WeeklySA_AdminCOMETH THE HOUR: SPAIN AND ENGLAND LOCK HORNS IN EPIC ENCOUNTER
By Sports Reporter
So here we are. After four weeks of thrilling action featuring 24 teams, we are down to the final two in what looks set to be a classic EURO final.
For many, Spain have been the best side throughout the tournament, setting it alight with an exciting attacking brand of football which blends the experience of veterans like Rodri and Álvaro Morata with the unpredictability and talent of upcomers such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
The likes of EURO holders Italy, hosts Germany and the ever-dangerous France had no answer to La Roja, and Luis de la Fuente’s men will be confident of finishing the job and becoming the first nation to ever win four EURO titles.
Standing in their way, though, are England who have really grown into the tournament after a slow start. Ollie Watkins’ last-gasp winner off the bench in the semi-final against the Netherlands demonstrates the strength-in-depth at Gareth Southgate’s disposal, and it feels like things are starting to click at the perfect time.
After agonisingly losing the EURO 2020 final on home soil to Italy, the Three Lions will be mentally prepared for what is to come in Berlin; plus, they shouldn’t be daunted by Spain after beating them 3-2 in the Nations League in Seville in the teams’ most recent meeting. Strap yourselves in: this could be an epic encounter.
Expert predictions
Graham Hunter, Spain reporter Given how well Spain played in the EURO 2020 semi-final against Italy, this match-up with England could very easily have been the last EURO final at Wembley. Several Spain starters have either played with, or suffered at the hands of, Jude Bellingham so it will be interesting to see how they try to minimise his influence. La Roja have been relentless in Germany: they came here to do this job, and there was only contained excitement after beating France in the semis. Frankly, I think they still have a little bit more left to give.
England’s passage through the knockout rounds has been far from easy, with a last-gasp equaliser to force extra time, a penalty shoot-out and Ollie Watkins’ superb 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands.
Undoubtedly, this is firming up the resolve and self-belief in the squad, who have developed an enviable ‘we cannot lose’ mentality. After the heartbreak of the penalty defeat in the EURO 2020 final, this band of brothers has another chance to finally win some silverware for a country so desperate for success in its national sport.
