EXPLAINED: Why Rodri was substituted during UEFA Euro 2024 final against England?

During the UEFA Euro 2024 final between Spain and England in Germany on Sunday, midfielder Rodri was substituted at halftime, dealing a shocking injury blow to the Spanish team. However, the Spain team was not fazed by the absence of their star midfielder as they took the lead within two minutes after the start of the second-half in Berlin. 

Arguably the team's leader, 28-year-old Rodri, left the game with an undisclosed injury. Martin Zubimendi, a midfielder for Real Sociedad who is untested abroad but is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders throughout the Spanish league, took his spot.

Yamal sent a pass into the penalty area for Nico Williams, who finished with a straightforward yet efficient far post finish into the bottom right corner, as Spain launched an attempt from the left wing. With that contribution, Lamine Yamal increased his advantage in the UEFA Euro 2024 most assists rankings to four assists for the tournament. 

Spain look to continue final winning streak against England 

Spain is facing England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final on Sunday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with the goal of becoming the most successful side in the European Championship. Spain has emerged victorious from the last three major competition finals, having won the 2010 World Cup, the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. No nation in Europe has been victorious in four straight finals but Spain would be looking to make history today in Berlin.

Luke Shaw made his debut at the European Championships this year. On Sunday, in Germany, Spain and England will compete to outperform one another during the Euro 2024 final. Manchester United's left back Shaw made his England quarter final debut against Switzerland on Saturday, his first since February. He continued the recent trend against the Netherlands, entering the game during the second half. In order to get to another Euro final, England, the runners-up at Euro 2020, took on the Netherlands on Wednesday in Dortmund.