Spain’s team midfield lineup was instrumental to their victory against England.
Dani Carvajal will be crucial in shutting down either Luke Shaw or Kieran Trippier and should work alongside Marc Guehi to form an effective central trio with Rodri, Olmo and Fabian Ruiz bringing creativity and vision. In this article, we will discuss the main points of Spain National Football Team vs England National Football Team Lineups.
Spain’s Lineup
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team have already claimed back-to-back World Cup crowns and two European Championships; all that stands between them and becoming the first men’s national team ever to claim four Euro tournament final victories is one more victory on Sunday at Berlin. But England could thwart Spain’s plans and end this tournament on their own by coming away victorious from Berlin.
Gareth Southgate’s England side may have been considered underdogs coming into this tournament, yet have quickly proven themselves one of the elite teams. Their play has been sophisticated yet fluid as they finished fourth for ball possession while boasting the top high press rating – something Spain may struggle against given that both teams are yet to reach their peak performance levels.
The centerpiece of this match will be a battle between full-backs. Both defenders will play an essential role for their respective sides as they must remain alert against Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo who possess speed to create space for themselves and threaten defenses with speed. Furthermore, both young goalkeepers will need to make key saves to maintain a clean sheet.
De la Fuente will likely keep faith with his starting lineup that beat Italy, though Marc Cucurella should make an appearance after recovering from injury and replacing Nacho Fernandez at left back. Alvaro Morata should lead Spain up front as they attempt to add yet another medal to their collection.
Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal will return to Spain’s starting XI after serving one-game suspensions, joining Aymeric Laporte, Jesus Navas and Roma’s Marc Cucurella as central pairing. Le Normand will partner Roma’s Marc Cucurella at left back while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz pair in midfield while Lamine Yamal of RB Leipzig and Manchester City’s Dani Williams will serve as attacking wingers for Spain.
England’s Lineup
The Three Lions will face off against a confident Spain squad on Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, yet have done enough to earn their place in Berlin. Gareth Southgate led his side from an early deficit against Netherlands into defeat before Ollie Watkins scored an unexpected last-gasp winner against Germany and set up this final showdown.
England has an array of talent but struggles with consistency; the team relies heavily on Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka in attack to guide them to victory in this year’s tournament final. If these three can find ways to score more often against Spain’s formidable defense then their odds will become much harder to overcome.
Starting lineup-wise, England manager Southgate is expected to select an initial XI similar to his starting eleven from last time out. One question for Southgate to decide upon at left-back may be between Luke Shaw or Kieran Trippier; Shaw could use his offensive instincts against Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal while Trippier could prove more defensively sound for England’s defense.
Unai Simon will likely remain as Spain’s starting goalkeeper following his outstanding display against the Netherlands. Dani Carvajal should return at right-back while Robin Le Normand or Nacho Fernandez could partner Aymeric Laporte at central defense. With Pedri sidelined due to an injury, Dani Olmo should continue in attack while Ruiz and Rodri should fill two slots in midfield.
Gareth Southgate has stressed the importance of his team being at its ‘best’ if it is to win Euro 2020 and avenge previous heartache. Their resilient efforts at this tournament has fostered togetherness and spirit among players; but that will be put through its paces against Spain, who have proven too powerful a force for England in Berlin. Fubo TV offers a free seven-day trial so don’t miss the final in Berlin this Sunday – don’t miss it!
Spain’s Attacking Lineup
Spain will rely on Alvaro Morata, their Real Madrid forward who initially looked doubtful due to twisting his knee while celebrating their team’s goal against France on Tuesday, in their bid for consecutive European and World Championship titles. Morata was initially listed as doubtful due to an injury suffered during that matchup but has been passed fit for play.
Morata’s return will be an enormous boon to Spain. He has been their standout performer thus far and his presence may prove decisive in breaking through England’s deep block.
Luis Enrique’s Spain side have proven themselves as one of the most effective possession teams at Euro 2024, mixing passing with direct play and dominating less experienced opponents such as France and Albania. They will feel confident of upstaging England on this front as Rodri and Fabian Ruiz continue their impressive displays at midfield.
At Manchester City’s back two Real Madrid players – Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella will feature alongside Robin Le Normand. Aymeric Laporte will start alongside Nacho Fernandez for centre back. Nacho Fernandez remains on the bench.
Enrique’s side will look to create central and wide overloads with aggressive positioning from their fullbacks on the wings and attacking midfielders in the half spaces. This often causes opposition teams to drop back defensively, leaving themselves open on diagonal transitions as far-sided wingers are freed up to run with little resistance from opposing fullbacks or midfielders.
England must ensure they do not fall prey to Nico Williams and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal who pose serious threats in terms of pace and ball possession. Trippier and Shaw must work tirelessly in keeping these players isolated as it will allow more advanced positions where these threat players could cause more problems for their opponents.
England will present another threat from their flanks with Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins running at speed with the ball. Southgate’s decision to include both could prove vital as this would enable England to pin Spain back with fast counterattacks before hitting them back hard with swift counterstrikes.
England’s Defensive Lineup
On Sunday at Olympiastadion in Berlin, Spain and England will go head to head in an epic Euro 2024 final. Both teams have taken distinct paths to reach this point, with Spain’s attacking talents complementing its strong defensive strengths to reach this point.
The Spaniards often employ a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation in their defensive third, with their front line working to deny opposition center-backs the time and space on the ball. Furthermore, their high defenders attempt to limit an opposing number 10’s freedom to play forward through space between central midfielders and full backs.
England tend to be more aggressive when in possession, with their attacking players looking for ways to breach Spanish defense and open space for themselves. Furthermore, England tend to be more fluid with passing and movement as the ball quickly travels between players.
Gareth Southgate has received high marks for his substitution decisions throughout the tournament, especially those he made to equalise against Slovakia and secure victory against Netherlands. Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins’ arrival was key in helping England level, while Ivan Toney’s late appearance helped seal it all for them.
At the back, the Three Lions can effectively limit Spain’s threat with their disciplined and structured block. Their high press is usually combined with wing-back pairings to force play into their own half; Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka will often track any runs by Spain fullbacks from wide positions before Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo provide high screens against Spain midfielders.
Cucurella and Williams represent Spain’s main threats on the left flank, and England must remain wary of their quick breaks. Both Manchester City duos lead their team’s dribbling, taking more take-on attempts than anyone else in this tournament.
With both teams playing solid defense, the outcome of Sunday’s matchup could come down to one fast break or counter-attack that determines it. Whoever maximizes its attacking opportunities will emerge victorious at Berlin Stadium.
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