New Delhi: After a grueling month-long tournament featuring 50 games and 114 goals, Euro 2024 reaches its climax today at the Olympiostadion in Berlin with the final between Spain and England.
Spain have performed much better than the Gareth Southgate side but it was a close run against the hosts Germany in the quarter-final and France in the semi-final. Spain are the favourites but the Three Lions have given the best performance of the tournament in the semi-final against the Netherlands and will look to repeat the same.
England’s side were the beaten finalists three years ago and will look to go on better today. They will look to end the 58-year trophy drought while the Spanish side will look to book fourth Euro success.
Here, let’s look at some of the key talking points ahead of the showdown.
Redemption for both Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane?
A dejected England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane walk off after receiving their medals of the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane were standing on the edge of creating history in Euro 2020 but were denied by Italy on penalties at Wembley. Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane have come a long way after that. Southgate became the just third England manager to take charge of over 100 games and had overseen a reconnection between the fans and the team since the 2018 World Cup semi-final run. Since then Southgate has refreshed the England squad pretty well.
Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading goalscorer will start for his side despite being substituted in half of their games at the Euros. He might faded in a few games after the opening match but his three goals mean he could repeat the 2018 World Cup and claim the Golden Boot at Euro 2024. Spain’s Dani Olmo is also on the list to claim the Golden Boot but it’s for sure that Kane will be targeting the team’s success over solo glory in Berlin.
Southgate will be looking to erase the memory of the 1996 penalty miss while Kane will hound to silence his critics. Both will once again aim to end all those years of hurt by lifting a trophy high into the Berlin sky and etching their names in England’s footballing history.
Contrasting styles of play
England holds the experience card despite Spain’s favoritism. Gareth Southgate boasts back-to-back major tournament finals appearances, while Spain hasn’t reached a Euro final since their 2012 victory.
However, experience doesn’t always translate to winning ways. England’s tournament has been a rollercoaster. Southgate’s side relies heavily on individual brilliance, not collective dominance. Their potent attacking trio’s speed, while a weapon, hasn’t translated into consistent goals. This is further emphasized by their relatively low 1.17 goals created per 90 minutes. Their cautious approach in possession, prioritizing control over penetration, frustrates fans, leaving them lacking the attacking bite needed.
In contrast, Spain boasts a high possession style with a clear attacking threat. They average 2.17 goals created per 90 minutes, showcasing their offensive prowess. Their defensive solidity is evident with just three goals conceded compared to England’s four.
Lamine Yamal and Kobbie Mainoo aim to shine
Lamine Yamal and Kobbie Mainoo. (Image via Getty Images)
Two next-generation stars Spain’s Lamine Yamal and England’s Kobbie Mainoo will be looking to leave a lasting imprint on the game in the upcoming clash. Lamine Yamal became the youngest player and youngest goalscorer in European Championship history after his semi-final goal against France. He turned 17 on Saturday and will look to keep the celebrations ongoing.
The 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo on the other hand came off the bench in England’s last group game and clinched the opportunity to impress Southgate. Afterward, he has been a crucial part of the midfield alongside Declan Rice.
While both may lack the experience of the big stage in comparison to their more established teammates, they will be keen to prove that age is just a number.
With contrasting styles, a hunger for glory, and young talents looking to make their mark the Euro 2024 final promises to be a captivating clash. All eyes will be on Southgate and Kane to overcome their past demons, while Spain aims to continue their dominance.
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the question on everyone’s mind is whether England can overcome the unbeaten Spanish side in the final showdown. Let’s explore the key talking points surrounding this highly anticipated clash. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
