Gareth Southgate has led England into back-to-back Euros finals (Picture: Getty Images)
Spain’s attacking intent could play into England’s hands in the final of Euro 2024, believes former Three Lions defender Jamie Carragher.
Gareth Southgate’s team booked their spot in the final of the European Championship on Wednesday night thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win over Netherlands in Dortmund.
Xavi Simons had given the Dutch an early lead, but a Harry Kane penalty swiftly levelled things up for England, despite protests from the men in orange over the controversial decision.
As the match looked set for extra time, substitute Ollie Watkins struck in the 90th minute with a superb finish to book a clash with Spain in Berlin on Sunday.
Undoubtedly the Spanish will be favourites to lift the trophy having stood out as the best team in the tournament throughout, but Carragher feels there is hope for England.
The Liverpool legend feels Southgate’s side have struggled against defensive-minded teams so far but can shine when given more space to operate by more attacking outfits.
With Spain aggressive and full of attacking intent, Carragher reckons England could capitalise in the huge showpiece match this weekend.
Ollie Watkins was the hero for England in Dortmund (Picture: Getty Images)
‘There will be a school of thought that superior opponents will expose flaws that were identified in earlier games. On the evidence of the semi-final, we should not be so sure,’ Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.
‘There are two Englands in this Euros. There is the team that struggles against low block defences and the one which thrives when given the time and space to express itself.
‘Spain will not be defending. That makes for an exciting prospect because the likes of Phil Foden are getting better with every match.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal has been one of Spain’s star performers this tournament (Picture: Getty Images)
‘What is particularly reassuring is that this England team has demonstrated the winning mentality necessary to go all the way.
‘There was an air of triumphalism across the nation after the penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland. That will be amplified now England are in the final.’
‘England have some great players and are very powerful,’ he said. ‘We have played better than them but that doesn’t have any influence on the match.
‘I don’t have to name any player who stands out. They have a proven track record at international level, but we want to continue growing and improve the level we have played.
‘We will have to find an even better version of ourselves to win the final.’
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