England’s opponents – should they reach the Euro 2024 final – have been confirmed after Spain won 2-1 against France in an absorbing semi-final encounter.
Despite taking the lead through Randal Kolo Muani, France were stunned by a quickfire Spanish double as goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo turned the game on his head in the second half.
In a tense second half, Didier Deschamps’ side came on strong in search of an equaliser, but Spain held on to reach their first major championship final since Euro 2012.
The stage is now set for tomorrow’s semi-final between England and the Netherlands as both sides look to join Luis De la Fuente’s side in Sunday’s final.
Here are three things that we learned from Spain’s performance as they overcame Spain in Munich…
Spain at their free, attacking best
In a knockout stage dominated by extra-time and a stark lack of attacking fluency, Spain have proved a welcome antidote.
While in previous recent major championships, La Roja were stunted by a blind commitment to possession, this current side’s pragmatic approach has unshackled their attackers and made them the best attacking side at this tournament.
While England have only once scored more than one goal so far this tournament, Spain have now scored multiple goals in each of their three knockout-stage games.
Southgate’s style has guided England to three semi-finals in their last four major tournaments, but should they come up against Spain in Sunday’s final, their style and lack of fluency could be placed under the microscope once again.
Yamal announces himself on the big stage
A goal worthy of breaking any record. In this case, Yamal’s long-range curling effort made the 16-year-old the youngest goalscorer in Euros history.
The Barcelona forward has been ever-present on Spain’s right flank this tournament but notched up his first goal in superb fashion to draw De la Fuente’s side level in Munich.
Yamal and his fellow winger – Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams – have provided a much-needed injection of pace into a Spanish side and will continue to carry that threat into the final.
Should England reach the final, Gareth Southgate will likely be faced with a familiar conundrum at left-back: the returning Luke Shaw or the dependable Kieran Trippier.
Shaw may offer more potency and fluency in support of Phil Foden down the left, but the threat of Yamal on Spain’s right flank may force the Three Lions boss into the more conservative selection of Trippier.
Olmo flourishing as tournament’s surprise package
Olmo played just 32 minutes in Spain’s first two games but the RB Leipzig midfielder has not looked back since coming into the side for Spain’s final group game against Albania.
After two goals in the first two knockout stages, the 26-year-old found yet another with a well-placed finish in the first half to fire Spain into the lead.
With Rodri and Fabian Ruiz providing stability at the base of midfield, Olmo has been provided with the attacking license to get forward and has picked up pockets of space behind Alvaro Morata with great effect.
Morata is a physical presence that would require constant attention from England’s central defenders if the two sides met in the final, but Southgate will have to be careful to ensure that Olmo is carefully watched too.
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