In just a couple of hours, we will have probably one of the most defining finals ever – if England bring it home, the immense pressure under the team and manager Gareth Southgate will be lifted, while if Spain win it, Lamine Yamal iwll enter the history books once again, and be touted as one of the best youngsters in the world. In this blog, I will do a close analysis of each team, their road to the final, and eventually my prediction on who I think will be crowned the European Champions for 2024.
Analysis – England
England have had a terribly slopply Euro’s campaign. They tied two games in a very easy group against Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark and only winning by 1 goal against Serbia. Additionally, their Semi-Final win against Netherlands was all thanks to a brilliant subsitution by Gareth Southgate, putting Ollie Watkins on who eventually scored the winning goal, but also pure luck as the referee/VAR made not the best decision by giving England a pentaly. Their round of 16 win came precisely on the very last kick of the game with a screamer by Jude Bellingham, to tie things up. To add on, during their game against Denmark, they got outplayed and Denmark had many chances to win. If that would’ve happened, England would’ve been playing Germany in the round of 16. They additionally bet a pretty weak Switerzland side (compared to England) on Penalties in the Quaterfinals. Basically, their road to the finals has been pathetic and weak. The simple solution? Gareth Southgate needs to be stopped in playing a defensive style of football. England has a multitude of ATTACKING PLAYERS, like FODEN, SAKA, KANE, WATKINS, BELLINGHAM, PALMER, TRENT, GORDON, I can’t even name anymore! The answer is simple for England to win. They have to play attacking style of football, not stay back like scaredy cats, and also play the youngsters like Mainoo in the lineup.
Analyisis – Spain
Spain have been brilliant throught this tournament. They got put in a supposed near “group of death”, but single handedly beat Croatia, 3-0, and Italy, 1-0. Their tiki-taka style of football, with short, quick passes. Morata, their striker has been amazing, and especially Lamine Yamal. The only way that England has a chance is that if they press Spain to their death. But, if they play that defensive style of football, the pressing will not work. Spain are definately favourites in this.
Even though I think that this will be a hard faught battle, but it will end in heartbreak. Becuase of their style and current record, I think that the match will end 2-1, with Spain winning. However, if it goes to penalties, I have England winning, just soley becuase of Pickford.