Gareth Southgate will likely resist major changes to his England side for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain but does have a decision to make at left wing-back.
The Three Lions dominated Netherlands in the first-half of Wednesday’s semi-final showdown in Dortmund and while the Dutch wrestled back some control in the second period it was still England’s most assured performance of the competition to date.
The team has found harmony when it matters most with Southgate’s decision to switch to a back three system for the quarter-final game against Switzerland now paying off.
Phil Foden produced his best display of the tournament in that system against the Dutch, with Kobbie Mainoo adding poise and control in midfield alongside Declan Rice.
The tactical tweak has also unleashed Bukayo Saka. After quiet displays in the group stages and the last 16 escape against Slovakia, the Arsenal star has looked back to his destructive best operating at right wing-back.
Southgate’s dilemma is on the opposite flank. Kieran Trippier has been deployed at left-back and left wing-back at every turn of England’s Euro trip but the return to fitness of Luke Shaw offers an alternative.
The Manchester United star has been recovering from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him since February. He played 42 minutes, including extra-time, against Switzerland before coming on at half-time on Wednesday night.
Possible England XI to face Spain
Shaw coming in for Trippier is England’s only expected change. While Southgate has described Trippier as a ‘solider’, Shaw demonstrated the value of a naturally left-footed player operating down that flank, adding width and an extra dimension in attack.
Southgate, as he has been throughout the competition, will be mindful of Shaw’s fitness, a dilemma heightened up against a Spanish team boasting the competition’s best two wingers in Nico Williams and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Elsewhere in the team, Marc Guehi returned to the side this week after serving his suspension against Switzerland without missing a beat, slotting in beside Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker.
Ollie Watkins’ sublime last-gasp winner has understandably led to calls for him to lead the line in place of Harry Kane, taking up position we have seldom seen the captain in to turn Sefan de Vrij inside out before firing home.
For all the criticism, Kane is firmly in the frame to win the competition’s Golden Boot with him and Dani Olmo both locked on three goals heading into the finale.
Southgate is unlikely to consider dropping his captain but Watkins will surely be called upon to deliver from the bench again if required.
As for Spain, they will be without Pedri whose tournament was ended in the quarter-final clash against Germany after that early challenge from Toni Kroos forced him off.
La Roja were forced into changes at the back against France in their semi-final with Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand both suspended but both are in line to return to the side on Sunday – although Nacho made a strong case for his inclusion alongside Aymeric Laporte against Les Blues.
Alvaro Morata’s post-match celebrations were cut short on Tuesday night when a steward accidentally crashed into him while pursuing a pitch invader.
The Atletico Madrid star limped away from the incident but eased any fears over his fitness this week.
Possible Spain XI to face England
What time does England vs Spain kick-off?
England vs Spain gets underway at 8pm on Sunday 14 July.
What TV channel is England vs Spain on?
BBC One and ITV will both be broadcasting the match live with live streams available through BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
What are the odds on England winning the Euros?
Euro 2024 winner odds
Spain: 8/11
England: 23/20
Golden Boot winner
Dani Olmo: 4/11
Harry Kane: 5/2
Jude Bellingham:14/1
England vs Spain head to head record
England and Spain have met 27 times over the years dating back to their first meeting in 1929. La Roja have won 14 of those to England’s 10. The Three Lions clinched victory in their last meeting in 2018 courtesy of a 3-2 win.