Spain v England - Sun 14th July, 20:00 | Euro 2024 Final

[Crooked_rain]

I think Spain looked a bit leggy after 65 mins against France, hence their lumping the ball out to the wing. Also think our bench is stronger, especially in the attacking options.
Anyway we'll wait and see as no doubt the waistcoat will make the necessary subs on 85 mins when it should have been on 60 mins!

And towards the end vs Germany actually but managed to get a goal

I'd imagine players from both sides are feeling it

 

[stonerblue]

I think a major difference is that many of our players look absolutely gassed. Players like Bellingham, Kane, Rice, Saka etc have played almost every minute for their clubs, aiming to be at peak levels for the May finish and now we are in July and their muscles are shot.

The Spanish side have in general played for fewer minutes. Rodri is probably the only exception but I think he's just made of iron.

So using subs early and tactically will be important. Take the rugby union approach of getting your starters to play at maximum intensity for 60/70 minutes and then bring the finishers on. Particularly as Spain are excellent at retaining and cycling possession and we could get absolutely exhausted chasing shadows unless we have full 'snap' when closing down.

It's fair to say the England lads looked done in after an hour in most games. Chasing Spain around won't help.
2 up by half time would.

 

[Crooked_rain]

As predictable, it's reported Southgate is going with the same XI in the final

As expected really,

I didn't even think he would put Shaw in for Trippier as many suggested he might. Even If Southgate wanted to do that, I'm not sure he's the ruthless type that would play someone all the way past the semi's and then drop them for the final. I just don't think he's that kind of bloke and that's a nice trait to have in life, just not sure it's a good one for top level football.

Either way, I don't think the final is gonna be won and lost on whether a 25% fit Luke Shaw plays over Trippier, so Southgate doesn't need need to make a ruthless decision there.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

I want to see us win, though if rodders carries the day I won't be heartbroken. But this whole bank holiday stuff does seem a bit banana republic to me. I don't remember a memorial bank holiday for the essential workers who sacrificed themselves during the pandemic.

That said I would want an open top bus parade cause I've got a feeling it would make quality live TV.

I can't remember what level of hullabaloo we had after the WC win in '66 but a win tomorrow is gonna pass the Coronation of '53, the end of the war in '45, and Super Saturday of 2012 will be relegated to just a couple of 'goldish' baubles.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

I could be wrong, but I’ve got a feeling we will win… I think France would have been the harder game.

Town is going to be rammed tomorrow.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

The first goal will be crucial tomorrow.

If we score first, we’ll sit deep and lose.

If Spain score first, we’ll attack and win.

 

[Ajm1985]

As expected really,

I didn't even think he would put Shaw in for Trippier as many suggested he might. Even If Southgate wanted to do that, I'm not sure he's the ruthless type that would play someone all the way past the semi's and then drop them for the final. I just don't think he's that kind of bloke and that's a nice trait to have in life, just not sure it's a good one for top level football.

Either way, I don't think the final is gonna be won and lost on whether a 25% fit Luke Shaw plays over Trippier, so Southgate doesn't need need to make a ruthless decision there.

I get the personal side of it. I personally don't think Trippier has been the correct choice throughout the tournament at LB, and we should have taken a fit LB option instead of Dunk. Can even see the thought process of a right footed LWB against Yamal cutting in - but would still prefer Shaw. I don't think it makes sense to completely give up an entire flank in attack, as Trippier doesn't offer anything going forward and none of the others fill in that space. Ah well, Southgate's got this far on defensive stability (to an extent) and vibes going forward - could strike lucky again.

 

[Phil1]

He’s shithoused his way to the final with this formation and approach so he might as well go for one more Hail Mary.
The luck he’s got I foresee a last second Rodri OG to win it after 90 mins of chasing shadows.

 

[stonerblue]

As predictable, it's reported Southgate is going with the same XI in the final

Why wouldn't he? Worked so far.

 

[metalblue]

Lol! The essential workers would have to work the bank holiday given in honour of them...

That NHS list will get longer if they don’t ;)