ENGLAND are edging close to their first Under-21 Euros title in 39 years after a flawless tournament so far.
The Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, and Israel – twice, once in the group and then again in a one-sided semi-final – have all been dispatched.
But Spain are likely to be the biggest test so far but their attacking approach may actually suit England who so far have had to find ways to break down deep-lying defences.
- Kick-off time: 5pm BST
- Live stream: UEFA.com
- TV channel: Channel 4
- England XI: Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Gomes, Jones; Palmer, Gibbs-White, Smith Rowe; Gordon
- Spain XI: Tenas, V.Gomez, Pacheco, Paredes, Miranda, Blanco, Baena, Sancet, Rodri, S.Gomez, Ruiz.
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- By Alex Smith
2009 runners-up
This is England's first final in the Under-21 Euros since 2009.
The Young Lions were beaten by a German side including Manuel Neuer, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil 4-0.
England that day lined-up with the likes of Mark Noble, Micah Richards and James Milner in the team.
- By Alex Smith
Star Player – Abel Ruiz
Abel Ruiz is leading the scoring charts at the Euros with three goals and has two assist to his name.
The Braga striker is 23-years-old and one of the oldest players eligible.
He came out of Barcelona's famous La Masia academy and has been capped twice by Spain's senior side.
It is also worth keeping an eye on Sergio Gomez, the Man City left-back is playing an advanced role on the wing and showing his attacking quality.
- By Alex Smith
Star Player – Gibbs-White
England have impressed in every game and there has been several star performers.
But without Morgan Gibbs-White, the Young Lions would not be the same.
The Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder has played just off striker Anthony Gordon and created chances for fun.
He has the most assists in the tournament with three and he netted the crucial opening goal in the semis with a great looping header.
His passing has been a joy and his quick touches and lay-offs when he drops deep have been key in England's ability to play a great brand of football.
Further up the pitch, in-perfect through balls have unlocked most defences so far.
- By Alex Smith
Spain Team News
Spain XI: Tenas, V.Gomez, Pacheco, Paredes, Miranda, Blanco, Baena, Sancet, Rodri, S.Gomez, Ruiz.
Subs: Agirrezabala, L.Riquelme, Guillamon, R.Riquelme, Barrenetxea, Arnau, Gila, Veiga, Oroz, Sanchez, Camello, Bernabe.
- By Alex Smith
England Team News
One change from the side that beat Israel in the semi-final with the suspended Max Aarons back in for Luke Thomas.
Starting XI: Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Gomes, Jones; Palmer, Gibbs-White, Smith Rowe; Gordon.
Subs: Griffiths, Rushworth, Thomas, Skipp, Archer, Branthwaite, Johnson, Cresswell, Doyle, Elliott, Madueke.
Credit: Getty - By Alex Smith
Batumi Arena
The stage is set – the Batumi Arena in Georgia.
The stadium has become England's second home as this will be the Young Lions' fourth match there.
Spain have not played in the ground yet with all of their matches being played in the over host nation in Bucharest, Romania.
England boss Lee Carsley said: "It's definitely a venue we feel comfortable in. From the journey to the stadium, the lads are aware of how far it is and the reception we get.
"The Premier League is very popular in Georgia, you see the shirts everywhere. The players have made a point of signing autographs and meeting the locals.
"We've had a lot of kids at training and they've been giving them jerseys, that goes a long way."
Credit: Getty - By Alex Smith
Road to the final
England cruised through their group. They beat holders Germany, runners-up last time Portugal and a defensively stubborn Israel twice along with victory over Czechia.
- Group Stage: England 2-0 Czechia
- Group Stage: England 2-0 Israel
- Group Stage: England 2-0 Germany
- QF: England 1-0 Portugal
- SF: England 3-0 Israel
As for Spain, they beat Ukraine twice, a France side that had some of the best young players in the world and Croatia, who beat England in a pre-tournament friendly.
- Group Stage: Spain 3-0 Romania
- Group Stage: Spain 1-0 Croatia
- Group Stage: Spain 2-2 Ukraine
- QF: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
- SF: Spain 5-1 Ukraine
Super Spain
Spain have developed a reputation for nurturing fantastic and technical players throughout this century and this group are no different.
They have scored an impressive 13 goals en route to the final, including a 5-1 hammering of Ukraine in the semis.
Typical of a Spanish side, they are confident on the ball and look set to be England's toughest opponents so far.
Untouchable England
England have made the final with a perfect run. Five matches played, ten goals scored and zero conceded.
The Young Lions have oozed quality and shown their superiority and talent in the squad.
Defensively, Levi Colwill and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have not put a foot wrong, offering composure on the ball and fantastic protection to the highly-rated James Trafford between the sticks.
England have been excellent in possession, dominating the ball against every opponent and creating chances for fun via Morgan Gibbs-White and Emile Smith Rowe.
Boss Lee Carsley plays with a rotating front four that has been unstoppable so far.
- By Alex Smith
The Final
England are in the final – will it come home?
The Under-21s have impressed throughout the tournament and are now 90 minutes away from glory.
It is the Young Lions first final since 2009 and they last won this competition in 1984.
We have all the build-up, live text commentary and post-match reaction as Lee Carsley's side hope to beat Spain.
Credit: PA
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