England ponder changes as Spain sweat over captain – predicted line-ups

England and Spain face a number of selection decisions ahead of the Euro 2024 final this Sunday.

The Three Lions are into their second consecutive European Championship final after a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Dortmund.

The game looked to be heading to extra-time after Harry Kane‘s penalty cancelled out Xavi Simons’ early screamer.

But substitute Ollie Watkins became an overnight national hero when he turned in the box and buried a stunning finish in stoppage time to send the Three Lions to Berlin.

They will face Spain, who have been the best team at the tournament so far, winning every game.

La Roja are into the final after a 2-1 win over France in Munich.

Les Bleus opened the scoring before 16-year-old Lamine Yamal scored a wonderful curling strike to bring Spain level, and Dani Olmo bagged the winner a few minutes later.

It promises to be an incredible final, and it’s live on talkSPORT.

And ahead of the game, talkSPORT.com has taken a look at how both sides could line-up.

England

talkSPORT understands that England will be unchanged from the semi-final.

That means England’s undisputed number one goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will be in goal.

The Everton goalkeeper has enjoyed a very good tournament and made a crucial penalty save during the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Gareth Southgate has changed to a back three in the last two games, and England have looked much more fluid.

Kyle Walker has started every game at Euro 2024 either at right-back or as right-centre-back, and he’ll take up that latter role here.

John Stones is certain to start in the middle of the back three, with the Manchester City defender an ever-present.

Marc Guehi returned to the starting XI against the Dutch after his one-match suspension, and despite competition from Ezri Konsa, he’ll start.

England are now playing with wing-backs after switching from a back four.

On one side, there is Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal man struggled earlier in the tournament, looking fatigued, but he’s been excellent in the last two games in a right-wing-back role.

But on the opposite side, Southgate had a dilemma.

Kieran Trippier has filled in on the left in Luke Shaw‘s absence.

However, the fact he’s right-footed has limited England on the left in many ways.

Shaw came on at half-time for Trippier against the Netherlands and immediately offered width.

But despite Shaw being the natural left-back, Trippier is expected to get the nod.

Southgate also appears to have finally found his midfield pairing.

Declan Rice is a nailed-on starter, but he’s had a few different partners, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.

But Kobbie Mainoo has looked the most comfortable in there.

The Manchester United midfielder was solid in games against Slovakia and Switzerland, but in the semi-final, he was immense.

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are also enjoying some freedom playing behind the striker.

Foden, in particular, was very dangerous against the Dutch and was only denied a goal by an excellent Denzel Dumfries clearance and the woodwork.

Up front, Kane will start despite not being at his best.

England’s captain has scored three goals at Euro 2024, but his overall play has looked slow and sluggish.

For a prime goalscorer, he doesn’t seem to be in the box that often and doesn’t have the pace or physicality to cause opposition defences problems.

Therefore, Watkins or Ivan Toney are likely to play important roles as substitutes.

Watkins was the hero but his ability to run in behind is a huge asset, while Toney could bully defenders.

Spain

For La Roja, Unai Simon will be in goal.

Dani Carvajal was suspended for the semi-final after being sent off against Germany.

But the Real Madrid star is back, and he will return at right-back, especially because his replacement against Les Bleus, Jesus Navas, went off injured.

Robin le Normand was also banned for that France clash and would be expected to return to the eleven.

However, there are reports in Spain that suggest he’s training away from the main group, so Nacho Fernandez is on standbye to partner Aymeric Laporte.

Marc Cucurella has been one of the surprise stories of the tournament, keeping Alex Grimaldo out of the team.

The Chelsea left-back has been excellent for his country and will be tasked with stopping Saka.

Luis de la Fuente’s midfield will pick itself.

Rodri will be at the base, and it’s been well over a year since he last lost a game for his national team.

Fabian Ruiz has been one of the stars of the tournament and has dominated games with his technique and range of passing.

Pedri is injured, which means Olmo will play as the advanced midfield player.

The RB Leipzig man has had a fantastic tournament, scoring three goals, all in the knockout rounds, and Rice will have to keep an eye on him drifting between the lines.

On either wing, there is no debate about who will start.

On one side, we have Yamal – the 16-year-old sensation.

The Barcelona starlet broke Pele’s record as the youngest goalscorer in an international tournament in the semi-final, and he will now look to cause carnage on the right.

Nico Williams on the left is quicker than Yamal but also boasts incredible technique and these two have been excellent for La Roja.

However, they could be without their captain, Alvaro Morata.

The striker was accidentally taken out by a security guard in the aftermath of the France win.

After the game, De la Fuente confirmed that his captain was in pain but should be fine to play.