The time has come. England take on Spain tonight in the Euro 2024 final with one aim: Bring Football Home.
The road to Berlin has not been easy, but all that’s come before won’t matter one bit if the Three Lions can end 58 years of hurt and win England’s first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate is expected to name the same side that defeated the Netherlands in the semi-finals, though there is a chance Luke Shaw could take Kieran Trippier’s place at left-wingback.
However, Spain are slight favourites to win having looked imperious throughout the whole tournament, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal spearheading their campaign.
Follow the live blog below for all the latest updates as we build-up to the big game…
The race for the Golden Boot
While not the priority tonight, England captain Harry Kane and Spain’s Dani Olmo have a chance of also winning the Golden Boot award.
Both are on three goals, tied with four other players, but thanks to a rule change there are no tiebreakers meaning that all six stars could share the prize if neither Kane or Olmo score.
Jude Bellingham on two goals is within a shot of the prize as well.
Find out more here.
History will be made
While England are looking to banish their demons and win their very first European Championship, it’s a different story for Spain.
If La Roja triumph tonight they will become the first team to win four Euros, following success in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
Either way, history will be made in Berlin.
Find out more here.
Meet the ‘surprising’ Euro 2024 final referee
Francois Letexier will referee the final, taking charge of a major international showpiece for the first time.
The 35-year-old’s selection has raised more than a few eyebrows however, given his relative experience, with Mark Clattenburg saying:
‘UEFA’s choice of Letexier is a big surprise to a fair few in the refereeing world, including in France, where he is not even seen as their top official.’
Find out more about the referee here.
Spain’s danger man – Lamine Yamal
Given their imperious form and fantastic performances, Spain have been made slight favourites for the final.
Spearheading their campaign has been winger Lamine Yamal, who only turned 17 yesterday!
Find out more about the wonderkid here.
How to watch the final
For those of us not lucky enough to be in Berlin, you have a choice of broadcaster to watch the final on.
BBC One and ITV1 will both be showing the match live, with live streams available through BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Kick-off is at 8pm, and the Beeb have announced that they will be joined by a special pundit for the big occasion.
Find out who here.
Teddy Sheringham’s predictions
Ahead of the final, we’ve been speaking to England and Manchester United hero Teddy Sheringham whose provided us with his predictions:
‘I think Spain have been the most impressive team in the tournament.
‘Having said that, I don’t think they’re unbeatable – if we have a go at them with a caution that Gareth will put in the players’ minds, I think we’ve got a good chance of winning it.’
Find out Sheringham’s full predictions here.
Team news
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gareth Southgate is expected to name the same XI for the final that started the semi-final against the Netherlands.
The only potential change that could be made is Luke Shaw coming in for Kieran Trippier, given that the latter had to be subbed off at half-time against the Dutch after picking up a knock.
But it is said the defender has been passed fit, with all 26 members of the squad available for selection.
Discover the full team news for England and Spain here.
COME ON ENGLAND!
Good afternoon and welcome to Metro’s live blog, bringing you all the latest build-up to the Euro 204 final between England and Spain!
Tonight, 58 years of hurt could finally be over. The road to Berlin has not been easy, but that won’t matter one bit if the Three Lions emerge triumphant.
Read more about England’s journey to the final and what victory would mean to the country here.