2024-07-14 21:31:03
England is the runner-up of the European Championship last season. This time the team has reached the final stage. This time their opponent is Spain, one of the best teams in Europe. Luis de la Fuente’s team stepped into the final stage after playing well in the tournament. Spain’s current form is a threat to England. What strategy can Gareth Southgate advance to beat Spain? Let’s take a look.
Taking advantage of Unai Simon’s weakness
Unai Simmons is the trusty hand under the goal post for Spain. The goalkeeper has also played three major tournaments for Spain. But his weakness is visible. Simon gave Croatia a goal in Euro 2020. He did the same against Japan.
It is conceivable that Simon will be under pressure on a big stage like the final. England’s first task will be to take advantage of Simmons’ weakness with one-on-one attacks. England’s main task will be to pressurize Simmons with Phil Foden at the front of the attack.
Detaining Rodri
Rodri played a major role in linking Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. England should contain Rodry before he takes control of the game from midfield. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have to do this job.
Harry Kane usually plays as a striker but also has a reputation as an attacking midfielder. In that case Bellingham will have to pair with him. It will reduce the chances of Rodri getting the ball. Gareth Southgate’s team will be ahead of the chances of victory if Yamal and Niko’s attacking edge is also relaxed.
Preparing for the penalty
Spain’s record on penalties is not very good. Meanwhile, England have won three of the four matches under Southgate in tiebreakers. Spain, on the other hand, did the opposite in the tiebreaker. However, they won the Nations Cup title in a tiebreaker. But could not do well in the last three major tournaments. Among them, Qatar is one of the ones to leave the World Cup after losing against Morocco.
If the result of the match is likely to go in favor, then England may take the match to a tiebreaker. Building on the confidence of the previous win, they could also make a run in the final if Jordan Pickford comes out with pre-season again.
Utilization of bench players
The bench played a major role in sending the Netherlands off in the semi-finals. Ollie Watkins’ goal in the 90th minute put England in the final. But Watkins spent the entire season sitting on the bench. Southgate must not make this mistake in the final.
The right use of bench players in the final can change the course of the match. Apart from Watkins in the semi-final, Ivan Toney came off the bench against Slovakia in the group stage and showed magic. On a stage like the final, therefore, Southgate must make full use of the substitutes at his disposal.
In this case, Everton’s winger Anthony Gordon could be the biggest option for Southgate. Gordon got the chance to enter the field in only one match in this season. Played only 5 minutes. About which the opponent should not have any plan. Southgate’s bet on Gordon is more likely to pay off.
Keep an eye on Yamal
The most important thing for England to do is to keep Yamal in check, to keep him busy with tight marking. It was seen against France what the 16-year-old can do when given some space. So the English defense has to be alert all the time.
If Southgate’s 3-4-3 formation is maintained in the final, Yamal’s task will be easier. In that case, Kieran Trippier will have to take responsibility to see that he is given as little space as possible. In doing so, Nico Williams must not be forgotten. In that case Kyle Walker can be the best option.