Euro 2024 Final Team Update: Shaw's Surprise Start And Yamal's Historic Appearance

Luke Shaw has been given his first start of Euro 2024, replacing Kieran Trippier for England's match against Spain in Berlin. Shaw missed the last three months of the 2023-24 season and did not play in England's first four matches. However, after coming on as a substitute in the quarter-finals against Switzerland and the semi-finals against the Netherlands, he was included in Gareth Southgate's starting XI for Sunday's final.

Trippier, who had been filling in on the left, has moved to the bench. Shaw's inclusion is the only change from the team that started against the Dutch, meaning semi-final hero Ollie Watkins remains among the substitutes. This marks Shaw's first start for England in over a year; he last started in the Euro 2020 final where he scored early on before England lost to Italy on penalties.

Spain made two changes for this match. Luis de la Fuente brought back Dani Carvajal after his one-match suspension following a red card in Spain's quarter-final win over Germany. Jesus Navas, who will retire from international football after this tournament, made way for Carvajal. Additionally, Robin Le Normand returned from suspension to replace Nacho.

Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were handed starts on the flanks, either side of Dani Olmo. Yamal, at 17 years and one day old, becomes the youngest player ever to feature in a World Cup or European Championship final, surpassing Pele’s record from the 1958 World Cup (17 years and 249 days).

This is England’s first major tournament final played outside of England. The 1966 World Cup and Euro 2020 finals were both held at Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions have never lost a match in Berlin across six attempts (W4 D2). They have played more matches without defeat only in Helsinki (eight), Amsterdam (seven), and Sunderland (seven).

Meanwhile, this is Spain’s fifth European Championship final. La Roja have won three times (1964, 2008, 2012) and lost once (1984). They could become the first team to win the competition four times if they triumph today.

Dani Olmo is one of six players tied on three goals in the race for the Golden Boot ahead of kick-off. He shares this position with Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Cody Gakpo, Ivan Schranz, and Georges Mikautadze.

OFICIAL | Os presentamos la alineacin de Luis de la Fuente para vencer a Inglaterra y GANAR LA EUROCOPA. A por ellos, equipo!! Traed el trofeo a casa!!
#VamosEspaa | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/SJfSmCl3kx

— Seleccin Espaola Masculina de Ftbol (@SEFutbol) July 14, 2024

The inclusion of Shaw brings experience to England’s defence as they aim for their first European Championship title. His return could be pivotal given his past performances and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

As both teams prepare for this crucial match, fans eagerly await to see if history will be made by either side. Will Spain secure their fourth title or will England claim their first European Championship victory?