The Euro 2024’s most anticipated finals are here, and the tournament’s best possible side, Spain, plays against an underconfident English side. Though the Spanish side has been said to be greatly composed, Southgate’s England have been the side who have turned their fortunes suddenly and have evaded narrow escapes.
Before the two greats of European football get along in the clash of the titans at the Euro finals, we will have a look at the probable toughest scares for each team. From Nico Williams to Lamine Yamal and from Foden to Bellingham, let’s see who the ideal options are to contradict each other on the field.
Both England and Spain ended their campaigns against Italy in 2020, as they lost their matches each. The Azzurri have, however, been ruled out this time as the English take on La Roja in a contest that may redefine European football for ages to come.
5 Key Player Battles for the Euro 2024 Final
Nico Williams vs. Kyle Walker
The Spanish left wing has been unstoppable down the flank. The Athletic Bilbao star has been sporadic and has threatened every opponent with his acute pace. His control over the ball, work rate, and dribbling skills, combined with his efficient technique to create chances at goals, make him the most threatening player on the Spanish side.
Kyle Walker, despite being 12 years older than the Athletic Star, is known for his pace, which can help England take control of the right side of the field.
Lamine Yamal vs. Luke Shaw
Though there is much doubt whether Shaw or Trippier will be in Southgate’s starting XI, the left flank of England remains a bit compromising, while Shaw will be given the role to lead their defense against teenage star Yamal.
Yamal’s goal against France raised his worth, as he scored the equalizer for Da la Fuente’s side. If not resisted, Yamal will be the biggest threat to England’s defense, as he has made the most whenever he has been allowed to go forward.
Marc Cucurella vs. Bukayo Saka
The only possible drawback for the La Roja side is that the Chelsea star has been unconvincing since his move. Though he gained some proficiency in the later times of the EPL, which he took ahead of the Euros, Cucurella remains firm in the attacking halves while he lags in the defense.
Saka has been winning long over the Chelsea defender, as the 22-year-old Arsenal star has been the most versatile player in the Three-Lions side. Southgate has often placed him as a wing-back or sometimes a full-back, and yet he has posed a threat to the opposition’s penalty area.
Dani Olmo vs. Declan Rice
England’s pressing star, Rice, has not had the most convincing seasons for England, though he does not have a major role except for holding the ball in defensive areas for England. On failed attempts, Rice has often been beaten by central attackers.
On the other hand, he will face the unstoppable Dani Olmo, who has already scored three goals for Spain in the minimum number of appearances he has made as a replacement for FCB midfielder Pedri. Olmo scored the winning goal against France, the second goal that initially provided them with the lead and later took them into the finals.
Olmo needs to be kept out of play by Guehi so that if Rice misses his chance at the ball, then England can be rescued, unlike what happened in Holland’s first Xavi Simons goal in the semis.
Rodri vs. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden
Like several other greats of the game, even Southgate has admitted that Spain is undoubtedly one of the best-pressing teams in Europe. The Spanish midfield stirs the attack for them as they often play vital roles in switching flanks, playing through balls forward, and acting as a wall that stops penetrating attacks with interceptions. And the Man City maestro, Rodri, is the curator of it all for La Roja.
Foden and Bellingham, the two English stars, failed to show dominance for the three lions throughout the Euros. Foden is probably the only player who can obstruct his Manchester City teammate Rodri from being the impermeable wall of the Spanish defense.
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