Today the issue on Spanish soil, in a general sense, is not betting on a favorable result in Berlin this Sunday, but rather where to celebrate the victory and the possibility of going to the Plaza de la Cibeles to extend the fun.

However, the reality is not so devastating. Although La Roja managed to win their six games in the continental tournament (three in the group stage and three in the round of 16, quarterfinals and semifinals), England showed that their powerful squad is to be feared.

The merit of the Spanish team led by Luis de la Fuente focuses fundamentally on having looked for different alternatives, to defeat high-ranking opponents such as Croatia, Italy, Germany or France.

The English under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, however, suffered more than expected and if they reached the final they largely owe it to Jude Bellingham, author of a bicycle kick that allowed the embrace of a goal with Slovakia and the subsequent success thanks to Harry Kane’s target in the round of 16.

THE DUELS

From the start, Spain’s capacity for improvisation in the best sense and its incisive character in front of goal leaves the impression that the Iberian country is the favorite, of course. Worse, it is already known that in football, 90 minutes can be a very long time.

Several exciting face-to-faces can be seen on the bands. First between two explosive wingers and both left-handers, the Spanish Lamine Yamal and the English Bukayo Saka, who must be covered by Dani Carvajal and Kyle Walker.

To neutralize dynamic counterattacks, the long-haired Marc Cucurella and Kieran Trippier will take to the field looking each other in the eye, while Rodri Hernández and Fabián Ruíz in midfield will try to ignore Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice.

Already towards the area, there are the challenges of how to neutralize Nico Williams, the great opportunist Dani Olmo or Alvaro Morata in the Spanish case; and Harry Kane and Phil Foden, with the addition of Bellingham.

England has notable potential on its roster in terms of proper names, but Spain more than demonstrated that lesser figures are equally effective when it comes to defining matches. And if not, ask Germany about Mikel Merino.

Possible lineups for this Sunday’s final:

Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Morata and Nico Williams.

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham and Kane.

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