5 matches that could decide the Euro 2024 final

Harry Kane - Aymeric Laporte

Kane scored 44 goals in 45 games in his debut season for Bayern Munich, but has not been in the same form at Euro 2024. However, the England striker still leads the Golden Boot list with three goals, tied with Spain's Dani Olmo. Kane will end his trophy drought if England win in Berlin on July 14.

Laporte (No. 14) has said goodbye to top-flight football when he joined Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. But his excellent form at Euro 2024 proved that coach Luis de la Fuente was right to call up and put all his faith in the 30-year-old centre-back. After sitting on the bench in the opening match against Croatia, Laporte started in all five remaining matches. His ability to read situations, choose positions, and fight in the air contributed greatly to helping Spain neutralize dangerous strikers such as Gianluca Scamacca (Italy), Georges Mikautadze (Georgia), Fullkrug, Havertz (Germany), and Mbappe (France).

Kane also faced Aymeric Laporte regularly at club level, when both were playing in the Premier League. One of his best performances was when Kane scored twice to help Tottenham shock Laporte's Man City with a 3-2 win at the Etihad in February 2022.

Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams - Luke Shaw, Bukayo Saka

The explosive midfield duo of Lamine Yamal - who turned 17 on July 14 - and Nico Williams have helped Spain flourish and win all six of their opening games. If they beat England, Spain will set a record of seven wins in a single Euro and a record of four European Championships.

Yamal and Williams’ ability to make a difference will remain key to Spain’s quest for victory in the final. If Gareth Southgate continues to use a back three, Bukayo Saka on the right and Luke Shaw on the left will likely be tasked with containing Spain’s attacking duo.

Shaw has only just returned from five months out with injury, while Saka is a stronger attacker. But Southgate needs the pair to provide more defensive support if he is to win his first European Championship.

Bukayo Saka - Marc Cucurella

In addition to his defensive duties, Saka remains the main spark in the Three Lions' attacks. The Arsenal winger will face Marc Cucurella, one of the biggest surprises for Spain, who has been in fine form despite a difficult season with Chelsea.

Without having to play close to the box, Saka can still cause damage from the right wing, like his superb left-footed curler against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Cucurella needs Williams' support to contain the 22-year-old midfielder's explosive ability.

Rodri - Jude Bellingham

Beyond the Euro 2024 final, the performances of Rodri and Jude Bellingham could also have an impact on the Ballon d'Or race. Rodri has been a key figure for both Spain and Man City, having lost just one of his last 79 games for club and country.

Meanwhile, Bellingham's first season at Real Madrid has exceeded expectations. He has 23 goals and 12 assists in 42 games in all competitions, helping the club win La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League.

The 21-year-old midfielder showed signs of physical decline at Euro 2024, but was still able to create moments of brilliance, such as the situation of jumping up and down to equalize the score in the fifth minute of injury time against Slovakia.