5 hot spots that could decide Spain vs England match
Báo Dân trí•14/07/2024
(Dan Tri) - Tonight (2:00 a.m. July 15), the England team will play Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, Germany. The following 5 hot spots may greatly affect the outcome of the match.
1. Rodri - Phil Foden & Jude Bellingham Rodri faces two of England's outstanding attacking stars, Foden and Bellingham. Midfield could be crucial in the Euro 2024 final, with plenty of superstars on both sides. Manager Gareth Southgate has found a way to play both Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden and La Liga Player of the Year Jude Bellingham in central attacking roles - and both could be the keys to unlocking Spain. Foden was excellent against the Netherlands in the semi-final and was unlucky not to score, while Bellingham has struggled at times, but is still capable of producing moments of magic. Standing in their way will be midfielder Rodri, who has lost just one of his 79 games for club and country. Foden knows all too well how good Rodri was when they both played for Manchester City, but that could also work in Southgate's favour as he looks to contain the Spaniard. Rodri was born on the day England knocked Spain out of Euro 1996, and is now widely regarded as the world's best central midfielder. Like at Man City, Rodri is Spain's driving force, dictating play from midfield, creating five chances, one assist and recovering the ball 31 times at Euro 2024. 2. Lamine Yamal - Luke Shaw Yamal has youth, Shaw has experience. There had been talk of a rising star at Barcelona, 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal. At Euro 2024, the youngster - who turned 17 the day before the final - has really made his mark on the world stage, becoming the youngest player to feature at a Euro in Spain's opening game against Croatia. Lamine's goal in the semi-final made him the youngest goalscorer at either a Euro or World Cup, breaking Pele's record. He also broke Pele's record as the youngest player to reach the semi-finals of both tournaments. Lamine provided three assists and 13 chances, providing a potent attack down the right flank, while Nico Williams did the same on Spain's left. If England are to have any chance of winning, they will have to deal with the Spanish threat on either flank. Kieran Trippier has been favoured on the left side of defence throughout the tournament but he is facing an injury scare. Trippier was replaced by Luke Shaw at half-time in the semi-final against the Netherlands. Southgate confirmed it was a precautionary measure but Luke Shaw looked sharp on the pitch and did not look like a man who has been out for four months with injury. Shaw is England's only natural left-back and the final could be the start of his first start, but that is not a major issue for the Man Utd man. He scored the opening goal in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, so Shaw will be comfortable going into the final. 3. Marc Cucurella - Bukayo Saka Cucurella and Saka are both having a sweet tournament. For both Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka, Euro 2024 is a redemption story. Just six months ago, Chelsea left-back Cucurella was booed by his own fans as he struggled to impress following his sensational £63m move from Brighton in 2022. Yet the 25-year-old was at the heart of Chelsea's surprise bid to qualify for Europe last season and he has continued his impressive form at Euro 2024. Cucurella started five of Spain's six games at Euro 2024, forming a superb partnership with Williams on the left flank, forming one of the most dangerous attacks at the tournament in Germany. For Saka, it was the sting of missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final and then being subjected to horrific racist abuse. Euro 2024 has highlighted the Arsenal striker's resilience. The 22-year-old has been a constant threat down the right flank for England, scoring a stunning goal against Switzerland in the quarter-finals before converting the penalty. For Saka, all the pressure is now off. 4. Dani Olmo - Declan Rice Olmo became Spain's surprise factor, while Rice was England's "rock". Declan Rice played every minute of England's Euro 2024 campaign, covering more than any other player at 74.91km. The Arsenal midfielder had more than 300 touches and completed 236 passes, more than any other player at the tournament. Rice also made seven key passes leading to shots for England and defensively he is joint top of the table with France's Jules Kounde for recoveries, with 41. Rice will be looking to dominate midfield to prevent RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo from adding to his tally of three goals despite starting just two games. Olmo now has a great chance of competing for the Golden Boot alongside Harry Kane and four others. In the absence of Pedri, who picked up an injury in the quarter-final against Germany, Olmo will certainly continue to be relied upon. Surely this 26-year-old player will try his best to maintain his current form, not only to lead Spain to victory but also to have great value for himself as interest from top European clubs is increasing. 5. Nico Williams - Kyle Walker Williams' youth versus Walker's experience. Spain's dynamic attacking play at Euro 2024 will largely be based on their wingers, Yamal and Williams. At 21, Williams has impressed on the left flank with his dribbling and running at opposition defences. He and Yamal have become close friends and both celebrated their birthdays two days before the final. Southgate will certainly be looking to veteran defender Kyle Walker to contain the youthful Williams. Walker is 13 years Williams' senior, but that is not an issue as the England star is one of the few defenders in Europe who can confidently claim to be able to cope with the pace of France striker Kylian Mbappe and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr. The Man City defender is one of four English players to have played every minute of England's Euro 2024 campaign. With his pace and experience, Walker will certainly be a big hope for Southgate to contain Williams.
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