Spain vs England Euro 2024 Final Preview: Key battles assessed as England eye glory

Spain must fancy their chances ahead of the Euro 2024 final. In fact, I know that several Spaniards were cheering on England during their semi-final with the Netherlands as they believe the Three Lions will be easier to beat in the final in Berlin. 

Heading into this gargantuan fixture, Luis de la Fuente’s side are rightly favourites, based on what we have seen so far, but there’s always a chance of an upset. Can England do the unthinkable and win their first men’s trophy since 1966? Below you can find my Spain vs England Euro 2024 Final Preview. 

Spain vs England odds

Gareth Southgate has a few tactical considerations to think about before his side take to the pitch at the Olympiastadion. The main discussion will be around Luke Shaw and whether he is fit enough to play the full 90 minutes, and potentially a further half an hour. The Manchester United man came on at half-time in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but there is an argument for sticking with Kieran Trippier.

Lamine Yamal is left-footed, and rarely goes on the outside, as we saw with his curling effort into the top corner against France. If he goes inside, having Trippier there on the opposite side may actually play into England’s hands, although he has shown his attacking limitations throughout this tournament. Shaw coming on at half-time again may be sensible, while the rest of the team seems to pick itself. 

Finally Southgate has found a system that works, with a hybrid three-at-the-back system switching to a four if Bukayo Saka stays up the pitch. Meanwhile, Spain are set to welcome back Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand after they served suspensions, while Dani Olmo will continue in midfield after Pedri’s tournament was ended against Germany. There’s a lot to worry about for England, but they also have several key weapons of their own. Below I’ve assessed five key battles that could decide this final.

Euro 2024 Odds

Gareth Southgate vs Luis de la Fuente

The obvious one to start off with is the battle between the two managers. Southgate has come in for criticism for not making his substitutions early enough when the game isn’t going England’s way - but he got everything spot on against the Netherlands. Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins were brought on late on, and they combined to score the winning goal as the clock hit 90:00. 

Meanwhile, De la Fuente has already won the European Championship at U19 and U21 level, and has risen through the ranks, somewhat like Southgate, to take charge of the senior team. Spain have won every game at this tournament, and they’ve played phenomenally well, so which manager will be able to get things right on the day?

Phil Foden vs Rodri

Two Manchester City teammates are going to have a massive impact on this final. Rodri has only lost one game of football for club and country this season, the FA Cup final, and Spain look so composed with him in the team. 

Meanwhile, Foden is growing into the tournament and looked threatening in the semi-final. Now in a number 10 role, he is able to drift in onto his left foot, and struck the bar with a long-range effort in Dortmund. He will hope to give Rodri the runaround, but it’s a tough ask against the best holding midfielder in the world.

Luke Shaw vs Lamine Yamal

We’ve already discussed the one above, but the fitness of Luke Shaw, and how much bravery he shows, will be crucial to England. If he can get Yamal running back towards his own goal, England will be in a far safer position. Meanwhile, the teenager will be licking his lips at the chance to run at a defender who has played so little football over the past six months. This one feels absolutely crucial in determining the winner. 

Kobbie Mainoo vs Dani Olmo

England’s own teenage superstar is finding his feet in Germany. Kobbie Mainoo was outstanding in the semi-final and has solved the dilemma of who England should partner Declan Rice with. Now there is no doubt Mainoo will start, but can he deal with Dani Olmo?

The RB Leipzig man scored an outrageous goal in the semi-final win over France, showing all of his technical ability before firing the ball into the net via a deflection. However, it is his quick passing, and combinations with Fabian Ruiz that are going to cause England the most issues. Mainoo simply must stop him if England are going to win in Berlin.

Bukayo Saka vs Marc Cucurella

Spain’s attacking threats are terrifying, but England have a special winger of their own. Bukayo Saka was tactically spot on against the Netherlands having scored a dramatic equaliser in the quarter-final against Switzerland. He will be coming up against Marc Cucurella, a man who looks like a different player in a red shirt. 

The Chelsea man has been excellent during this tournament, and is part of a back four that looks composed most of the time. However, they have conceded in every knockout game, and Saka will fancy his chances of cutting inside and causing some damage. If Cucurella can force Saka into a defensive wing-back position, England could find themselves penned in. 

Offers

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