It all comes down to tonight
Four weeks of football and it all comes down to tonight. Who would have thought when England limped past Serbia in that opening game, that Gareth Southgate’s side would be preparing for a final.
By contrast, Spain breezed past Croatia 3-0 to get their tournament underway and topped what looked on paper to be one of the toughest groups.
England also qualified for the knock-out stages by winning their group but it was far from emphatic as they drew against Denmark and Slovenia.
A slight scare in the round-of-16 for Luis de la Fuente Castillo’s side as they went 1-0 down to Georgia but they fought back valiantly to a 4-1 victory.
Southgate’s side were 80 seconds away from an early exit as Slovakia led 1-0, but a 95th minute bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham followed by an extra-time Harry Kane header sealed their place in the quarter’s.
Time for the real test for Spain as they found themselves on the tougher side of the draw. They had never knocked out a host nation before but broke that record as Germany exited following a 2-1 loss to the Spaniards. Meanwhile, England needed penalties to beat Switzerland and book a place in the semi-final.
Once there, one of the tournament favourites France stood in Spain’s way but they had struggled to find a spark all tournament and Spain edged past 2-1.
England matched that scoreline against Netherlands. After falling behind to a Xavi Simons strike, a controversial penalty levelled the score and once again as extra-time loomed, a late goal scored by Ollie Watkins set up a date with Spain.
Southgate is unlikely to differ too much from the starting XI that got him to this point. His substitutions have been spot on and have made an impact.
However, he will have a tough decision to make regarding Luke Shaw who, since returning from injury, has impressed as a substitute in the last two games.
Kieran Trippier could lose his place to the United defender especially since he is having some fitness problems of his own.
Harry Kane has competition for his starting place as Ollie Watkins laid down a marker with the late goal mid-week but it is likely Southgate will keep faith in his captain.
Meanwhile, Spain’s biggest threat comes from Nico Williams and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal who got on the scoresheet against France, becoming the youngest ever goal scorer at a European Championships.
Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal were suspended for the France game but are expected to return tonight. Pedri remains sidelined through injury.
Spain will take on England tonight at 8pm with ITV and BBC both showing the game. Build up to the Euro 2024 final starts at 6.30pm.
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