Take your pick: The StarSport team can hardly wait for the Euro final today. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
IT’S predictions time as we await the grand finale at Euro 2024. So will it be Spain or England? The StarSport team assemble to pick their champions.
RAJES PAUL
(Spain to win 3-0)
Spain have been the most consistent team. Eyes will be on teen terror Lamine Yamal for sure, but trust Rodri to lead the battle in both shielding the defence and giving attackers the freedom to strike.
DORAIRAJ NADASON
(Spain to win 2-1)
With the kind of skills they have upfront, Spain should be peppering the English goal but they will find it hard to break through the tight defence, managing maybe two goals. England have it in them to pull one back but are likely to spend much of the game holding off the Spanish frontline.
TONY YEE
(England to win 1-0)
Hate to admit it, but I get the disturbing feeling that football will finally come home. England have come back from the dead, defied huge odds when written off, and showed character and grit to pull off improbable wins to reach this final. Now, the experience and pain of the Euro 2020 final loss will fuel them past a more talented and technically gifted Spain – with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham scoring the winner.
LIM TEIK HUAT
(England to win 2-1)
England will not start as favourites but somehow this squad are on the brink of pulling off something special. The players will be ready for whatever Spain throw at them in the final, having gone through the experience of coming from behind and finding a way to win in all three knockout ties, scoring vital late goals.
S. SAKTESH
(England to win 2-1)
England have made it to the final by the skin of their teeth, maybe it’s time to let them have this one. Can’t deny that they have been playing some decent football, it would be lovely to see the young guns stand proud for The Three Lions.
R. KIRUBASHINI
(England to win 2-1)
England showed lots of improvement against the more attacking Dutch team after struggling against defensive sides and will be able to exploit the spaces left behind by the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.
The Three Lions have plenty of experience in major tournaments and a better substitutes bench than Spain. The pain of losing the 2021 final to Italy on penalties will also fuel England to victory.
It’s finally coming home!
DARYL GOH
(1-1 draw, England to win on penalties)
Who’s scripting these football finals? It’s like Mr Bean’s Mini racing against prime Fernando Alonso. But England is finally clicking, ditching the handbrake for some swagger and balance before the big dance. For a reality check: Spain’s been blazing hot, and have the attacking edge in this clash of styles and tactics. But football’s a game for dreamers – so I wouldn’t rule out an England upset just yet!
JOEL ALEXANDER
(Spain to win 3-1)
Spain will continue to rely on Lamine Yamal and the other youngsters in the squad to deliver the goods against England. The Three Lions will most likely fumble at the dying moments of the game.
RIZAL HASHIM
(Spain to win 2-1)
Having beaten Italy, Germany and France en route to the final, Spain deserve to be the first nation to lift the Euro title for a fourth time despite England showing signs of reaching peak performance.
Spain’s free-flowing style has produced 13 goals, including the beautiful curler from 17-year-old birthday boy Lamine Yamal against the French in the semis, while England’s pragmatic approach has taken them to a second successive final. Sorry, England.
It’s not coming home yet.
Dani Carvajal and Nacho shall add the Euro title to the Champions’ League winners’ medal this season, at the expense of their Real teammate, Jude Bellingham.
T. AVINESHWARAN
(Spain to win 3-1)
England will take a surprise lead but I expect the Spaniards to bounce back with some free-flowing and devastating football.
The Three Lions’ two thirtysomething fullbacks Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier will feel their age as they try to contain young sensations Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. But the player providing the killer blow could be the dynamic Dani Olmo.
CHOO JAWN HEE
(England to win 1-0)
Providence has taken England to the Euro 2024 Final and will continue to help them to a fortuitous second major title – via a penalty from, who else, but Harry Kane.
The over-rated England’s last big win was the 1966 World Cup. Hard luck to Spain who have won over fans with their free-flowing and entertaining game which saw them whip Croatia 3-0 in the on-going campaign at the very same stadium hosting the showdown.
AZMAH ABIDIN
(Spain to win 2-1)
Por favor, Spain will win the Euro title, hands down. Lamine, who’s just 17 and just a year older than my youngest, will be the star! Just get the churros party going, guys!
K.M. BOOPATHY
(England to win 2-1)
England failed to achieve anything major since the 1966 World Cup but they might just nick it this time. Gareth Southgate’s side should beat Spain 2-1.
N. THANARAJA
(Spain to win 3-2)
Spain are indisputably the best team at Euro 2024. They have won all six matches on their way to the final, their conquests including hosts Germany and favourites France. With young players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal in top form, I’m sure they’ll beat England to be champions.
EFNY JOHAN
(Spain to win 2-1)
Football is never coming home! Simple formula: low expectations = England win! Three Lions song on repeat = England will lose! Rodri will dominate and Yamal will show the world that he is HIM!
