On July 14, Goal.com analyzed six major issues that England must address if they want to win the championship.
1. Pressure Unai Simon
Unai Simon has participated in three major tournaments with the Spanish team, but each time he has made elementary mistakes. In the last European Cup, his dribbling error gifted Croatia a penalty; in the 2022 World Cup, his poor form allowed Japan to triumph against the odds; and in this European Cup, he conceded another penalty to Croatia.
Unai Simon seems ill-suited to Spain’s attacking football style, and if England’s high press proves effective, he is likely to continue making errors. Southgate should devise a targeted pressing plan to put pressure on the Spanish goalkeeper.
2. Mark Out Rodri
While Gavi and Nico have been dazzling, the core of this Spanish team remains Rodri, who, as a ‘playmaker,’ perfectly controls the game’s tempo.
Manchester United successfully used Bruno Fernandes to mark Rodri one-on-one, achieving good results and winning the FA Cup final against Rodri’s Manchester City. Harry Kane may lack mobility, but Jude Bellingham can fulfill this role.
3. Penalties
During Southgate’s tenure, England has won three out of four penalty shootouts, while Spain has had the opposite experience, losing all three of their recent major tournament penalty shootouts.
Pickford needs to do his homework, writing down opponents’ penalty habits on his water bottle could be a tactic, but he must be wary of counter-strategies from the opposition.
4. Utilize Substitutes Effectively
Spain may have the edge in overall strength, but England boasts terrifying depth and bench strength. In the match against the Netherlands, Palmer and Watkins combined effectively; between them, they contributed to 66 goals in the Premier League last season.
Ivan Toney and Eberechi Eze also played their parts, and Spain does not have such an array of star substitutes as England. Therefore, Southgate must carefully consider his substitutions and make full use of his allocation.
5. Defend Against Gavi
The French team’s defeat taught us how terrifying it is to leave Gavi unmarked. Thus, England must closely monitor him, restrict his movement, and even engage in some aggressive challenges, at the cost of conceding fouls.
England’s 3-4-3 formation makes it easier for two players to defend Gavi, and Nico Williams on the other side cannot be underestimated either. However, England has Kyle Walker, an expert in recovery defending.
6. Counter-Attack
Spain’s success in this tournament stems from their vitality and quick ball circulation, but when they lose possession, they appear disorganized, as Georgia nearly exposed.
Therefore, once England wins back the ball, they need to swiftly initiate counter-attacks. Upon transitioning from defense to attack, they should immediately look for Saka on the right or pass the ball to Foden in space, catching Spain off guard.
