Spain’s impressive performances at Euro 2016 can be attributed to their defensive stability and offensive flow – two key aspects that were integral in exploiting England’s weaknesses while keeping their forwards moving continuously.
Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are back after serving suspension against France, while Marc Cucurella remains at left-back. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz form the midfield core ahead of Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal who both come back into contention as defenders. For the upcoming Spain national football team vs England national football team lineups, the selection of players will play a crucial role in determining the strategies both teams employ.
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal again played an instrumental role in Spain’s defence, although not as offensively active. He completed two dribbles and one key pass while making an impressionful defensive display.
Real Madrid full-back Raul Garcia won one tackle, made an interception and two blocks in their 1-0 victory against Italy. Additionally, he provided two crosses (both inaccurate) and created one chance.
Unai Simon was also the first player to touch the ball in the second half, setting up Yamal for an impressive volley that put Spain ahead. England were left wondering how such an experienced side could so easily defeat them in such emphatic fashion.
Robin Le Normand
Defender Eric Bailly first made his La Roja debut in June 2023 and has become a key member of the squad ever since. Born in Pabu, in Brittany’s Cotes-d’Armor department, but opting to represent Spain after completing naturalization proceedings.
Le Normand is an energetic player who excels at aerial duels for Sociedad, winning over six out of nine encounters in that department. Additionally, he logs an impressive number of tackles and interceptions when playing in the back line.
He missed France in the Euro 2024 semifinal through suspension but should be fit enough to play this matchup, likely replacing Dani Carvajal at center back alongside Aymeric Laporte.
Aymeric Laporte
Aymeric Laporte was widely criticized by French football press when he crossed the Pyrenees to join Spain’s national team instead of Les Bleus. Now, however, he will participate in an important match that should give him some measure of satisfaction: his participation will provide ample vindication.
Manchester City defender John Stones will likely start alongside Manchester City Yerry Mina as centre-backs, though Mina remains doubtful due to a back injury. These two form an effective defensive tandem at full-back where both provide strength and reading of the game for their respective positions.
Forward, England’s two-man axis of Rice and Kobbie Mainoo will be a pivotal factor against Spain. Rice brings energy and tenacity, while Mainoo offers calmness and passing ability – qualities well suited to their positions and able to meet Spain’s rapid tempo. England defenders must remain alert against Spain’s counterattacks as well.
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Marc Cucurella
Cucurella has been a regular starter this season, yet has struggled to find his form. Due to two lengthy injury absences and limited starting opportunities, his starting opportunities have been severely curtailed.
However, the Chelsea defender is expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Brentford and has an excellent chance of starting alongside Levi Colwill at left back.
Cucurella made an impressionful mark at Euro 2024, starting all six of Spain’s matches and becoming involved in an extraordinary incident against Germany – Jamal Musiala’s goal-bound shot struck Cucurella’s left arm but referee Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty despite widespread protest from German supporters – prompting widespread booing from them.
Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo has been an impact player for Spain since making his debut in 2019 and likely will remain so after helping La Roja capture UEFA Euro 2024. The Leipzig winger scored in all three appearances he made since becoming part of La Roja – including becoming the youngest person ever to score at either an European Championship or World Cup final when scoring against France at Allianz Arena.
Olmo could fill in for Barcelona star Pedri, who is unavailable due to a knee injury. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz have performed strongly in midfield while Carvajal and Le Normand – who both received rest against Netherlands – should return. Lamine Yamal will complete attack along with Morata who remains fit despite an unfortunate encounter with security staff member in semi finals.
Rodri
Rodri is an indispensable member of Spain’s midfield. A hardworking player, Rodri is known to offer both combative play and cover for their attackers – making him an excellent complement for Fabian Ruiz’s possession-based tiki-taka style of play.
Manchester City midfielder Lewis Holtby has been one of La Roja’s star performers throughout this tournament, being an essential factor in their run to the final.
Rodri has become a mainstay for the national team since making his debut in March 2022, playing central midfielder at times but often as an attacking midfielder. A gifted passer of the ball with great anticipation, Rodri poses a significant threat against any defense he comes against.
Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz has been one of the breakout stars of this tournament and should be on your watchlist on Sunday. The Manchester United midfielder has proven a force despite his relative inexperience at this level of football; his fearless and relentless approach will ensure no fear factor when facing off against Spain’s world-class squad.
Ruiz will likely start alongside Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand in a back four, with Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella rounding off the defensive line. Ruiz should also perform well either as part of Rodri’s double pivot or within an advanced central midfield three – and has already shown impressive production with two shots and one chance created from two starts this season.
Lamine Yamal
At just 16 years old, Barcelona wonderkid Luis Suarez made history when he scored an astonishing goal for Spain against France in their semi-final matchup and became the youngest player ever to make their major tournament debut at that tournament. Today’s final against England only shows how far this talented youngster has already come.
He will have the challenge of stopping England’s wingers, particularly Foden and Nico Williams, who may want to make up for missed chances through eye-catching runs or speed on either flank. Both players are set for stardom; it will be interesting to see who handles pressure better in such an important momentous occasion; one way of measuring that may be how they respond physically throughout a match – two are well known for their hard work ethic.
Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata should keep his spot in Spain’s starting lineup after an outstanding resurgence for club and country, including scoring a key goal against France in Euro 2024 semi-final defeat of them and becoming their fourth highest goal scorer overall. Atletico Madrid striker Morata scored one such goal during their Euro 2024 semi-final triumph; now his goal total has skyrocketed and now ranks as Spain’s fourth-highest ever goal scorer!
La Roja will be without injured stars Dani Carvajal and Rodri, who face lengthy absences due to injury. But Luis Enrique can rely on a strong squad composed of Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte as well as Barcelona midfielders Pedri and Rodri.
Juventus’ Lamine Yamal will start on the right wing, joined by Manchester United’s Luke Shaw from Manchester United. Manchester City’s Fabian Ruiz provides more attacking options from central midfield while Rodri’s return should help him contribute further to Spain’s attack – currently 19th on Spain’s all-time goalscoring list with 36 appearances under his belt.
Nico Williams
Luis de la Fuente should maintain his Euro 2024 winning squad despite an injury crisis affecting Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Dani Olmo and Robin Le Normand despite this setback on Tuesday against Croatia. David Raya should start in goal while Pedro Porro or Marc Cucurella could replace Alex Grimaldo at fullback while young Pau Cubarsi could also make his first Spain appearance alongside Aymeric Laporte in central defence.
Williams is an ambitious winger with a bright future at Athletic Bilbao, but is said to have attracted interest from Arsenal and other top clubs. After making his national team debut in 2022 and helping lead Spain to victory at Euro 2024, Williams will hope to add beating England as another accomplishment on his CV; currently 16 times capped for Spain.
