If England reach Euro final but can’t control twin terrors it could get messy vs Spain while Saka must target Cucurella
SO now we know who England will have to beat to become European champions for the first time IF they can get past Holland in Dortmund.
SunSport looks at Spain to assess where a final in Berlin on Sunday could be won or lost.
Unlike the Spanish team that dominated Planet Football under Vicente del Bosque a decade ago, Luis de la Fuente’s team are more about making a real impression than concentrating on possession.
The side of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Inesta and Co did not so much dominate the ball as monopolise it.
They moved teams around continually, running their legs off with the Barcelona-style passing “carousel”, waiting for the moment to strike.
It was successful but at times, particularly in 2012, it could become dull.
Technically proficient but not an approach to get you off your feet.
But this incarnation of Spain is VERY different – as they proved in their 2-1 semi-final win over France.
STRENGTHS
They look to score every time they get the ball, playing wide and early to allow wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to attack their full-backs high up the pitch and run in behind.
The twin terrors are jet-heeled, direct and dangerous. It’s hard to believe Yamal does not turn 17 until Saturday.
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If they are allowed to run at England, it could get very messy and the back line will need support and cover to prevent them potentially being over-run.
With Rodri, described by de la Fuente as a footballing “computer” programmed to make critical midfield decisions in attack and defence, patrolling deep, it gives a platform for Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz to join the front line.
WEAKNESSES
If there is an obvious weakness – and the statistics that say he has scored more than 200 club goals and 36 at almost a goal every other game for Spain – it is the leader of the line.
Alvaro Morata’s difficult time at Chelsea was a clear case of a fish out of water but his lack of real threat – and tendency to run offside too often – has not always endeared him to Spain fans either.
Of course, he remains a fine header of the ball and it will not matter if others find the net but John Stones, Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi will all know exactly what they are up against.
POSSIBLE VULNERABILITY
At the back, it is expected that Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand will return after being suspended for the semi-final.
So far, they have not been exploited defensively.
But Croatia and Georgia certainly had their opportunities earlier in the tournament.
They rocked, as well, when France put on the pressure in the second half in Munich, with Marc Cucurella looking more like the player Chelsea fans have come to know and not exactly warm to than the one he had been over the past few weeks.
There were two real chances from set-pieces, free headers from Aurelien Tchouameni and Dayot Upamecano, while Kylian Mbappe will know he should have done better after cutting inside late on.
England’s aim will be to get the ball wide and see if those flaws could be exposed.
