FINAL NEEDS SPAIN'S CLASS TO BE CLASSIC

They have entertained in a cautious tourney which averaged just 2.28 goals per game

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England and Spain face off in the Euro 2024 final on July 14 after taking very different routes to Berlin in a tournament that has, at times, lacked thrills.

Spain have been a class apart, despite a devilishly difficult draw that has seen them beat 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, holders Italy, hosts Germany and pre-tournament favourites France.

By contrast, England have stumbled their way into a first final on foreign soil, thanks to a series of late goals to paper over the cracks despite the wealth of talent available to manager Gareth Southgate.

They were among the continent's powerhouses who were accused of turning European football's showpiece into a tough watch.

England topped Group C despite scoring just two goals in three games, form which drew such ire from their own fans that Southgate was pelted with beer cups after a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.

Should Southgate's men go on to lift the trophy, Jude Bellingham's overhead kick to 95th-minute avoid a last-16 exit to Slovakia will go down as one of the most significant goals in English history. But it was also their first shot on target during the match.