Meet the finalists: England’s gritty path to Berlin

England’s journey at EURO 2024 has been a testament to their resilience and ability to grind out results. While their path hasn’t always been pretty, they now stand on the precipice of glory, facing Spain in the final on 14 July at the iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin.

A group stage of frustration and relief

Drawn in Group C alongside Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, England were expected to progress comfortably. However, their performances were far from convincing. A narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia, courtesy of a Harry Kane penalty, was followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Denmark. The draw with Denmark was followed by yet another stalemate this time with Slovenia as they drew 0-0. Fortunately for England they qualified to the next stage while finishing top of Group C with five points.

Questions swirled around manager Gareth Southgate’s tactics and the form of key players like Kane. However, young midfielder Jude Bellingham, now playing for Real Madrid, emerged as a positive. His tireless energy, creative passing, and even a stunning bicycle kick against Denmark showcased his growing influence.

Finding their footing: Navigating the tense knockout stages

The close encounters in the group stage seemed to galvanise the team. England found a new level of grit in the knockout stages. Southgate tweaked his formation, prioritising defensive solidity with John Stones and the recalled Marc Guehi forming a strong central defensive partnership.

The Round of 16 against Slovakia was a tense affair, decided on penalties once again. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford emerged as a hero, saving two penalties to send England through. The quarter-final against Switzerland was another nail-biter, decided on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Pickford continued his heroics with another crucial save.

The semi-final against Netherlands was a rollercoaster. England went behind to a Xavi Simons strike but a contentious Harry Kane penalty equaliser kept them in the contest. Just as the game seemed destined for extra time, Ollie Watkins, who had impressed throughout the tournament, popped up with a dramatic winner in the 90th minute, sending the nation into a frenzy.

England players who have shone

Jude Bellingham

The 20-year-old has been England’s engine. His tireless work ethic, driving runs, and passing range have been crucial in creating chances and disrupting opposition attacks.

John Stones

After a shaky start to the Premier League season, Stones has once again rediscovered his best form, marshalling the defence with composure alongside Guehi at the EUROs.

Jordan Pickford

Once a source of debate, Pickford has silenced his doubters with crucial saves in the knockout stages, especially in the penalty shootouts.

Ollie Watkins

The Aston Villa striker has been a surprise package, offering energy, pressing, and a clinical edge. His late winner against Netherlands was a moment of pure opportunism.

Who can make a difference in the final?

Harry Kane

Despite a quiet tournament by his standards, Kane remains a world-class finisher. If England can create chances for him, he has the ability to punish Spain.

Phil Foden

The Manchester City star hasn’t quite hit his peak form yet, but his dribbling skills and creativity could unlock the Spanish defence.

Declan Rice

The holding midfielder has been a rock in front of the defence, breaking up play and allowing Bellingham to push forward. His positional discipline will be crucial against Spain’s technically gifted midfield.

Bukayo Saka

The Arsenal winger hasn’t produced the performances he is capable of during this year’s EUROs, but his pace and directness could be a valuable weapon off the bench against a tiring Spanish side.

The final frontier: Can England overcome Spain?

England face a formidable opponent in Spain, led by manager Luis de la Fuente. Their midfield boasts a different kind of threat. While they lack the youthful exuberance of Pedri and Gavi, they possess a more experienced midfield with the likes of Rodri at the heart of the midfield.

Spain’s attack hinges on the breakout star of the tournament, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, as well as young Nico Williams, and the ever-reliable Alvaro Morata.

Despite Spain’s strengths, England’s defensive solidity and newfound belief in the final could be their trump cards. Southgate will need to find a way to contain Spain’s midfield, while exploiting any potential gaps in their defence with their counter-attacking threat.

The atmosphere in Berlin will be electric, and the pressure will be immense. This England team has shown a steely resolve. If they can combine their newfound defensive solidity with a touch of attacking magic, it may just be coming home!

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