Sabasports Match Preview
Euro 2024: Spain vs England
Kickoff Time: 2024-07-15 03:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/John Sibley
This is the 2024 European Championship final. If the game is tied after 90 minutes, a 30-minute extra time will be played. If the extra time is still tied, a penalty shootout will be held.
Spain are aiming to win their fourth European Championship title and are expected to surpass Germany to become the most successful team in the history of the tournament. In the semi-finals, Spain relied on the outstanding performance of talented teenager Lamine Yamal to come from behind and defeat France 2-1. The success of coach Luis de la Fuente is closely linked to the progress of Yamal and Nico Williams. After winning the UEFA Nations League last year, Spain made a formation change from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3. This transformation was made possible by the presence of genuine wingers like Yamal and Williams. With this new formation, Spain have become more dynamic and play an attractive style of football. They possess the typical Spanish skills and passing ability, while also incorporating fast attacking concepts. Their offensive play has become more incisive, often penetrating deep into the opponent’s defense. They have been able to progress smoothly with the contribution of Alvaro Morata. During the game, Morata often drops back to the midfield to organize attacks, utilizes his experience to help the team control the midfield and create chances. When needed, he even drops back to the defensive line, utilizes his height of 1.89 meters to protect the box.
England were the runners-up in the last European Championship. Prior to the semi-finals, England played conservatively and lacked urgency, leading the British media to label them as the “slowest offensive team” in the tournament. In the semi-finals, England finally switched to a three-central defender system, which demonstrated progress in their tactics. Particularly, the introduction of Luke Shaw provided more support for Jude Bellingham on the left. Throughout this European Championship, Gareth Southgate made several changes in the starting midfield, aside from Declan Rice and Bellingham, and ultimately found 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo as the best option. Mainoo possesses exceptional ball control and handling abilities, along with excellent passing skills. He has contributed with dribbles and forward runs, displaying wonderful cooperation with players such as Phil Foden, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka. Mainoo has become one of the few players in England who effectively links the midfield and the forward line. England’s strength is further exemplified by the quality of their bench. Even Ollie Watkins, the Premier League’s leader in assists last season, can only be a substitute. Thanks to the allowance of five substitutions in this tournament, England can make 2-3 offensive lineup changes, making it challenging for opponents to adapt.
The outcome of this game will depend on the control and counter-control of the wings. Spain hold the advantage in teamwork, while England excel in individual abilities. The two teams are evenly matched in terms of strength. Considering England’s greater tactical adaptability, if Spain fail to defeat their opponent within 90 minutes, the balance of victory will tilt towards England. We believe England will prioritize stability and seize opportunities through substitutions and adjustments.
Spain’s Last 5 Games: WDWWW
24-07-10 Spain 2-1 France
24-07-06 Spain 1-1 Germany (AET 2-1)
24-07-01 Spain 4-1 Georgia
24-06-25 Albania 0-1 Spain
24-06-21 Spain 1-0 Italy
England’s Last 5 Games: WDDDD
24-07-11 Netherlands 1-2 England
24-07-07 England 1-1 Switzerland (AET 1-1 PEN 5-3)
24-07-01 England 1-1 Slovakia (AET 2-1)
24-06-26 England 0-0 Slovenia
24-06-21 Denmark 1-1 England
Head To Head Record:
18-10-16 Spain 2-3 England
18-09-09 England 1-2 Spain
16-11-16 England 2-2 Spain
15-11-14 Spain 2-0 England
11-11-13 England 1-0 Spain
Prediction: England to win or Draw