There’s little doubt that Lamine Yamal could be the difference maker for Spain in the Euro 2024 final against England on Sunday night. The Barcelona winger, who turned 17 on Saturday, has been in sensational form over the last few weeks, and he is currently the favourite to take home the Player of the Tournament award.
It should be a very close game between Spain and England, and it would not be a surprise to see extra time and/or penalties required – especially since the additional 30 minutes has been needed in one of Spain’s three knockout matches so far, and two of England’s.
If extra time were required, it would be bad news for Lamine Yamal. According to a report in the English media, as covered by CaughtOffside, German authorities would enforce a law that would require the 17-year-old superstar to be substituted at the end of full time by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente.
In Germany, minors (anyone under the age of 18) are not allowed to work past 11pm. If the Euro 2024 final goes to extra time, it would run past this deadline, meaning that Lamine Yamal would be unable to play – a significant advantage for England. Spain would have the quality to manage, although no one would surely be able to make the same impact that the talented teenager would.
