Down but never out - Is it finally coming home?

 

How was the game vs Netherlands? And, what about that Watkins moment?

Alex:

The Watkins goal was just brilliant. He’s shown his clinical instincts for Villa over a number of seasons now and the finish he produced last night was well worthy of winning such a huge game. I’m really pleased for him and Southgate too, who acted decisively to introduce Watkins and Palmer in the 81st minute in place of the tiring Kane and influential Foden. Southgate has been criticised for his lack of proactive changes, but you have to give him credit for making such a bold move which ultimately won us the game.

The match itself was, if you’ll excuse the cliche, a game of two halves. We produced our best performance of the tournament during the opening 45 with Foden excelling in a central role. The overall tempo, intensity and fluidity in our play was everything that had been missing from earlier lacklustre performances.

However, the tweaks Koeman made tightened the game up in the second half and resulted in a much closer midfield battle playing out. The Dutch caused us plenty of problems from set pieces but we looked the much more threatening side from open play. We’ve shown throughout this tournament that we’re capable of producing magic moments right at the end of games and this proved to be the case once more.

 

Lowe-Down:

Wow, what a moment. Explosive. Clinical. Clutch. It was a bit of everything we’ve been lacking this tournament. Watkins’s off the ball movement, Palmer’s through ball and then Watkins with the speed of thought to whip his foot through the ball from a seemingly impossible goal. Bedlam ensued.

As for the game, England’s first half was their best half of the tournament. They moved the ball quicker, found the lovely Foden and Bellingham to feet and they caused the Dutch problems all half. Kane’s performance was also better in the half, looking sharper and he of course did well to win that penalty.

In the second half, England struggled. I’m not sure what Gareth says at half time, but England from minute 45 to around the 75th minute mark have been so poor in the last three games. In 3 games, we’ve not had a shot on target in this period of the game. With the Dutch plugging the gaps Foden and Bellingham enjoyed in the first half, England looked a shadow of that first half performance and it looked set up for extra time, again. And then Watkins happened. And here we are.

 

Ahead of the final, how are we looking? What threats do the Spanish pose?

Alex:

To put it simply, we look much better when compared to our earlier performances in the tournament. Southgate’s change in system has really helped to improve our fortunes. Positioning Foden closer to Saka has seen the latter flourish as he now has more space to operate in due to the fact opposition players are drawn towards attempting to stop the City talisman. Foden - his attacking influence clear for all to see against the Netherlands - has been given the licence to create from more central areas and England are looking more potent as a result of this tactical tweak.

The Spanish threats speak for themselves really. Yamal and Williams have dazzled during this tournament and will be the key men to stop. However, I also believe that we will need to try to prevent Rodri from dictating. His ability to control the game provides Spain with their platform to attack, so the midfield battle could well be key in deciding the game.

Lowe-Down:

We’ve certainly improved as the tournament has gone on, culminating in that first half vs the Netherlands. Our key players look more settled in this new system, and Mainoo’s inclusion has added poise and balance to the midfield. He’s been terrific. Whilst we’ve not hit top gear in this tournament, and I don’t expect us to against Spain, we might not need to.

To beat Spain, we’ll need to play better for longer. We can’t afford to have that 30 minutes off after half time because Spain could bury us in that time. In terms of specific threats Spain have, you have to start with the wingers. They’ve lit up the tournament and have been the two standout attackers. Their directness, unpredictability and output pose significant threats to us. Whilst they dazzle on the flanks, getting a hold on midfield runners such as Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz will be key too. Their key man is obviously Rodri and in terms of stopping him, I don’t think that’s possible in isolation, but limiting his effectiveness by defending the spaces between our midfield and defence will mean he won’t have as many forward pass options available.

 

Dare I ask for a prediction?

Alex:

It’s hard to believe we’ve actually made the final having played as poorly as we have for much of the tournament, but here we are. Spain are undoubtedly the favourites and have easily been the best side at this Euros. However, I just wonder whether the stars are aligning for England. I’m expecting a cautious approach from Southgate but surely he’s realised from our previous final defeat to Italy that we can’t just sit back for the whole game. I’m expecting extra time, then who knows? Head says Spain, heart says England.

Lowe-Down:

It’s really a difficult one. Spain are, of course, favourites. They’ve been the best team this tournament, they have cohesion in their play and as their coach said they “attack like a big team and defend like a small one”, which is a good combination. Their midfield is ever so balanced and by far the tournament’s best and they’ll look to dominate the middle of the park. Spanish teams have won 22 consecutive finals against foreign counterparts.

However, tournament football doesn’t often follow the script. England, in the words of Jude Bellingham have “written their own scripts.” They have a quality about them. A never say die attitude is one thing but what England have shown runs deeper than that. An inevitability. That Real Madrid gene. No matter the adversity they’re faced with, they get over the line. It’s not something, as England fans, we’re used to. All it takes is a moment. And boy, can we produce moments. Let’s get behind the boys. It’s coming home!