The commentary and punditry panel for the England vs. Spain Euro 2024 final has been confirmed by the BBC.
Against Sunday night in Berlin, the England men’s team takes against Spain in an effort to finally break their 58-year drought for a major trophy and win the Euros for the first time.
After struggling to defeat Denmark and Slovenia in the group rounds, Gareth Southgate‘s team defeated Slovakia and Switzerland in close knockout matches.
In the semi-finals, England had their finest performance to date to defeat the Netherlands, but they will probably have to step up to a higher level to defeat Spain and put an end to 58 years of suffering.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain have enjoyed a flawless run to the Euros final, topping Group B with three straight wins before defeating Georgia, hosts Germany and World Cup finalists France.
Both the BBC and ITV will show the Euro 2024 final live and the former have confirmed their punditry and commentary teams for the showpiece event.
Gary Lineker will lead the coverage from Berlin’s Olympiastadion on BBC One from 6.30pm and be joined in the studio by ex-England defenders Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards and special guest Juan Mata.
Mata, who enjoyed spells at English clubs Manchester United and Chelsea, won 41 caps for Spain and helped his country win the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship two years later.
Guy Mowbray and former England striker Alan Shearer will commentate on the game, while Alex Scott and Kelly Somers will be pitch-side soaking up all the atmosphere and anticipation for the historic game.
Ollie Watkins, who scored England’s last-minute winner against the Netherlands, spoke to the media on Friday afternoon, just over 48 hours before the Euro 2024 final gets underway.
‘I feel like we are very strong, Spain have had some tough games and had to come through a harder journey than us,’ the Aston Villa striker said.
They have to defeat the supposedly bigger teams. They seem to have been the strongest squad in the competition thus far.
“This morning at breakfast, I was talking to Harry Kane.” I’m making an effort to savor every moment because they don’t come around very frequently.
“You move on to the next thing, we’re in such a small bubble.” After the semifinal, we were back on the bus in no time, playing Uno and getting ready for the next game.
‘Our focus is now on the final. It’s just back to base camp and keep focusing.’
Ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman, meanwhile, is desperate to see the Three Lions lift the trophy for Southgate, who has faced criticism throughout the tournament.
‘England are in the Euro 2024 final, and I’m delighted for Gareth Southgate,’ he told Betway.
‘We saw a big jump in performance against the Netherlands, and there are a lot of people who are going to eat some humble pie because the stick they were giving Gareth was a joke. He has ignored all the criticism and done it his way.
‘People have called on him to bring substitutes on earlier, but he makes changes when he feels they’re going to have an impact.
‘Bringing Luke Shaw on at half-time was a masterstroke because he gave us the width we miss when Kieran Trippier comes inside onto his right foot.
‘With Shaw on the left, we seemed a lot better. It will be interesting to see who Gareth goes with in the final.
‘I was shocked when Phil Foden came off in the second half, but Cole Palmer came in and set up Ollie Watkins’ winner.
Not everyone can see the decisions that Gareth is making, but they are paying off. There haven’t been any rash decisions. Except for his celebrations when he really goes for it, Gareth always looks to be in control when I watch him!
“I believe that many people have come to the realization that they are ignorant of the subject.” Though he was being ridiculed by some, we have already advanced to the European Championship finals twice.
‘Winning the tournament would put a cherry on top of the cake for Gareth as England manager, because what he’s built has been massive.’