England fell at the final hurdle at Euro 2020, losing in a penalty shootout to Italy, and they will be desperate to avoid the same fate against Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin's Olympiastadion.
The Three Lions have been knocking on the door in major competitions, having also finished fourth at World Cup in 2018, and after some mediocre performances they saved their best yet for their semi-final victory over the Netherlands.
Gareth Southgate’s side were widely criticised for their efforts in the group stage, where they scored only twice and drew with Denmark and Slovenia, while they needed extra-time to overcome Slovakia and penalties to halt Switzerland.
But the switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation, which allows Phil Foden to play centrally, worked the trick against the Dutch and they will be hoping to replicate that display against Spain.
Having endured a lean spell since winning three straight major tournaments between 2008 and 2012, Spain have gone through their transitional period and come out the other side glowing with a number of budding young stars inspiring them to success.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have been by some way the best team in the tournament, winning five of their six matches in normal time including when accounting for reigning champions Italy and World Cup runners-up France.
The only exception during that period came in the 1-1 draw with Germany, in which Mikel Merino's extra-time header earned them a semi-final spot, and they have looked extremely dangerous going forward.
Wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have excelled throughout the tournament and keeping them quiet will be integral if England are going to stifle La Roja.
That leaves Gareth Southgate with a decision to make as to whether he sticks with the right-footed Kieran Trippier at left-back for his defensive prowess and to keep tabs on Yamal, or opts for Luke Shaw after he was introduced for the second-half against the Dutch.
As for Williams, rarely would he have faced a full-back with as much pace as Kyle Walker and it is easy to see him become frustrated against a player who remains unrivalled in that department.
The midfield battle is also going to be key as Spain have a master dictator in Rodri while his partner in crime, Fabian Ruiz, has been superb in offering support for Alvaro Morata and co.
Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo will be tasked with disrupting Spain’s natural passing game and then it will be vital for England to find space behind Rodri for star assets Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden on the ball.
Another key match-up could be the battle between Spain left-back Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka, who has been one of England’s most consistent performers.
Saka saved the day against Switzerland, scoring a late equaliser from outside the box, and having drawn ten fouls during the tournament, Cucurella will have to be aware of the threat he possesses.
The left-back has had a strong tournament but he was out of favour for much of the season at Chelsea and he remains a weak link.
Bellingham is the most fouled player in the tournament (14 fouls) so he will test Rodri’s discipline, while nobody has committed more fouls in the tournament than Spain’s enigmatic captain Morata (12) who works tirelessly for his team.
