England v Spain LIVE: The build-up with the Euro 2024 final just hours away…

1715: I spoke too soon about the weather as it’s now raining in Berlin, as PA’s Simon Peach documents on X.

The heavens opened just as the Olympiastadion gates did ☔️ #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/a9b1sPH2bu

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 14, 2024

1710: It was always set to be a huge sporting day for Spain and Carlos Alcaraz has got it off to a great start by thrashing Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old won 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7/4) in two hours and 27 minutes to retain his men’s singles crown.

Will Spain’s footballers make it a double tonight?

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1700: Wow. Reports have emerged of an unexpected change to England’s line-up with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw now set to start at left-wing back.

Shaw has come on as a substitute in the Three Lions’ last two games but will line-up tonight instead of Kieran Trippier, who will drop to the bench.

1555: And what of Spain?

Luis de la Fuente’s side have beaten the likes of hosts Germany and World Cup finalists France on their run to the final but the Spain boss says England will present the biggest threat yet.

Veteran winger-turned-full-back Jesus Navas, who is set to return to bench duty tonight with Dani Carvajal available after suspension, is determined to make his final international game with a win.

1550: Let’s recap some of the stories that have dominated the back pages in the build-up to tonight’s game…

Much has been made of England’s sub-standard displays at Euro 2024, particularly early on, which led to a wave of criticism. But BBC anchor Gary Lineker insists questioning Southgate, and the likes of Harry Kane, was fair.

Southgate was asked at his pre-match press conference last night if he believed in fairytales. The Three Lions boss said he didn’t but does believe in dreams.

England captain Harry Kane is fuelled by the bitter memory of the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy three years ago and is determined to go one better this time round.

1520: Fans have been gathering in the bars of Berlin all day with around 50,000 England fans expected in the German capital. Spain are rumoured to be backed by around 10,000. They will be outnumbered but will go in in confident mood given their impressive run through the tournament.

England have been nowhere near as good, drawing two of their group games before a couple of scratchy performances in the knockout stages.

Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick rescued them against Slovakia while they required a penalty shoot-out to see off Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Even the semi-final win over the Netherlands was not without its drama with Ollie Watkins coming off the bench to grab a last-gasp winner.

1500: Welcome to our live blog of the build-up to tonight’s Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.

The Olympiastadion in Berlin is the venue as Gareth Southgate’s men aim to give England their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Spain, in contrast, have won the trophy three times and aim to create history by adding a record-breaking fourth.

The final two. #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ywjgRf4ZPh

— England (@England) July 14, 2024

What’s the weather like in Berlin?

There hasn’t been much sunshine in Germany this summer with plenty of cloud and rain. However, the sun has come out for the final!

The conditions for tonight’s #EURO2024 final. 🌤️ pic.twitter.com/QaQRfEJSs1

— England (@England) July 14, 2024