How to watch England U21s vs Spain U21s in European Championship final on TV and live stream

For the first time in 14 years, England will contest the final of the Under-21 European Championships, lining up against joint-record champions Spain on Saturday afternoon.

International youth football can serve as the setting for future stars to blossom but that isn't always the case. While Fabrice Muamba and Lee Cattermole marshalled England's midfield in 2009, six of the 11 that started for Germany that day won the senior World Cup five years later.

There is a glut of promising talents spread across the squads of both finalists. Any avid scouts have had to navigate UEFA's in-house streaming service to get a glimpse of these youngsters thus far. However, the final is set to be a far more accessible affair.

• England U21s vs Spain U21s - European Under-21 Championship final: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction

How to watch England U21s vs Spain U21s on TV and live stream

After bludgeoning their way through the tournament without conceding a single goal, England are on the cusp of winning the Under-21 Euros for the first time since 1984. In light of their admirable progress, Channel 4 have acquired the rights to broadcast the final live.

BBC and Channel Five had also been interested but the fourth terrestrial channel won the brief bidding war. The final is also available on UEFA.tv.

All of Spain's tournament matches have been broadcast on the state channel TVE1. Yet, the progress of Santi Denia's side has attracted considerably less interest compared to previous years.

Spain's unrelenting success in this competition may have bred indifference. This will be Spain's fifth appearance in the last seven finals. No other nation has ever won this particular youth tournament more often, boasting five titles since its inception in 1978.

When is England U21s vs Spain U21s?

England and Spain's brightest young talents will go toe-to-toe on Saturday 8 July at 17:00 (BST). Both nations boast players that were involved in the Champions League final, the last match of the European season which was contested barely a month ago.

Neither England's Cole Palmer nor Spain's Sergio Gomez got off the bench for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's side completed the treble against Inter. Yet, many involved in Saturday's final, which will take place in the Adjarabet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, have had little respite after the conclusion of the 2022/23 club campaign.

England U21s route to the final

Five nations have faced fewer shots on average than Lee Carsley's Young Lions but James Trafford is yet to concede.

The Manchester City goalkeeper has kept a record-equalling five clean sheets in as many matches, earning a £19m move to Burnley during the competition - Trafford would rank as one of the 20 most expensive goalkeepers of all time.

At the other end, no English player has scored more than twice in the tournament. However, their sturdy defence and possession-based game has seen the Young Lions top their group and breeze through knockout matches against Portugal and Israel.

Spain U21s route to the final

Denia is still yet to taste defeat since taking over as manager from Luis de la Fuente in December. The former under-17 and under-19 boss has won continental titles with Spain at both age categories - as have six players in the current squad.

A Spanish team laced with synergy but lacking star names topped Group B despite a 2-2 draw against Ukraine to finish the first round. La Rojita needed extra time to squeak past Switzerland but routed Ukraine in the semi-finals.

Five different players found the net in a 5-1 victory to book yet another final for Spain's prolific youth system.

LISTEN NOW TO 90MIN'S TALKING TRANSFERS PODCAST

On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Man Utd closing in on Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana, Chelsea's push for Moises Caicedo, Dusan Vlahovic, Romeo Lavia, the future of Real Madrid's Federico Valverde & more!

If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!