Spain have been truly sensational at Euro 2024 this summer and now have the chance to make history by winning a record fourth European crown.
La Roja will meet England in the tournament final on Sunday evening but are unlikely to be fazed by the prospect of facing Gareth Southgate’s men. After all, they have beaten World Cup finalists France, hosts Germany and reigning champions Italy already.
A brilliant blend of youth and experience has helped Spain make a relatively simple journey to the showpiece event. Luis de la Fuente’s side have been difficult to break down, excellent in transition and devastating in the final third as they aim to conquer the continent for the first time in 12 years.
De la Fuente has seldom tinkered with his tried and tested formula this summer and is unlikely to overthink this Sunday’s match when it comes to his team selection.
GK: Unai Simon – Fantastic feet and pretty darn good with his hands too, Simon has fought off competition from David Raya for the number one jersey. De la Fuente’s faith in the stopper has been rewarded.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Having missed the semi-final through suspension, Carvajal will return against England in the final. The Real Madrid star netted in the Champions League final back in early June.
CB: Robin Le Normand – Similarly to Carvajal, Le Normand sat out the semi-final due to suspension. However, he too will come back into the starting XI, even if Nacho Fernandez did an admirable job in his absence.
CB: Aymeric Laporte – He may not have covered himself in glory for Randal Kolo Muani’s early strike last time out, but he has been largely flawless at Euro 2024. Laporte, N’Golo Kante and a host of others haven’t allowed the Saudi Pro League to lower their standards.
LB: Marc Cucurella – Who is this Cucurella? A far cry from the hapless full-back seen for extended periods at Chelsea, De la Fuente has got the best out of him. However, his defensive acumen will be tested by Bukayo Saka on Sunday.
DM: Rodri – The linchpin in a perfectly balanced midfield, Rodri is another member of the Spain squad who has come up with a clutch goal in a Champions League final. A big-game player, expect him to make an impact in Berlin.
DM: Fabian Ruiz – The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been inspired in Germany, operating beautifully alongside Rodri. Allowed to venture further forward, he has two goals and two assists to his name and is averaging three shots per match.
RW: Lamine Yamal – What can you say about this young chap? The wonderkid, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday, became the youngest goalscorer in Euros history last time out with an exceptional effort and could well lift the Henri Delaunay Cup this Sunday.
AM: Dani Olmo – Pedri’s absence threatened to cause De la Fuente some headaches, but Olmo has slotted in wonderfully. Playing as a traditional number 10, he already has three goals and two assists to his name and may well be a surprise Golden Boot winner.
LW: Nico Williams – The infectious winger wasn’t as instrumental as his attacking colleagues against France, but his pace and willingness to run at Jules Kounde still caused huge problems. Kyle Walker’s athleticism will offer a great match-up in the final.
ST: Alvaro Morata – While a slight injury doubt heading into the final, Morata will play if remotely fit. His hold-up play, ability to draw fouls and tireless pressing is crucial for La Roja, even if he has only managed a single goal at Euro 2024 to date.