Gareth Southgate is preparing his England side for a second consecutive European Championship final on Sunday as they take on Spain hoping to go one better than they did in 2021.
But how could the England boss set up his team for the Euro 2024 final? Here are some of the big decisions he has to take…
Drop Harry Kane?
Harry Kane has started every game for England at Euro 2024 despite not being at his best, likely due to the back injury he suffered towards the end of the season with Bayern Munich, and is expected to start once again against Spain. But Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have both been impressive off the bench, with Watkins netting a superb late winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final and while Kane has scored three goals this tournament, his lack of involvement in games is a concern. It would be a huge shock for Southgate to drop Kane but perhaps picking a player who is in better physical condition could help his side?
Start Luke Shaw?
Shaw was a half-time substitute in the semi-final with the Netherlands and provided the team with far more balance than the right-footed Kieran Tripper has done playing out of position at left-back. He is still working up his fitness after going five months without playing and could struggle to complete 90 minutes but with only one game left in the tournament, Southgate might decide to risk it and hope he comes through.
Change system to counter Spain?
Spain have been the best team at Euro 2024 and are yet to lose a game at the tournament. Their wide players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have been fundamental to their success and might warrant a change from the three at the back system Southgate has employed in the last two games. Saka has been very effective as a high right wing-back but could leave England exposed, while Trippier starting on the left against the young, dynamic Yamal would be a concern. Southgate might have to tweak things to deal with a far superior opponent to anyone they have played so far.
Southgate could decide to revert to the flat back four he started the tournament with, with the full-backs being asked to focus more on the defensive side of the game to stop Spain’s two most dangerous players.
Predicted line-up
Despite those concerns, however, the back three has worked better for England than the system Southgate started the tournament with and has better allowed the team’s attacking threats to thrive. While Spain will undoubtedly cause England problems, the Three Lions cannot afford to be too cautious and must be positive if they are to win a first ever European Championship.
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1) Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Shaw; Foden, Bellingham; Kane
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