Spain coach De la Fuente expects furious final against England

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is expecting a furious final against England at Euro 2024 in Berlin on Sunday.

"It's going to be a huge spectacle and we're looking forward to it with great hope," he said in a video message from the Spanish Football Association.

Spain, who in the quarter-finals defeated hosts Germany, booked a ticket to the final after a 2-1 win over France, while England scored in stoppage time to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 and set up the top clash.

While the English team are chasing their first-ever European title and a first major trophy in 58 years, Spain are targeting a record fourth Euros title after triumphs in 1964, 2008 and 2012.

This is the first time since 1996 that Spain and England meet at a major tournament. Back then, Spain young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, and England top talent Jude Bellingham weren't even born.

Their most recent meetings were at the 2018 Nations League. Spain won the first game 2-1, while England prevailed 3-2 in the second match.

De la Fuente: Final is a clash of two different systems

De la Fuente described England as a strong unit with great players. In his opinion, "very different systems of play" will clash in the final.

"England are physically very strong. We want to impose our style, dominate the game and try not to make any mistakes," he said.

In such an important final, however, there are also "many psychological aspects."

Spain go into Sunday's showdown as the top favourites to take the title after winning all their games at this tournament so far.

England manager Gareth Southgate recognized that "we've got the greatest possible test to prepare for," but stressed "we came here to try and win the tournament, and that’s still our aim.

"We play the team who have been the best team in the tournament and we have a day less to prepare, so it’s a huge task. But we’re still here and we’re fighting."