The final
Morning.
There’s really not very much going on in terms of Arsenal news today, but obviously all eyes will be on Berlin later for the final of Euro 2024. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will start for England as they face Spain. Arsenal’s two senior goalkeepers will be on their respective benches, and will stay there unless something goes wrong for either Jordan Pickford or Unai Simon.
Based on what we’ve seen throughout the tournament so far, you have to say Spain are probably the favourites. They have looked the most cohesive team, and even if they’re lacking something in the centre-forward position, in Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal they have two of the most exciting attacking talents at the Euros at their disposal. What lies behind them in midfield isn’t half bad either.
Then again, it’s not as if England don’t have a smattering of star quality themselves. Witness Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick to save his team from a Round of 16 exit to Slovakia, and Bukayo Saka’s brilliant equaliser against Switzerland. I think they are more than capable of producing what’s needed later on today. I don’t think anyone can convincingly argue that England have played well at these Euros – bar the first half against the Netherlands the other night – but they’re in the final, and in one game anything can happen.
I’ve seen England fans talking about how so much has gone for them that it feels like some kind of destiny. The Bellingham goal, the Saka goal, the penalty shoot-out win etc. I get it, but I also can’t help but think of how we felt as Arsenal fans when we scored late goals to win games, it feels like fate is on your side, but then the cruel reality of Man City takes you back down to earth.
Declan Rice says:
On Sunday, all of us will run through brick walls, do anything to win this game. Whether that’s in 90 minutes, 120, we’ll give it absolutely everything. That’s all we can ask of each other.
Whether the pain of the previous final and the defeat to Italy can provide that extra motivation, we’ll have to wait and see. As I said, Spain have enough quality to beat anyone, but with players like Saka and Bellingham, England have match-winners of their own, and some talent on the bench if needed too. I don’t see Gareth Southgate picking a different team, although I would be minded to make a change up front if it was me, but let’s see how it all pans out later on.
Right, that’s it for now. Have a great Sunday, and good luck to all the Arsenal lads tonight.
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