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UEFA Euro 2024 final: Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo key for Spain, England need good Gareth Southgate decisions

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1 month ago

July 13, 2024

UEFA Euro 2024 final: Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo key for Spain, England need good Gareth Southgate decisions

Sunday UEFA Euro 2024 final Spain could win its fourth continental title at the Olympiastadion, but it could also be England’s first European crown this weekend in Berlin. The Spaniards have won every match of this edition of the European Championship so far, breaking through France’s previously impenetrable defense in the semi-finals to complete a encounter with the English that promises to be a heavyweight, despite the fact that the Three Lions have not always been convincing so far this summer. Luis de la Fuente’s men have history on their side against Gareth Southgate’s team, but there is also the heartbreak of Euro 2020 propelling Harry Kane and his teammates in Germany.

However, there are two demonstrable determining factors that can determine how this plays out. It’s mainly about key players like Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo against Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, but also how De la Fuente rises to the occasion, as Southgate has been here before and has more experience. Both sides have shown good squad depth which has contributed to these runs to the German capital, and now it comes down to who can best execute their ultimate game plan and be crowned champions.

We look at what it will take for Spain to win everything, but also for England to come out on top.

Spain will win if Olmo and Yamal perform

While La Roja’s run to the final showed strong performances and consistency across the board, two players shined brighter than most: Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona star was the hero with a stunning goal against the French as part of what has been a breakthrough 2024 season for him at club and international level. The RB Leipzig are the most regular source of Spanish goals, with three so far to move level with Harry Kane before this match takes place.

De la Fuente has also seen Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz come on with some timely goals, but Olmo and Yamal have been almost irreplaceable, as was evident against France without some suspended players like Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand and Pedri. The Barça midfielder’s absence could come into focus again against England, but Carvajal and Le Normand will return to Berlin for this.

If Olmo maintains his form and Yamal remains a threat, Spain’s chances of scoring will not only increase, but they can ultimately put the Three Lions back on either side and cut into a defense that looked stronger with Ezri Konsa than Marc Guehi. Add to this Xavi Simons’ ability to catch the England backline in the semi-finals and this sets La Roja up for a real try as they hunt for another title.

England will win if Southgate makes tough choices

As mentioned earlier, the England boss has a few posers and not just in defence. Konsa looked more reassured against Switzerland than Guehi and the rest of the backline against the Netherlands. Moreover, Ollie Watkins was sharper in front of goal than Kane and even Ivan Toney. While the Aston Villa striker is unlikely to have a reason to start talking about Kane yet, he can justify getting minutes early in a match of this magnitude.

Konsa could be a more solid option at the back given his ability to play centrally but also wide, so it will be up to Southgate how he will counter the threats of this Spanish attack, which will be the best the English have faced. His decision-making won’t be limited to just that, though, as he’ll have to come down hard on his underperforming stars, as Watkins’ throwing showed against the Dutch. If Kane, Bellingham or Foden are not in the game, he cannot risk them missing out on the final completely.

This tournament has shown that England have the best depth, with midfield combinations also taking time to get to the current mix. Southgate has also largely stuck with Kieran Trippier despite being tempted by Luke Shaw at times despite his fitness issues. However, it is crucial that the England boss is prepared to make big decisions that could potentially make the difference between winning or losing this match over 90 or 120 minutes, or even worse on penalties.