Spain again
England v Spain (19:00 EAT)
Spain are not strangers to winning this tournament. They’ve bagged the trophy five times in total, taking three out of the last six.
They remain unbeaten so far in this tournament, Ukraine being the only side to deny them victory in their group games with a last-match 2-2 draw.
They needed extra-time to beat Switzerland in the quarters before then properly showing Ukraine who was boss in the semis, courtesy of a 5-1 victory.
Keep an eye out for Manchester City left-back Sergio Gomez – who has been playing in a more advanced position – and Braga striker Abel Ruiz, both of whom have scored three goals so far this tournament.
Then there is Osasuna’s Manu Sanchez, who will join the aforementioned dup in attack, and the likes of Betis’ Juan Miranda, who has already featured for Spain’s senior side and scored on his debut against Lithuania.
Growth spurt
That England are now such a force in youth international football is largely down to the work done in the aftermath of the 1998 World Cup – research and thought that ultimately led to the building of St George’s Park academy and the restructuring work around it.
Since 2012, it has been a period of growth leading to the flourishing system we now see spitting out winners.
This would be another big leap forward, with a generation of U21s ready to match what was done by the teams of 1982 and 1984 that bagged this competition.
It’s undeniable now… good things are happening with the England national football system.
The seniors may not (yet) have ended all those years of hurt with a major piece of silverware – although they have come mighty close – but the youth system is certainly ensuring the FA need to keep a decent stock of polish.
The U17s, U19s and U20s have all won major tournaments in the last decade. Now all it needs is the U21s to follow suit and collect their first Euros win in just shy of 40 years.
That 1984 side had some familiar names, but not a whole host of players who went on to huge international success after.
You may be familiar with Gary Stevens, Steve Hodge, Paul Walsh and Mark Hateley. Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Bracewell and Mel Sterland too. Good players, but not elite-level senior internationals.
The current U21 side has some players who have a chance. Levi Colwill, Curtis Jones, Emile Smith Rowe, Morgan Gibbs-White and a few others could well make the step up if they get the minutes and seize them.
There’s a neat little link between the 1984 side and the 2023 version that may act as a nice omen for the latter – their final opponent is the same…
England have been pretty flawless in reaching the final of this tournament. Five games, five wins, 10 goals scored and none conceded.
They pretty much breezed through their group, did what was required against a decent Portugal in the last eight and then overcame a sluggish opening and penalty miss from Morgan Gibbs-White to see off Israel in the semis.
Gibbs-White has impressed, as has Liverpool’s Curtis Jones in midfield. Levi Colwill has been excellent at the back and behind him James Trafford – soon to be the third most expensive keeper in English football history courtesy of a reported £19m move from Man City to Burnley – has stopped everything that has come his way.
Anthony Gordon needs no introduction, nor does Emile Smith Rowe or Harvey Elliott.
Head-to-head record
England come into this game with an unbeaten record against Spain.
The Young Lions have not lost in five previous meetings with La Rojita. The most recent of these was a 1-1 draw in the 2011 Euros group stage. The run also includes that 3-0 aggregate success in the 1984 final.
Bosses on the venue
Santi Denia, who has coached each of Spain’s age groups from U16 up at some stage since 2010: “We knew from the start if we reached the final it would be here in Georgia, we’d have to make this trip, and that we would play the group stage in Romania.
“We’re here, and now we’re going to have our pre-match training session. It’s true we’ve had less preparation time, but the medical team and everyone is working hard towards the same goal.”
Carsley: “It’s definitely a venue we feel comfortable in. From the journey to the stadium, the lads are aware of how far it is and the reception we get.
“The Premier League is very popular in Georgia, you see the shirts everywhere. The players have made a point of signing autographs and meeting the locals. We’ve had a lot of kids at training and they’ve been giving them jerseys, that goes a long way.”
Team news
Aarons returns for England game against Spain on Saturday.
England make one change from the side that beat Israel in the last four.
Max Aarons is back from suspension and starts in defence, with Luke Thomas dropping to the bench.
Fellow full-back Ben Johnson is also available after a ban but starts on the bench.
England XI: Trafford, Garner, Aarons, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Gomes, Palmer, Jones, Smith Rowe, Gordon, Gibbs-White.
Subs: Griffiths, Rushworth, Johnson, Thomas, Branthwaite, Cresswell, Skipp, Elliott, Doyle, Archer, Madueke.
Spain have no fitness concerns and so name the same starting XI that beat Ukraine 5-1 in their semi-final.
Spain XI: Tenas, Victor Gomez, Miranda, Paredes, Pacheco, Baena, Rodrigo Sanchez, Blanco, Sancet, Sergio Gomez, Ruiz.
Subs: Roman, Agirrezabala, Guillamon, Manuel Sanchez, Martinez, Gila, Bernabe, Oroz, Riquelme, Veiga, Barrenetxea, Camello.
Euro 2023 final prediction
England look fearsome up top and England have a defence yet to concede a goal. They have not had a better chance for glory in 39 years and will surely make it count(2-1)
