England football teams, regardless of age group, rarely reach the finals of major international tournaments.
So it is no surprise that the imminent under-21 European Championship final has built quite the anticipation.
England U21 will look to make history on the European stage when they take on five-time winners Spain in the highly anticipated showpiece event at the Batumi Arena in Georgia on Saturday.
How to watch?
If you’re interested in watching the game, UEFA have announced that viewers can tune into the action for free via their official website. You can also find our live streaming page here.
What do you need to know?
England
England are in somewhat unfamiliar territory, having secured a place in the under-21 Euro final. Such achievement has proven to be a collector’s item for the Young Lions over the years.
However, a resounding victory over Israel to earn a spot at the Batumi Arena puts them on the cusp of landing their maiden European title in nearly four decades.
Not since 1984 have England tasted glory on the European front, and Spain, who are more familiar with the concept of winning this tournament, will represent their toughest test yet.
England will be in no hurry to remember their last appearance in the Euros final 14 years ago, having suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to old foes, Germany.
However, Lee Carsley’s side have played some tantalising football throughout the tournament, winning every game without conceding.
Keen to avoid the same fate inflicted on their predecessors in 2009, the flawless Young Lions will head into Saturday’s mouthwatering contest against Spain as marginal favourites.
Spain
Unlike Saturday’s opponents, Spain are masters of the under-21 tournament. La Roja have won five Euro titles, including three of the last seven, and Santi Denia’s side are gunning for further success.
They do not possess the same spotless record as their English counterparts, having won four of their five games thus far following the 2-2 draw against Ukraine in their final group match.
However, the Spaniards, currently the joint most successful side in the tournament alongside Italy, still stand every chance of lifting another European title in Georgia, given their vast experience in the competition.
The last time Spain lost a European final was three editions ago when Germany emerged 1-0 winners in Poland.
After the 2017 disappointment, the Spaniards suffered further heartbreak in their favourite tournament, falling to Portugal in the 2021 semi-finals.
However, having reached their fifth under-21 Euro final in seven attempts, La Roja will be itching to reclaim their crown from current champions, Germany.
Despite failing to beat England in their last two attempts (D1, L1), Spain will hope to ruin the English party as they bid to win a record-breaking sixth title to further solidify their credentials as the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Possible Starting Line-ups
England (4-4-2): James Trafford; Max Aarons, Levi Colwill, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James Garner; Emile Smith-Rowe, Curtis Jones, Angel Gomes, Cole Palmer; Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Arnau Tenas; Victor Gomez, Aitor Paredes, Jon Pacheco, Juan Miranda; Antonio Blanco, Alejandro Baena; Rodri Sanchez, Oihan Sancet, Sergio Gomez; Abel Ruiz.
Form Guide
England
England quickly established themselves as the team to beat in the tournament after swatting aside three-time champions Germany in their final group game, and Carsley’s side have not looked back since.
Form: WWWWW
Spain
Spain have Abel Ruiz to thank for their unbeaten record in the competition, with the Braga striker rescuing La Roja from the jaws of defeat against Ukraine.
However, they have put that scare behind them and hit new heights in subsequent games after obliterating Ukraine in the semi-final rematch, mounting a stunning comeback to emerge 5-1 winners.
Form: WWDWW
