Euro 2024: It is going to be tough – Spain coach Luis de la Fuente wary of ‘powerful, experienced’ England

Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente admitted his team will have their work cut out in the Euro 2024 final against a powerful, experienced England team. There is no doubt that Spain has been the best team in the tournament so far whereas England has performed brilliantly, especially when they have been put under the cosh. 

England registered a 2-1 win against Slovakia after Jude Bellingham scored a bicycle kick to keep his team afloat whereas Harry Kane scored in the extra time. Subsequently, the Three Lions defeated Switzerland in the penalty shootout in the quarterfinal to end their hoodoo.

Southgate’s men then bested the Netherlands by 2-1 in the semifinal to make it to consecutive Euro finals.

On the other hand, Spain has won all of their six matches in the competition, registering wins against Croatia, Italy, Germany, and France.

“Before starting the tournament, England and France would have been favourites, as well as Germany for the fact they were playing at home,” De la Fuente told reporters after learning who Spain will face at the Olympiastadion this weekend.

“We have had the chance to keep overcoming those games [against the favourites] and now we have another huge match. Maybe Spain have offered a better version so far at the finals [than England], but that won’t have any influence on a one-off game.

“England have quality players that can appear at any moment. We are up against a really powerful side full of experience, not just in terms of the national team, but at club level as well. It’s going to be tough.

“But we’re looking forward to this one. We want to keep growing. This group of players are going to keep fighting to try and win the trophy.”

For Spain, defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand will return from suspension for the final, but Pedri and Ayoze Pérez will miss the summit clash due to injuries. The final will be played in Berlin on Sunday.