3️⃣ questions ahead of the EURO 2024 final ❓ | OneFootball

After a month of action in Germany, it all now comes down to one game in Berlin as Spain and England battle for European Championship glory.

We look at the three biggest questions ahead of the contest.

Is it Spain’s trophy to lose?

While England have largely flattered to deceive in Germany (although they have improved as the competition has progressed), it has been a different story for Sunday’s opponents.

Spain have been the standout side this summer – comfortably the best team at the tournament, with Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz all shining throughout.

They have won all of their six games so far, which is the most victories any nation has picked up in a single edition of a Euros and since the inception of the group stage format. Only France in 1984 have won the competition with a perfect record.

That team are the one they are trying to emulate in more ways than one as that French outfit also hold the record for the most goals scored in a single European Championship with 14 (in just five games), with La Roja sitting on 13 prior to kick-off on Sunday.

They have also won their last three finals (during that glorious run from 2008 to 2012) and are aiming to become the first country ever to win four consecutive World Cup/European Championship finals, as well as the first to win four EURO titles.

On form, they would be deserving champions. Will the pressure tell or can they finish the job?

Who does Southgate select at left-back?

The biggest headache facing the England manager at the Olympiastadion will be what to do about his left-back situation.

Having sat out the first four games of the tournament, natural left-sider Luke Shaw returned off the bench against Switzerland and in the semi-final against the Netherlands, he and Kieran Trippier played a half each.

The Manchester United man, who scored in his country’s last European final three years ago, is now back to full fitness but will that see him trusted to start for the first time in five months?

Chief among Gareth Southgate’s concerns is also the fact that the player he selects will have the rather unenviable task of coming up against Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, who turns 17 the day before the final.

In fact, that will see him become the youngest player ever to play in a World Cup or European Championship final by surpassing Pelé’s record – comfortably too, by 249 days.

The right-footed Trippier may get the nod to deal with him given his tendency to shuffle inside, where the Barcelona wonderkid does much of his damage in cutting in off the wing – as France found out to their peril in stunning fashion.

Should he stick with the Newcastle man who has served him well so far?

Will one midfield battle decide it?

After an entire season of Manchester City and Arsenal battling against each other in gripping fashion in the Premier League title race, that rivalry now descends on the European Championship.

It comes in the heart of midfield where the showdown between Rodri and Declan Rice could prove decisive in determining if the trophy makes its way back to Madrid or takes a trip to London for the first time.

In their last European final, England’s inability to take control of the engine room proved costly as they allowed Italy too much of the ball and struggled to impose themselves both in and out of possession as they ultimately came up short.

The game got away from Rice that night to such an extent that he was withdrawn with 15 minutes of normal time remaining and redemption will be on his mind when he goes toe-to-toe with a man who rarely loses football games.

The former West Ham anchor has enjoyed an impressive tournament so far, enjoying more touches (300) and completing more passes (236) when under pressure than any other player at EURO 2024 but Rodri and co. are a different beast.

During crunch games under Southgate, possession has posed a problem and there is arguably nobody better in the game today than the Spanish star at keeping it and allowing his side to dictate matters.

Which midfield hero will come out on top?