Spain have two World Cup winners within their squad, with Javi Martinez and Juan Mata (pictured together, right) both included in the senior side that coach Vicente del Bosque led to victory in South Africa last year.
The last time these two sides met was in 2009, with second half goals from Fraizer Campbell and James Milner sealing a 2-0 victory for Stuart Pearce's side.
Having been beaten in 2007's semi-final 13-12 on penalties by the Netherlands, and then crushed 4-0 by Germany in the 2009 final, England will hope to go one step further and win their third European Under-21 title, having already done so in 1982 and 1984.
Spain have also succeeded twice in the competition, in 1986 and 1998, and have finished runners-up twice, most recently in 1996, and at the hands of Sunday's opponents in 1984.
England are ranked No.1 by Uefa at Under-21 level, and finished second to Greece in qualifying, as did Spain to the Netherlands. They are joined by Ukraine and the Czech Republic in Group B.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Spain – Juan Mata
While David Villa and David Silva left debt-ridden Valencia last summer, Mata stayed at the Mestalla. Interest from Barcelona wasn't pursued and the midfielder eventually signed a new contract.
Summer speculation has seen the player linked with Liverpool, however, and this tournament could be the ideal platform for the 23 year-old to showcase his talents. Mata appeared just once for Spain in last summer's successful World Cup campaign, replacing Fernando Torres for the last 20 minutes of the 2-0 group win over Honduras, but he is likely to be a key figure in this tournament.
England – Phil Jones
The 19-year-old's recent switch to Manchester United may have been premature due to the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool, with Sir Alex Ferguson acting quickly to secure a £16 million transfer and ward off competition for a player described by Stuart Pearce as a future England captain.
Jones will have to be solid alongside his fellow centre-half and new club-mate Chris Smalling in order to nullify the threat of Spain's attacking line, and a strong performance would also boost his first-team chances at Old Trafford.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Spain (4-3-3):
De Gea; Azpilicueta, Botia, Dominguez, Didac Vila; Thiago, Javi Martinez, Capel; Bojan, Adrian Lopez, Mata.
Spain have talent all the way through the side. Manchester United-bound David De Gea starts in goal, with Barcelona duo Bojan and Thiago Alcantara also set to feature and two World Cup winners - Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez and Valencia's Juan Mata.
Sergio Busquets and Pedro are now established with the senior side and are not involved, while Real Madrid's Sergio Canales missed out on a call-up following a disappointing season. Mata, Thiago and De Gea have all shaken off knocks, but Iker Muniain is recovering from tonsilitis and is unlikely to be involved.
England (4-4-2):
Fielding; Mancienne, Smalling, Jones, Bertrand; Rodwell, Henderson, Muamba, Rose; Sturridge, Welbeck.
Stuart Pearce will field a strong side on Sunday, despite a number of key withdrawals, including Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll, Micah Richards and Kieran Gibbs.
With Michael Mancienne, Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson having made summer moves already, and Jack Rodwell, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck all heavily linked with transfers away from their respective clubs, there will be ample motivation to perform in Denmark.
Prediction
While England are likely to have the edge physically, Spain's side is superior technically and brimming with talent, especially in midfield and attack. They also have experience, with two World Cup winners - Juan Mata and Javi Martinez - in their side.
Many believe the tournament winner will be one of these two sides, so this clash will prove an interesting benchmark for the rest of the competition. But it is hard to see beyond a victory for Spain in what is likely to be an entertaining clash.
Many believe the tournament winner will be one of these two sides, so this clash will prove an interesting benchmark for the rest of the competition. But it is hard to see beyond a victory for Spain in what is likely to be an entertaining clash.
Spain Under 21 3-1 England Under 21 
