Date: Sunday 14th July, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Olympiastadion
Referee Francois Letexier (France)
Goal Scorer:
Spain
Spain's bad-tempered quarter-final showdown versus Germany saw two defensive rocks - Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand - fall foul of the referee, and neither man was able to take part in the semi-final due to suspension.
Le Normand was banned for an accumulation of yellow cards, while Carvajal was dismissed in extra time in Stuttgart, but both men are now back at De la Fuente's disposal and should bring some much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI.
Carvajal - whose form over the past 12 months has arguably been some of his best in recent memory - will be a straight swap for Jesus Navas, the only surviving member of Spain's Euro 2012 squad, while Le Normand should demote ex-Real Madrid skipper Nacho to the bench.
However, sympathies should be offered to the luckless Pedri, who has been cruelly denied the chance to play in Sunday's final owing to the knee injury he picked up in the quarters, while ex-Leicester City man Ayoze Perez is also sidelined with a quadriceps tear.
In spite of Merino's starring role in the quarter-final, in-demand RB Leipzig playmaker Olmo - one of six players on a tournament-high three goals - will act as the focal point in between the enormously talented pairing of Yamal and Nico Williams, the former of whom may come up against an England man yet to start at the Euros.
There was some brief concern over Alvaro Morata, who suffered a freak injury after being tackled by a security guard trying to help eject a pitch invader, but the Atletico Madrid man has trained normally and is expected to spearhead the charge.
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
With Luke Shaw nursed back to full health, England arrive in Berlin with an empty medical room, although question marks linger over whether the Manchester United man will be trusted from the first whistle.
After making a brief yet effective appearance in the victory over Switzerland, Shaw replaced his deputy Kieran Trippier for the second half of the semi-final and came through unscathed, meaning that a start in Berlin is not beyond the realm of possibility.
While added caution needs to be exercised over Shaw and his history of injuries, the ex-Southampton man - who memorably scored a two-minute opener in the Euro 2020 final - is surely in line for promotion to the first XI here, alongside an otherwise settled group of players.
Another 3-4-2-1 shape should be adopted by Southgate, who will not reward Watkins's semi-final heroics with a start over three-goal captain Kane, supported as ever by the inverted Bellingham and Phil Foden.
Now the youngest player to start a major tournament semi-final for England's men's team, 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has slotted seamlessly into the Three Lions engine room and has more than justified his expected selection for the showpiece.
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Prediction: Spain 2-1 England
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
I'm No Longer Interested, My Spirit Has Left There - Fubara Speaks on Returning As Rivers Gov. (VID)
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike Storms Venue of PDP Meeting With Governors Present
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable