Opinion: Who wins Euro 2024 between Spain and England?

As the excitement for Euro 2024 builds, football fans around the globe are eager to see who will lift the prestigious Henri Delaunay Trophy.

Among the contenders, Spain and England stand out as potential champions, both boasting a rich footballing history and a wealth of talent.

Spain has a storied history in the European Championship, having won the tournament three times (1964, 2008, 2012). The Spanish team’s dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s, characterized by their tiki-taka style of play, set a high standard in international football. Despite a period of transition, Spain remains a formidable force with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents.

England’s history in the Euro is less illustrious compared to Spain, with their best performance being a third-place finish in 1968 and reaching the finals in 2020, where they were narrowly defeated by Italy. However, with a rejuvenated squad under the management of Gareth Southgate, England has shown significant progress, making them strong contenders for the upcoming tournament.

Spain’s attacking prowess is bolstered by the likes of Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, and Ansu Fati.

These players bring a mix of speed, technical ability, and finishing skills that can trouble any defense. The midfield remains Spain’s strongest suit, with players like Pedri, Gavi, and Rodri orchestrating play. Their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game is crucial. In defense, Spain relies on the experience of Sergio Ramos and the rising star Pau Torres. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has also proven to be reliable between the sticks. England’s attacking line-up is one of the most potent in the world, featuring Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and emerging talents like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

Their versatility and goal-scoring ability make them a constant threat. England’s midfield, led by Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Mason Mount, combines physicality with creativity. Their ability to transition from defense to attack quickly is a key asset. England’s defense, anchored by Harry Maguire and John Stones, has shown resilience. The full-back positions, with talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell, add width and attacking support.

Spain’s tactical approach revolves around possession-based football, with a focus on short, quick passes and movement off the ball. Their ability to retain possession and patiently build up play can frustrate opponents and create scoring opportunities. England, on the other hand, employs a more direct approach, utilizing the pace of their wingers and the finishing prowess of their strikers. Southgate’s tactical flexibility, switching between a back three and a back four, allows England to adapt to different opponents. Leading up to Euro 2024, Spain’s performance in the qualification rounds and Nations League will be crucial indicators of their form. Consistency in these matches will show whether they can reclaim their past glory.

England’s recent performances in international tournaments and friendlies have been promising. Their ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in the 2020 Euros and 2022 World Cup, will be vital.

Predicting the winner between Spain and England in Euro 2024 is a challenging task, given the strengths and potential of both teams. However, considering the current form, squad depth, and tactical flexibility, England might have a slight edge. Their recent performances in major tournaments and the blend of experienced leaders and youthful exuberance suggest that they are well-equipped to go the distance. That said, Spain’s rich history and technical mastery cannot be underestimated. Football is often unpredictable, and a moment of brilliance or a tactical masterstroke can change the course of the tournament.

Fans can expect a thrilling competition, with both Spain and England showcasing their best in pursuit of European glory.