Spain slight Favorites For Euro Success Over Fast Improving England

.
article image
© Getty Images


Slick-looking Spain go up against belatedly blossoming England in a mouth-watering conclusion to the European Championship on Sunday as the final promises a fitting finish to a month of absorbing action across Germany.

Both teams came into the tournament with valid ambitions of making it all the way to the decider at Berlin’s Olympiastadion and six matches later have achieved their aim, albeit in contrasting fashion.

Spain must be considered slight favorites, given how elegantly and efficiently they have surged to the final, winning their games inside 90 minutes except their extra time success over the hosts in the quarterfinal and scoring 13 goals in the process.

The clinical contributions of 16-year-old ‘wunderkind’ Lamine Yamal have added a fairytale edge to their progress but collectively they have looked the best team on display.

England, by contrast, were just minutes away from embarrassing elimination in their last 16 tie against Slovakia, rescued by a brilliant stoppage time equaliser from Spain-based Jude Bellingham.

But to their credit they have emerged from a groggy start to grit their way through, emerging triumphant over the Netherlands in Wednesday’s semifinal with a reminder of their quality and potential, and with a new-found vigour to take to the decider.

It will be England’s second successive Euros final, after Italy edged them on penalties in the final at Wembley three years ago, but a first ever appearance in a major tournament final outside of Britain.

They have not won anything but the 1966 World Cup, adding to both the motivation and pressure that now sits heavily on Gareth Southgate and his team.

Spain are three-time European champions, have also won a World Cup and took the Nations League last year.

There is much credit for their low-profile coach Luis de la Fuente, who rose through the ranks at the Spanish federation before taking over after the last World Cup in Qatar, where Spain were upset by Morocco in the last 16.

He knows most of the squad from when they were boys coming through the age group teams and his emphasis on good man-management has brought the best out of a technically gifted group.

Yamal’s ability at a tender age is extraordinary and complimented on the other flank by Nico Williams, with Fabian Ruiz outstanding in midfield. Dani Olmo has come into the team since the injury to Pedri and looked to take up their attacking ability a notch.

Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are expected to return to the defence after suspension.

England have taken time to settle on their preferred selection but have plenty of match-winning excellence too in Bellingham and Phil Foden and are waiting for record scorer Harry Kane to find his straps.

The 30-year-old has been off form, despite scoring three times in the tournament, but his record-setting ability in front of goal still offers supporters hope he will deliver when it counts the most.

BEST RETURNS

Defensively England have proven solid, allowing opponents 9.5 shots per game, among the best returns at Euro 2024.

Luke Shaw, now over his hamstring injury, could start for the first time in the tournament at left back while Kyle Walker is in for torrid time on the right but in the semifinal expertly saw off the threat of the Dutch lead attacker Cody Gakpo.

It is almost six years since the last clash between England and Spain in Valencia, where England were 3-0 up in the first half and hung on for a 3-2 win.

Were Sunday to deliver a five goal thriller, it would put a fitting seal on a tournament of high drama.

Readers Comments (12)

  1. Spain is going to win and be the champions of Euro 2024. England it’s not coming home.

  2. Before tournament this would have been 50-50. Now it’s 55-45 for Spain, they have played much better. However it’s only couple of games, most people tend to overreact in these situations.

  3. Media doesn’t mention a big fact that England hasn’t won a trophy in over 50 years and the KANE CURSE exist. Rodri is on a 100+ game unbeaten streak and harry kane trophyless all his career. SPAIN WINS

  4. If England click on the day they are well capable of beating Spain.
    Spain go into this as most people’s favourites. So the pressure is on them.
    A toothless French team gave Spain lots of problems when they broke forward. England have many player’s up front that can win you a game.
    A lot of the game plans will be down to selection. If i were Southgate i would start with the players that finished the game against the Dutch

  5. Interesting comments generally. But some points are being missed. Spain have payed the best football so far and deserve the plaudits. but England have the better squad and a very strong starting 11, which they are starting to do. This is going to be much closer than some of the ridiculous comments are saying.

  6. The way Spain plays it would be very difficult for any team to beat them but good fortune and luck has been on Englands side so anything is possible.

  7. Given performance over the tournament it’s Spain who are definitely the favourites. It’s Spain’s cup to lose as they got to the final beating opposition by putting the ball in the back of the net in open play. England got there playing a more tactical but far more boring game style parking the bus, winning on extra time goals & penalties.

  8. Spain has beat Croatia, Italy, Germany(home) and France. England needed a miracle to beat Slovakia, penalties to beat the Swiss and a dubious penalty/91 min goal to beat the Dutch, who lost 3-2 Austria to finish 3rd in their group. England played two extra time games and has 24 hrs less rest then the Spanish. It’s going to be similar 2012 final in which Italy had nothing left and lost 4-0. I predict Spain 3-1

  9. england has been awful all tournament and they werent good this last match either. if memphis depay didnt go down injured, netherlands would have won that match. this entire euros has been underwhelming and one of the only 3 teams that were playing good ball is the one that should beat the brakes off of england.

  10. I’m thinking they are tired but part of it is that they’ve been a top team against “lesser” teams that have sat so heavy on defence and pressing that its made ut harder for them and then as they go further into the competition and they play more attacking teams they’re getting more space and opening up more. Kane is looking tired though and Bellingham. I’d take Bellingham off put Watkins on and Try some kind of formation with Watkins supporting kane then when kane gets too tired sub him for Bellingham

  11. I’m an England fan, and Spain are no doubt a great team. However, England are elite defensively, have great depth off the bench, and throughout this tournament have found a way to get over the line. Last minute winners, overhead kicks, winning on penalties, comebacks, winning ugly. Whatever it takes.

  12. It will be tough game for two great teams. Spain is better team than England but England have the best roster at this tournament.

Leave a comment