are about way more than the teenage sensation Yamal. Spain to win.
Charlie Parker-Turner: England 2-2 Spain (England win on penalties)
England have failed upwards throughout Euro 2024, and it isn’t stopping now! Both sides are packed with star quality, and if both teams are at their best on the day – which is overdue when it comes to Gareth Southgate’s side – then they may well cancel each other out. Neither team will be keen to throw away all of their hard work if the score is level at half-time, and I can see the match going the distance as a result, with Jordan Pickford making himself an England hero in the shoot-out.
Joe Krishnan: England 1-2 Spain
England are gradually improving with every game and look more assured in the back three formation, but you just can’t look past this Spain team. With the elegant Fabian Ruiz dictating play in midfield, Rodri patrolling the back four, Dani Olmo scoring and assisting, and the explosiveness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams up top, Luis de la Fuente’s side have been the standout team. England will give a good account of themselves, but sadly, I don’t think it’s coming home this time.
