Juan Mata’s Dream Team: Spain’s Star Studded Lineup to Take Down England
As the 2024 European Championships get underway, Juan Mata has put his money on Spain to lift the trophy and avenge their 2020 final defeat to Italy. The Spanish midfielder, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the Euros in 2012, has picked a full Spanish team in his combined Spanish and English XI, leaving England’s Luke Shaw and Jude Bellingham on the bench.
Mata, who played alongside Shaw for eight years at Manchester United, praised England’s left-back but opted for Spain’s Cucurella, saying "I love Luke, but today and Sunday, Cucurella." The Spanish player also struggled to choose between Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz and England youngster Kobbie Mainoo, eventually opting for Ruiz, who has had a stellar Euros.
Mainoo, who has started the last three games for England, has been a standout performer, and Mata acknowledged his talent, saying "I love Mainoo, what he’s done for United is incredible and his age too." However, he still chose Spain’s Dani Olmo over Bellingham, citing Olmo’s impressive goal-scoring form in the tournament.
Mata’s team also features Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon, defenders Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, and Robin Le Normand, midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Koke, and Pedri, and forwards Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Alvaro Morata.
When asked about England’s chances, Mata predicted a 2-1 win for Spain in extra time, saying "1-1 in 90 minutes then extra time with one late goal." He also praised England’s winger Bukayo Saka, saying "Saka is amazing, and you know his level at Arsenal now for a couple of years," but ultimately chose Spain’s Lamine Yamal over the Arsenal star.
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