And just like that… Euro 2024 is down to its last two teams, with the winner set to be
crowned on Sunday.
I made the right calls in both semi-finals; let’s see if we can predict the right outcome in the
final!
Spain vs England (20:00 BST, 14 July)
You don’t play more than 50 games for Barcelona at 16 years-old without being special.
Lamine Yamal is something else and showed he’s not fazed of the international stage with a
cracking curling effort to give Spain the lead in the semi-finals against France. The maturity
and decision-making he possesses as a youngster is impressive – without a doubt Yamal has
been in hot form this summer.
England came from behind again to beat the Netherlands – this time just about managing it
inside 90 minutes with a late winner from Ollie Watkins. It’s now their second final in three
tournaments. Is almost 60 years of hurt over?
Spain have been the most ruthless team of the tournament; creating 96 chances so far in
Germany in comparison to England’s 48. Whilst England’s defence has been good so far,
Spain will provide by far the sternest test of the summer. Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw will
need to be at their best to keep Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal quiet; that
might mean sacrificing going forward as they have been doing so far this tournament.
Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice will need to be a brick wall in defence midfield to stop Spain
from getting forward – their opposite numbers Rodri and Fabian Ruiz have been dictating
every game they’ve played so far.
With that being said, England have a range of matchwinners that can provide moments out
of nothing – Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane. That means
Spain’s defence will need to be hot on their tails. Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal will
return from their suspensions and would likely go straight back into the starting line-up.
Spain have the best defensive record this tournament; conceding three goals so far, one in
each of the knock-out stages.
My pre-tournament pick was for France to lift the trophy, so the sensible option would be to
go for Spain who knocked them out. They’ve shown that they can play some great football
against some of the best teams in the world. England haven’t been at their best however
something has started to click. Perhaps Bellingham’s overhead kick really did start
something?
On paper, Spain are the better team but there’s something magical about England this
summer; they’ve always found a way to get through and I think they’ll find a way again in
the final. I can see the game being open just like the first half between England and
Netherlands.
Prediction: Spain 1 – 2 England (IT’S COMING HOME!)
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