It’s not about who starts Euro 2024 final, it’s who finishes it - and England can reimagine their attack
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But if the substitutions and in-game changes are of paramount importance to one team, so must they be to another: Spain themselves have a deep squad, one which Luis de la Fuente rotated to its fullest extent in their final group-stage game, one they’ve relied upon in the knockouts too as suspensions and injuries hit, particularly in the semi-final. open image in gallery Pedri’s injury has meant Dani Olmo became a starter Dani Olmo has been sensational throughout, but he was the reserve No10 and general attacking game-changer, with Pedri starting until his injury. open image in gallery Spain don’t possess speed on their bench - but plenty of tactical control Once they are ahead, though, De la Fuente possesses no end of controlling options, has no shortage of defensive barricades and will not run out of players to block up the centre of their own half of the pitch, where England have spent so much time at these Euros passing fruitlessly and slowly from one channel to the other. If it’s the Three Lions who lead with time ticking away there’s no genuine evidence to suggest either team can reasonably think their options will swing the remainder of the game their way - but Southgate can still make switches to be more effective on the counter, looking to finish the game rather than see it out.