BERLIN (Reuters) - Slick-looking Spain go up against belatedly blossoming England in a mouth-watering conclusion to the European Championship on Sunday as the final promises a fitting finish to a month of absorbing action across Germany.
Both teams came into the tournament with valid ambitions of making it all the way to the decider at Berlin’s Olympiastadion and six matches later have achieved their aim, albeit in contrasting fashion.
Spain must be considered slight favourites, given how elegantly and efficiently they have surged to the final, winning their games inside 90 minutes except their extra time success over the hosts in the quarter-final and scoring 13 goals in the process.
The clinical contributions of 16-year-old ‘wunderkind’ Lamine Yamal have added a fairytale edge to their progress but collectively they have looked the best team on display.
England, by contrast, were just minutes away from embarrassing elimination in their last 16 tie against Slovakia, rescued by a brilliant stoppage time equaliser from Spain-based Jude Bellingham.
But to their credit they have emerged from a groggy start to grit their way through, emerging triumphant over the Netherlands in Wednesday's semi-final with a reminder of their quality and potential, and with a new-found vigour to take to the decider.
It will be England’s second successive Euros final, after Italy edged them on penalties in the final at Wembley three years ago, but a first ever appearance in a major tournament final outside of Britain.
They have not won anything but the 1966 World Cup, adding to both the motivation and pressure that now sits heavily on Gareth Southgate and his team.
Spain are three-time European champions, have also won a World Cup and took the Nations League last year.
There is much credit for their low-profile coach Luis de la Fuente, who rose through the ranks at the Spanish federation before taking over after the last World Cup in Qatar, where Spain were upset by Morocco in the last 16.
He knows most of the squad from when they were boys coming through the age group teams and his emphasis on good man-management has brought the best out of a technically gifted group.
Yamal's ability at a tender age is extraordinary and complimented on the other flank by Nico Williams, with Fabian Ruiz outstanding in midfield. Dani Olmo has come into the team since the injury to Pedri and looked to take up their attacking ability a notch.
Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are expected to return to the defence after suspension.
England have taken time to settle on their preferred selection but have plenty of match-winning excellence too in Bellingham and Phil Foden and are waiting for record scorer Harry Kane to find his straps.
The 30-year-old has been off form, despite scoring three times in the tournament, but his record-setting ability in front of goal still offers supporters hope he will deliver when it counts the most.
BEST RETURNS
Defensively England have proven solid, allowing opponents 9.5 shots per game, among the best returns at Euro 2024.
Luke Shaw, now over his hamstring injury, could start for the first time in the tournament at left back while Kyle Walker is in for torrid time on the right but in the semi-final expertly saw off the threat of the Dutch lead attacker Cody Gakpo.
It is almost six years since the last clash between England and Spain in Valencia, where England were 3-0 up in the first half and hung on for a 3-2 win.
Were Sunday to deliver a five goal thriller, it would put a fitting seal on a tournament of high drama.