Euro 2024 final preview: Spain plot sombre end to Gareth Southgate's England story

Spain go into Sunday's Euro 2024 final as slight favourites over England after not only being the most attractive team to watch at the tournament but having won every match they have played.

The Spaniards have emerged as a team that can quickly adapt their strategy to their opponents without giving up their direct attacking game in favour of a results-based performance.

England will have to wrestle possession from Spain, who also have the outstanding Fabian Ruiz in midfield, a player who for many is already the player of the tournament.

With lightning wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday and is the youngest scorer at a Euros or World Cup, ripping up defences and able to score and provide assists, England's fullbacks will have their hands full.

A second successive Euro final for England and coach Gareth Southgate is no mean feat even though they had to endure weeks of criticism, especially in the group phase, for lacklustre performances and with little punching power up front.

England's defence, however, has remained solid and with the pace of John Stones and Kyle Walker, when they do get exposed, they have proved adept at scrambling recoveries.

Spain's ball possession and movement will likely give England their biggest test so far and key to Southgate's side being able to stay in shape is the incredible work of defensive midfield screen Declan Rice.

His anticipation of danger areas plus his movement, strength and determination have made him arguably England's best player in Germany as he patrols in front of the back four, firefighting wherever the danger pops up.

The rest of England's midfield also stepped up against the Netherlands in the semi-finals in terms of regaining possession, with Kobbie