Throughout EURO 2024, both England and Spain have showcased tactical flexibility and consistent team selections on their journey to the final. Understanding their starting lineups throughout the tournament provides crucial insights into their strategies and key players as they approach the ultimate match. Here’s an in-depth look at how both teams have lined up in their seven matches in Germany, culminating in their predicted Euro Final Starting Lineups.
England Starting Lineups: A Consistent Core
England’s manager has largely favored a consistent core group of players, particularly in crucial positions. This stability has been a key factor in their progression through the tournament.
Euro Final XI Prediction: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Bellingham; Kane
Semi-final XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Quarter-final XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Trippier, Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Round of 16 XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Matchday 3 XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier; Gallagher, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Matchday 2 XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Matchday 1 XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Image: Harry Kane’s scoring form has been vital for England at EURO 2024.
Jordan Pickford has been the undisputed number one goalkeeper, while the defensive partnership of Walker, Stones, and Guéhi has remained steadfast. The midfield has been anchored by Rice, with variations around him depending on the opponent. The attacking trio of Saka, Bellingham, Foden, and Kane has been a constant threat, highlighting their importance to England’s offensive strategy. Minor adjustments have been made in the full-back and midfield areas, but the spine of the team has remained unchanged, indicating a clear tactical blueprint for England.
Spain Starting Lineups: Rotation and Tactical Tweaks
Spain, in contrast to England, has shown a greater willingness to rotate players and adjust their lineup based on the opposition and match situation. This adaptability has allowed them to utilize the depth of their squad effectively.
Euro Final XI Prediction: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata
Semi-final XI: Unai Simón; Jesús Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata
Quarter-final XI: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Round of 16 XI: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Matchday 3 XI: Raya; Jesús Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo; Zubimendi, Merino; Ferran Torres, Olmo, Oyarzabal; Joselu
Matchday 2 XI: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Matchday 1 XI: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Image: Memories of past encounters like Euro ’96 add to the anticipation for the final.
Unai Simón has been the preferred goalkeeper, but Spain has experimented with their defense and midfield throughout the tournament. Players like Jesús Navas, Nacho, Vivian, and Grimaldo have featured, showcasing the squad’s depth. While Rodri and Fabián Ruiz have been midfield mainstays, partners like Pedri, Merino, and Zubimendi have been rotated. The forward line, featuring Yamal, Morata, and Williams, has also seen some changes, with Olmo, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, and Joselu all getting opportunities. This rotation indicates Spain’s tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt their approach depending on the game.
Final Showdown: Lineups to Define the Champion
As England and Spain gear up for the Euro final, the starting lineups will be critical in determining the champion. England’s consistent approach versus Spain’s adaptability sets the stage for a fascinating tactical battle. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching the team sheets to see which players are chosen to start in this highly anticipated Euro final.
