After the EURO 2024 final, coach Gareth Southgate and the England team fell into a state of confusion, whereas Spain was immersed in the aftertaste of victory. In addition to joy, La Roja is also confidently heading to the 2026 World Cup with a unified approach and ideas.
That was the big difference between the two teams and was accurately reflected in the result of the final in Berlin. "Three Lions" produces a generation of talented players with a total value of more than 1 billion pounds. Their personnel are rated highest at EURO 2024 , which includes Spain. However, in reality, La Roja is a team, a collective with a clear playing style.
Spain has become the second team in the history of a major tournament (World Cup and EURO) to win all the way to the championship, after Brazil at the 2002 World Cup. La Roja always sticks to the plan and never complains. regardless of difficulty. They go on the field with the sole goal of winning and showing a progressive attitude.
Gavi was unable to participate in the tournament due to injury, while Pedri left the field in tears in the quarter-finals against Germany. In the final, they also lost Rodri in the entire second half. However, La Roja never wavered and always had an alternative. Just as coach Luis de la Fuente affirmed: "We are still loyal to one idea."
By contrast, England's EURO 2024 campaign has been one of trial and error. Trent Alexander-Arnold started the first two matches as central midfielder and then "disappeared". Meanwhile, Cole Palmer had to wait until the group stage finale to make his first appearance.
Ironically, it was the Chelsea player who equalized for the "Three Lions" in the final. With Jarrod Bowen, the West Ham midfielder came on as a substitute in the first two matches but was not used after that.
It feels like Southgate made a late decision on the list of 26 players to attend EURO 2024. Therefore, he then had to find a way to use them in a forced and unplanned way. To put it bluntly, Southgate has no clear idea of what to do. This is most clearly shown in their attack.
England's attacking style of play depends on individual inspiration and individual moments of brilliance. There were even many times when it seemed like the "Three Lions" were just trying not to lose instead of forcing their opponents. No pressure, no creativity and no connection. That is what Southgate's team showed throughout their journey at EURO 2024.
With Southgate having laid the foundation and created the foundation, England need a more progressive coach who can get the most out of their stars.
Perhaps, the "Three Lions" are trying to copy pragmatism like how Portugal won EURO 2016 or France's success at the 2018 World Cup. However, gone are the days when a team could win. won a major tournament thanks to timely moments.
Instead, the English Football Association (FA) should copy what Spain has been doing. Not only because of its effectiveness, it is also the type of football that most fans want to see.
