How England should line up vs Spain in Euro 2024 final: Reward goal hero Ollie Watkins and drop lumbering Harry Kane - but keep faith in match-winner Jude Bellingham

The Sunderland-born stopper has been ever-dependable between the sticks throughout the Southgate era and especially at this Euros. He gave a commanding performance against the Netherlands after his decisive display in the shootout victory over the Swiss, which further heightened his cult status for the Three Lions.

The Manchester City man has had a couple of lapses of concentration at the tournament but he has made amends with some positive contributions going forward and made his share of pivotal interventions, such as his expertly-timed tackle on Cody Gakpo in the semi-final.

Walker will have a big role to play in keeping Nico Williams at bay down his right flank as well as helping England nullify his club team-mate Rodri.

The City defender has grown into the tournament after making a rusty start. He has played with composure and kept things simple, taking very few risks in possession. He will be tasked with limiting Alvaro Morata's hold-up play but also must make sure Spain's wingers are not allowed to come inside too much and cause havoc.

The Crystal Palace defender continued to play with power and authority against the Netherlands after returning from his one-game suspension. He is getting close to Harry Maguire levels of aerial prowess and is streets ahead with his distribution. His calmness on the ball will be an asset for England if they try to play out from the back to prevent Spain from monopolising the ball.

Just like the meaning of his name, Saka has added happiness to England's at times joyless campaign. He has adapted seamlessly to switching to wing-back and his speed will be key to hitting Spain on the break. So too will his unpredictable runs, making him a dangerous weapon when cutting inside or getting in behind from the flank.

Rice might be feeling low after getting barged over by Xavi Simons but he fought back to end the Netherlands semi-final with his pride intact. He faces a huge battle with Rodri, although in his last encounter with him he managed to limit the damage he could wreak in a stalemate.

It feels like a long time ago when Mainoo was an England substitute and his inclusion in the starting line-up from the Slovakia tie onwards has led to a huge improvement in the team's overall play.

His ball-carrying abilities and technical ability make him seem like a Spanish midfielder in many ways but he has shown his grittier side recently with some fine defensive interventions. Mainoo will also be a powerful weapon against Rodri after helping Manchester United inflict the first defeat on the Spanish midfielder in more than a year.

Shaw should finally be ready to start after getting 42 minutes against Switzerland and 45 minutes in the semi, when he managed to get at Denzel Dumfries and caused some danger. The 38-year-old Jesus Navas is an opponent he will be relishing putting to the test.

The Real Madrid man played more of a supporting role against the Netherlands and admitted by the end of the game that he was exhausted. He has performed inconsistently in Germany, with his goals against Serbia and Slovakia making amends for some lacklustre displays in general. But he must start the final due to his capacity for match-winning moments.

He has only played half-an-hour of football in Germany but he has looked far more threatening than Kane, who has started every game. His pace and ability to run in behind will be key to catching Spain on the break. Rather than throw him on again to save the day again, why not unleash him from the start?

Foden finally came to life in the semi-final, creating three excellent chances with his tricky feet and his ability to shoot from range. His pressing ability will also be key to stopping Spain, while he is one of the few England players with the technical ability to rival his side's opponents on Sunday. After all, this is the man Pep Guardiola said was the most talented player he had ever worked with.