SPAIN VS ENGLAND PRE-MATCH PLAYER RATINGS: Which Spaniard has their bounce back? Whose selflessness opens things up for his team-mates? And which Euros finalist comes out on top in the scores?
- Mail Sport looks at the form of the players who have taken their sides to the final
Spain will go into the Euro 2024 final against England as favourites having won all six of their matches so far.
England, however, are not to be underestimated. They too are undefeated, and possess the quality to cause any side problems on their day.
Bar one or two tweaks, both managers have named largely unchanged sides throughout the tournament, and the same is expected on Sunday evening.
The game will feature star-studded talent such as Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Nico Williams and Bukayo Saka - just to name a few.
But how have the star that have played for their sides so far performed? Mail Sport's Matt Barlow and Craig Hope rank the players' forms going into the match in Berlin.
Spain are in fine form heading into the final of Euro 2024, winning all six matches so far
England, meanwhile, have won just two of their six games at the tournament in 90 minutes
Gareth Southgate's side go into Sunday's final as underdogs but remain hopeful
SPAIN
Goalkeeper
UNAI SIMON - 7
Steady, soothing presence in goal. Uncomplicated style from the prolific Bilbao school of goalkeepers. Conceded three goals in five games. Fine record from penalties. Saved one in opener against Croatia.
DEFENDERS
DANI CARVAJAL - 6.5
Experienced Real Madrid full back is a solid partner for Lamine Yamal on the right flank. Defensively strong and selects times to join attack. Scored against Croatia. Red card against Germany in quarter-final ruled him out of semi-final against France.
ROBIN LE NORMAND - 6.5
Has forged a solid France-born defensive partnership at the back with Laporte. Real Sociedad centre-half is good in the air, reliable and unfussy. Also missed semi against France through suspension. Expected to return.
AYMERIC LAPORTE - 7
Quickly up to speed after being left out of the opener with concerns over his fitness levels following season in Saudi Arabia. Experienced, reads game and is a set-piece threat.
MARC CUCURELLA - 7.5
Revived and utterly resplendent after two difficult years at Chelsea. Quick across the ground and tenacious in the tackle. A balanced full back. Gets forward at times to support Nico Williams. The bounce is back.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has been in impressive form for Spain during Euro 2024
MIDFIELDERS
RODRI - 9
Imperious at the heart of this team. Breaks up play skilfully and hardly gives the ball away. Terrific vision and range of pass. Covered almost 63km in just under eight hours of football. Scored against Georgia.
FABIAN RUIZ - 8
Sparkled against Croatia, creating the first and scoring the second. PSG midfielder blends impressive work ethic with poise and vision on the ball. Box to box and always looking to pass forward. Threatens goal from fringes of penalty box. Two goals at tournament.
LAMINE YAMAL - 8.5
Boy wonder. Nascent star of world football has taken this tournament in his elegant stride. Unfazed by the occasion. Speed and sublime talent on right wing with a wand of a left foot and temperament beyond his 17 years. Three assists and scored a worldie against France.
Manchester City star Rodri is the heart of the Spain team and has been in stellar form
Lamine Yamal (left) and Nico Williams (right), meanwhile, have shone on the wings for Spain
DANI OLMO - 7.5
Fears Spain may lose rhythm and tempo when Pedri was injured have been assuaged by Olmo. May not possess same effortless technique but has a knack of influencing games and scoring goals. Three in 341 minutes so far, including winner in semi.
NICO WILLIAMS - 7.5
Electric pace on the left with a top speed of 35.8kmph at these Euros. Stole show against Italy. Eclipsed at times by Yamal but no less dangerous when Spain break. Scored against Georgia.
STRIKER
ALVARO MORATA - 6.5
Captain divides fans but is adored by De la Fuente for selfless running that creates space for others, strong hold-up play and off-field leadership. Aerial power brings another dimension. Scored against Croatia.
TOTAL: 81.5/110
Alvaro Morata divides opinion but does a lot of selfless running and shows leadership off-field
ENGLAND
GOALKEEPER
JORDAN PICKFORD - 7
Consistent, reliable and England’s most successful keeper since Gordon Banks, he would move alongside the England legend with victory tonight, especially if repeating his quarter-final penalty heroics.
DEFENDERS
KYLE WALKER - 5.5
Remains a concern at centre-back, where he does not sense danger like a natural in that position perhaps would, as evidenced by Breel Embolo’s goal when he stole in on Walker’s shoulder in quarter-final. Far from his best here.
JOHN STONES - 6.5
Improved as tournament has gone on, understandably given reduced game-time at Manchester City last season. Semi-final was his best yet, when he stepped into midfield and got on the ball.
MARC GUEHI - 7
Seized his chance. One or two sticky moments but has generally recovered. Partnership with Stones was at its best in semi-final, and will need to be again here, especially if Spain’s wingers cut inside, as they like to do.
Jordan Pickford has been consistent and reliable for England and could move level with Gordon Banks
Bukayo Saka started the tournament slowly but has been sensational in the last two matches
WING BACKS
BUKAYO SAKA - 8
Started tournament slowly but in last two games has been sensational. Rescued England in quarters and set the tone in semis by daring to dribble and make things happen. In this form, England’s biggest attacking threat.
KIERAN TRIPPIER - 6.5
Has put team ahead of himself by playing on left, despite having one of the best right boots in the Premier League. Deserves sympathy and praise for role he has performed. Has not let anyone down.
MIDFIELDERS
KOBBIE MAINOO - 8
With Saka, England’s most in-form player. Fearless sense of adventure in semi-final was a joy to watch, and inspired others. At 19, that is remarkable. England’s passage to final may have been smoother had he played from the start.
DECLAN RICE - 6.5
Best game was in semi-final, when he recovered from an early mistake leading to the Dutch goal and gave a performance of strength and authority. Against Rodri, he will need to be better again tonight but has a huge game in him, you feel.
PHIL FODEN - 6.5
Frustrated and subdued stuck on the left in early games and, even when moved central versus Switzerland, did not take his chance. But for an hour or so against Netherlands he was the Foden we know, twisting and turning and going close to scoring three times.
Harry Kane has not been at his best in Germany but could still yet win the Golden Boot
WE'RE BACKING ENGLAND! MAIL SPORT LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THREE LIONS
JUDE BELLINGHAM - 6.5
Two brilliant goals and without him England would not be here, but his general play remains below his best. Does not feel part of the team at times, doing his own thing. Still, don’t bet against him being match-winner here.
STRIKER
HARRY KANE - 6
Has played well his entire career and won nothing, so how about playing not so well and winning Euros and Golden Boot? A yard off the pace, if not more, all tournament. Still has three goals and you would not be surprised if he emerges as hero in this final.
TOTAL: 74/110
