Euro 2024 Final: What to Expect from Spain vs. England
With the semifinals done and dusted, we’re just a few days away from the final showdown at Euro 2024. Spain and England will face off in a highly anticipated matchup, with the winner claiming the coveted European Championship title. As we break down the key takeaways from the semis, we’re joined by some of ESPN FC’s top writers to dissect the final and make their predictions.
What Stood Out in the Semifinals
Gab Marcotti: "It’s an obvious cliché, but goals change games, especially when they come out of nowhere. Quality matters, and when teams defend well, it takes something special to score. Players like Lamine Yamal, Ollie Watkins, and Dani Olmo delivered that."
Sam Marsden: "Spain’s defensive midfielder Rodri was brilliant against France. It’s not just what he does with the ball; it’s what he does without it, and how he talks his teammates through the game. He’s a deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or."
Mark Ogden: "Players are being pushed to exhaustion and beyond. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, in particular, struggled in their semifinal matches due to fatigue. They need a break, or the game will suffer."
The Key to the Final: Winning the Battle in the Middle
Marcotti: "England will need to get the ball off Spain’s possession game and do something useful with it. Spain’s midfield trio, including Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Sergio Busquets, have been dominant. England’s Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo will need to rise to the occasion."
Ogden: "Spain have been phenomenal in this tournament, and they deserve to win. England can’t match their level of possession or creativity. It’s time for Spain to claim the title."
Marsden: "Spain have a defined style and positional balance that England lack. They’ll need a high-intensity pressing game to stay with Spain, which is unlikely due to their energy levels."
Olley: "My pre-tournament pick, France, are out, so I’m going with Spain. They’ve shown more quality against better sides than England did in their easier half of the draw."
Laurens: "It’s coming home, I’ve said it all along! England will find a way to win, and I wouldn’t mind being wrong again. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates!