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Southgate to make one change, Carvajal back for favourites – predicted line-ups

Southgate to make one change, Carvajal back for favourites – predicted line-ups

England and Spain clash in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night, in a mouth-watering showdown in Berlin.

The Three Lions are into their second consecutive European Championship final after a 2-1 win over the Netherlands.

England and Spain go for glory in Berlin tonight

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England and Spain go for glory in Berlin tonightCredit: GETTY

The game looked to be heading to extra-time after Harry Kane‘s penalty cancelled out Xavi Simons’ early screamer.

But substitute Ollie Watkins became an overnight national hero when he turned in the box and buried a stunning finish in stoppage time to send England into the final.

They will take on a Spain side that advanced to the final with a 2-1 win over France and have been the best team at the tournament so far, winning every game.

Les Bleus opened the scoring before Lamine Yamal – who only turned 17 on Saturday – scored a wonderful curling strike to bring Spain level, and Dani Olmo bagged the winner a few minutes later.

It promises to be an incredible final, and it’s live on talkSPORT.

And ahead of the game, talkSPORT.com has taken a look at how both sides could line-up.

Spain have been sensational at this tournament and are the favourites heading into the final

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Spain have been sensational at this tournament and are the favourites heading into the finalCredit: Getty

England

talkSPORT understands that England will make one change from the semi-final.

However, that won’t be in goal, with England’s undisputed number one goalkeeper Jordan Pickford taking his place.

The Everton goalkeeper has enjoyed a very good tournament and made a crucial penalty save during the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Gareth Southgate has changed to a back three in the last two games, and England have looked much more fluid.

Kyle Walker has started every game at Euro 2024 either at right-back or as right-centre-back, and he’ll take up that latter role here.

John Stones is certain to start in the middle of the back three, with the Manchester City defender an ever-present.

Marc Guehi returned to the starting XI against the Dutch after his one-match suspension, and despite competition from Ezri Konsa, he’ll start.

Guehi came back into the XI last time out and will keep his place

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Guehi came back into the XI last time out and will keep his placeCredit: Getty

England are now playing with wing-backs after switching from a back four.

On one side, there is Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal man struggled earlier in the tournament, looking fatigued, but he’s been excellent in the last two games in a right-wing-back role.

But on the opposite side, Southgate had a dilemma. Kieran Trippier has filled in on the left in Luke Shaw‘s absence.

However, the fact he’s right-footed has limited England on the left in many ways.

Shaw came on at half-time for Trippier against the Netherlands and immediately offered width.

And despite it initially being reported that Trippier would get the nod, talkSPORT understands that it will be Shaw starting.

Southgate is throwing Shaw in from the start

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Southgate is throwing Shaw in from the startCredit: Getty

Southgate also appears to have finally found his midfield pairing.

Declan Rice is a nailed-on starter, but he’s had a few different partners, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.

But Kobbie Mainoo has looked the most comfortable in there.

The Manchester United midfielder was solid in games against Slovakia and Switzerland, but in the semi-final, he was immense.

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are also enjoying some freedom playing behind the striker.

Foden, in particular, was very dangerous against the Dutch and was only denied a goal by an excellent Denzel Dumfries clearance and the woodwork.

Foden came so close to his first goal of the tournament

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Foden came so close to his first goal of the tournamentCredit: Getty

Up front, Kane will start despite not being at his best.

England’s captain has scored three goals at Euro 2024, but his overall play has looked slow and sluggish.

For a prime goalscorer, he doesn’t seem to be in the box that often and doesn’t have the pace or physicality to cause opposition defences problems.

Therefore, Watkins or Ivan Toney are likely to play important roles as substitutes.

Watkins was the hero but his ability to run in behind is a huge asset, while Toney could bully defenders.

Despite all the options, Southgate is likely to make just one change

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Despite all the options, Southgate is likely to make just one change

Spain

For Spain, Unai Simon will be in goal.

Dani Carvajal was suspended for the semi-final after being sent off against Germany.

But the Real Madrid star is back, and he will return at right-back, especially because his replacement against Les Bleus, Jesus Navas, went off injured.

Robin le Normand was also banned for that France clash and would be expected to return to the eleven.

However, Nacho Fernandez did nothing wrong against France and could yet keep his place to partner Aymeric Laporte.

Marc Cucurella has been one of the surprise stories of the tournament, keeping Alex Grimaldo out of the team.

The Chelsea left-back has been excellent for his country and will be tasked with stopping Saka.

Cucurella has the full trust of his manager

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Cucurella has the full trust of his managerCredit: GETTY

Luis de la Fuente’s midfield will pick itself.

Rodri will be at the base, and it’s been well over a year since he last lost a game for his national team.

Fabian Ruiz has been one of the stars of the tournament and has dominated games with his technique and range of passing.

Pedri is injured, which means Olmo will play as the advanced midfield player.

The RB Leipzig man has had a fantastic tournament, scoring three goals, all in the knockout rounds, and Rice will have to keep an eye on him drifting between the lines.

Morata was in some discomfort

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Morata was in some discomfort

On either wing, there is no debate about who will start.

On one side, we have Yamal – the teenage sensation who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday.

The Barcelona starlet broke Pele’s record as the youngest goalscorer in an international tournament in the semi-final, and he will now look to cause carnage on the right.

Nico Williams on the left is quicker than Yamal but also boasts incredible technique and these two have been excellent for La Roja.

There had been fears over the fitness of Alvaro Morata. The striker was accidentally taken out by a security guard in the aftermath of the France win.

But he has since trained and is expected to lead the line.

Spain possess quality in all areas of the pitch - this is how they could line up vs England

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Spain possess quality in all areas of the pitch – this is how they could line up vs EnglandCredit: Getty

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