It’s not about who starts Euro 2024 final, it’s who finishes it - and England can reimagine their attack
5 months, 1 week ago

It’s not about who starts Euro 2024 final, it’s who finishes it - and England can reimagine their attack

The Independent  

Sign 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.

History of this topic

England manager Gareth Southgate steps down after consecutive Euro final defeats
5 months, 1 week ago
Gareth Southgate shows same old shortcomings as England reach limit against Spain
5 months, 1 week ago
Harry Kane says England's Euro 2024 final loss will 'hurt for long time'; Southgate discusses his future
5 months, 1 week ago
Euro 2024: Spain lifts trophy for record 4th time, beat England 2-1 in thrilling final
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England's Euro 2024 final loss 'will hurt for a long time', says Kane
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UEFA Euro 2024: Spain vs England final – start time, teams, date, venue
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Jude Bellingham believes England’s character built by early Euro 2024 criticism
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Southgate says England ready to peak at Euro 2024 after being weighed down by pressure so far
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Euro 2024: Misfiring England faces on-form Switzerland for a semifinal spot
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Euro 2024: John Stones evaluates England’s chances of adapting to back three for Switzerland quarter-final
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Euro 2024 quarter-finals: Analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the last eight
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Germany left with one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ against reinvented Spain
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Every Euro 2024 quarter-final team ranked: England dead last – this is why
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England want to be better, not going to hide from that: Manager Gareth Southgate
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Who will misfiring England face next? How Euro 2024 opponents will be decided TODAY - with trouble-hit Netherlands one of five possible rivals
5 months, 4 weeks ago
Euro 2024: England top group but night belongs to Slovenia after drab 0-0 draw
5 months, 4 weeks ago
Euro 2024: Slovenia goes through to knockouts after holding England to goalless draw
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England handed favourable knockout path despite dismal draw with Slovenia as they avoid Germany, France, Spain and Portugal
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France have been poor at Euro 2024- so why are they judged differently to England?
6 months ago
England fails to convince in 1-1 draw with Denmark though should advance at Euro 2024
6 months ago
Ex-Man United and Serbia star highlights England's 'major' problem ahead of Sunday's Euro 2024 clash... as he claims Gareth Southgate has ALREADY made a mistake with his squad
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