England vs Spain key battles as SunSport work out exactly where Euro 2024 final will be won and lost

OUR Three Lions are facing a daunting task to get past Rodri and over the Red Wall.

But they can pose problems of their own for the Spanish — from a wily veteran at the back to two impish left-footed maestros going forward.

Gareth Southgate’s brave lions have got a shot to re-write their European Championship final history in Berlin.

This England squad felt the heartache of a penalty shootout final loss at Wembley back in 2021, but now they have the chance to etch their names on the trophy.

And they’re doing it against a team that Southgate has labelled as the “best at the tournament”.

There’s plenty of top players in Luis de la Fuente’s side, but there’s just as many superstar’s in the England set up too – here, SunSport’s Jack Rosser looks at the final’s three big match-ups…

NICO WILLIAMS v KYLE WALKER

THE oldest member of the England squad has had his fair share of battles with wingers over the years.

Walker, 34, relishes a one-on-one contest and despite being 12 years older than the Athletic Bilbao star, he will still fancy himself up against one of the tournament’s stand-out performers.

Williams’ speed has been a problem for every side Spain have faced, as has his positive approach to football.

The 22-year-old is as direct as they come — his first instinct is always to pin a full-back down and charge past him.

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Walker’s experience and pace will be vital to keep the right-hand side safe.

MARC CUCURELLA v BUKAYO SAKA

MANY may look at Spain’s left-back and see the ideal spot for England to get some joy.

Cucurella, 25, has been ridiculed at times since his big move to Chelsea — but his form towards the end of last season was transformed and continued in Germany.

Cucu, as his team-mates call him, has been tenacious and full of energy — starting five of Spain’s six games. But he will have his work cut out against Saka.

The Arsenal star, 22, earned redemption from the penalty spot in the shootout against Switzerland after his stunner saved England.

And the winger is one of the squad’s most versatile players — Gareth Southgate has put him at full-back and wing-back, too.

Cucurella may struggle to find him at times . . . let alone stop him.

RODRI v PHIL FODEN

IF there is anyone who can hack the “perfect computer” that is Spain’s Rodri, then surely it is Manchester City team-mate Foden.

The Prem player of the season, 24, has come alive in England’s last few games and while he is yet to grab a goal, his display against the Dutch was incredibly encouraging.

But both he and Jude Bellingham will be up against the world’s best holding midfielder in 28-year-old Rodri, who has been exemplary for La Roja.

England must disrupt Spain’s conductor when he is on the ball and escape him going forward. Far easier said than done.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk