EuroCup: Tactics of England and Spain in the European final

July 19, 2024, 12:15 p.m.

England Press

England started this final in 4-2-3-1 with an extreme man-to-man pressing from the front (not as intense as Bielsa ball). Here we see the evidence from the very first minute of the game, they match Spain’s 4-3-3 build-up, force La Roja to play outside, and try to recover the ball there. The game remains cagey with 0.11 and 0.09 XG in the first half.

Second Half

Spain scores just inside the first two minutes after the break thanks to the change of build-up structure. Instead of playing left midfield in the first half, Fabian drops himself to the lower right of their own field. So, his marker which is supposed to be England’s left midfield (Rice) can’t follow.

It also triggers the rotation of right back (Carvajal) and right winger (Yamal). Now Luke Shaw has a big dilemma whether he should jump on Carvajal or drop to Yamal.

Dummy run from Morata and Olmo plays massive part to create the space for Williams as well.

The Three Lions has woken. The game is more opened.

All Square

The equaliser comes from a counter attack in 73rd minute. The leader give what England want to do throughout this tournament: Saka 1 on 1 with space and time. We have seen teams and teams block him with two players as Arsenal’s main man tops the dribbling and touches in the box metrics for England.

Then, Bellingham’s quality to arrive late into the box shines as he lays off Saka’s ball to assist Palmer’s stunner.

Receive and Turn

The winning goal has seen both England’s mistake and Spain’s caliber. As you can see, there is a big space between first and second line of pressure (like a 6-4 formation). Four attackers are cut off from Laporte’s pass. Then, Rice tries to delay Olmo, but the defensive line drops causing space between the lines and Olmo’s pass cuts other three players.

On the other hand, the winning side’s players pass, receive with back foot between lines, and attack fast in the last third. Very beautiful goal to crown the champion of Europe. They really show the World they are the best team of the tournament and a joy to watch.

 

Author: Punn Winichakul, Sport Analyst

Instagram: @punnwini