Euro Semi Finals are upon us as Spain face France tonight at 8pm UK time. France are the first team to ever make a Euro semi final without scoring a single goal from open play. Their defence has been immense and stubborn and conceded 1 goal all tournament – a penalty. Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot, and they have received 2 own goals. Spain have been impressive, free flowing and high scoring and I believe they have a good chance of winning this game and making the final. Mbappe is a big name player who can be clutch and do something magical to send France to the final and the watertight defence does give France a platform, and it will be interesting to see Spain’s attack against the France defence. However I believe Spain have the edge and will win 2-1 on the night with Lamine Yamal getting another assist to add to his collection at his first ever Euros.
England face the Netherlands tomorrow night in the other semi final at 8pm UK time. England have not exactly been impressive in this Euros so far but they have had some clutch moments including Bellingham’s last gasp overhead kick equaliser against Slovakia and Saka’s equaliser forcing penalties against Switzerland. The Netherlands is another step up from those countries mentioned though, as they boast a high quality defensive line with Ake, Van Dijk, De Vrij, Van De Ven Frimpong and Dumfries at their disposal. The Dutch attack is not quite as strong however, with Xavi Simons often struggling to make an impact in the attack and Wout Weghorst being their option off the bench, so if England can create and score from a few chances that could be the Three Lions through and into the final. 2-1 England.
Therefore I predict a Spain against England final, and that is an interesting prospect in itself. Spain has dazzled many during this Euros, and surprised me as well (having awkwardly placed them as my underachievers in the predictions – ouch). Just goes to show, what do I know? Football is a game where we can all have bold predictions and some work out and some do not because of the unpredictability football provides. I think Spain might unfortunately get the better of England in the final, due to the lack of creativity within this England side. Harry Kane will probably drop too deep and ghost, Phil Foden struggles to get involved in the England set-up and we are a team who rely on moments as opposed to the collective. Gareth Southgate will make the subs too late as per usual. Spain as a collective can and probably will get the better of us and beat us 2-0 and become European champions causing more heartache and agony and 2 back to back final defeats for England.