By Mubukwanu Kaingu
England coach Gareth Southgate has conceded Spain will be a very hard target to deal with in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The Olympiastadion Berlin will host a final of contrasting styles when the three-time European champions Spain face 2021 runners-up England who have reached an unprecedented back-to-back Euro finals following their debut final appearance three years ago.
Spain has in slick fashion disposed of their opponents to reach Berlin without dropping a point that includes former holders Italy whom they out-passed in a 1-0 group stage victory.
England on the other hand crawled their way to the German capital in pragmatic style with three draws and as many wins that were not pleasant viewing but effectively took them to the promised land.
“We’ll have to get the ball off them first!” admitted Southgate.
“It’s not as simple as us having the ball and making them run. They press very, very well so we’re going to have to be exceptional with the ball and we’re going to have to be exceptional without it.
“It’s a final so you expect it to be that way.”
But Southgate said Wednesday’s 2-1 semifinal win after rallying from one down to beat the Netherlands within the 90 minutes is testament they can hold their own against Spain.
“They’ve been the best team. We’re starting to show a better version of ourselves,” Southgate said.
They are evenly poised heading into the final with a win each following a 2-2 friendly draw at Wembley in 2016.
England beat Spain 3-2 away in their last encounter in October 2018 after the latter had won 2-1 on the road earlier in September over two legs in their UEFA Nations League fixtures.
