How England Can Beat Spain In Euro 2024 Final
England began Euro 2024 as one of the pre-tournament favourites but now go into Sunday's final as underdogs as Spain have been the standout team at the tournament. La Roja have made Euros history by winning all six of their games en route to Berlin, knocking out hosts Germany and France along the way. We look at how England can raise their game to end a 58-year wait to win a major tournament, and beat three-time Euros champions Spain in the final.
Strike early
England have relied on late goals to sneak past Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands to reach a second consecutive Euros final.
However, they needed extra-time to beat Slovakia and went all the way to penalties against the Swiss in the quarter-finals.
Southgate has also expressed his concern at having a day less to recover from their semi-final.
For all the resilience England have shown, chasing the game against Spain is a different beast.
The Spanish racked up 500 passes in the semi-final win over France to play out the second half by holding onto their 2-1 lead.
With some of England's top players already showing signs of fatigue, a fast start is needed to dent Spanish confidence.
Beat the press
Spain's pressing game has been one of the keys to their success in Germany.
No side has forced more turnovers within 40 metres of the opposition goal, two of which have led to goals.
One of England's problems early in the tournament was failing to take risks in passing forward, even against perceived weaker opposition.
In Berlin they have to be brave to get through the first wave of Spanish pressure and into the spaces where they can do damage going forward.
Feed Foden and BellinghamSouthgate has stuck by starting both Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden all tournament