SUNSPORT’S team of experts have analysed three key decisions for Gareth Southgate ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
The Three Lions head into tomorrow’s clash looking to make history after getting past the Netherlands in the semis.
England have never won a European Championship before.
And they could not be facing a tougher opponent in Spain, who knocked out France and Germany on their final to the final while winning every single one of their matches.
But Southgate has three key decisions to make ahead of kick-off in Berlin.
Here, SunSport experts Dave Kidd, Charlie Wyett and Dan King join Tom Barclay to get to grips with the manager’s most pressing issues…
Should Harry Kane start as he chases the Golden Boot?
Or is Southgate going to be tempted by either Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney?
Dave Kidd: “I said that I’d drop Kane before the semi-final but I was probably wrong.
“I think he struggled very badly against Slovakia and Switzerland. I don’t think he’s entirely fit but I think he did a good enough job against Holland. He took the penalty.
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“Quite frankly there’s no way on earth Southgate’s going to drop Kane for the final. This is a guy who’s been waiting all his life for a major trophy. He might finally win one.
“Southgate’s not going to drop Kane and he probably shouldn’t do but we’ve seen Toney and Watkins affect games in big big ways, particularly Watkins.
“But I think Toney did very very well against Slovakia and taking that penalty… the no-look penalty everyone’s obsessed with against Switzerland.
“He’s been doing it for Brentford for some time but up front it will be Kane.”
Charlie Wyett: “Kane has to start. I find some of the criticism of him pretty bizarre. Yes he’s clearly not his sharpest but I thought he’s played quite well.
“For Toney and Watkins to feature, I think it just depends how the game’s going. Both players have done really well.
“But I certainly wouldn’t start either of them ahead of Kane. They’re both great players but they’re not in his class.
“I think that’s pretty obvious England don’t have a striker anywhere near standing with Kane.
“Equally, England have this confidence now that if Kane does go off Toney or Watkins can change the game.
“That’s a huge thing to know and can also win a penalty shootout. In the past taking Kane off ahead of a potential penalty shootout would be a nightmare.”
Luke Shaw is raring to go and make his first start of the tournament.
But would it be wiser for Southgate to stick with Kieran Trippier?
Dave Kidd: “There’s only one major issue up for grabs and that’s who begins at left back — and whether even Shaw’s fit enough to start the game.
“You would always want to have Shaw to give you that natural balance on the left-hand side, but it seems they’re not confident enough that he’s fit enough to play 90 minutes.
“Shaw came off the bench at half-time against Holland and the game was kind of changing at that point and the Dutch got on top.
“Shaw didn’t have a huge amount of time to showcase what he’s able to do going forward so I would imagine that Trippier will start as he has done all tournament.
“But the one selection thing I’d like to see change would be Shaw if he’s deemed to be fit enough.
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Dan King: “Trippier’s been a soldier — that’s the way Southgate described him the other day. But it’s obvious that he’s playing on the wrong side.
“Having a natural left-foot like Shaw fits that better. But is there an argument to be said about Yamine Lamal?
“I think the thing with Trippier is his defensive abilities. Because he’s right-footed, he’s not going to go on the outside, and I think this game against Spain is going to be different to any of the games we’ve played before.
“Having a right-footed left-back there who is naturally going to follow someone cutting on the inside is going to be important.
“I think there’s the potential to hopefully frustrate Spain and not let Yamal have the kind of free reign he’s had in other games.
“Then at that point you make a change, on the front foot, and bring Shaw on to not only defend but go on the outside and give us an extra attack.”
Can England’s midfield finally click into life?
And did Southgate make a mistake not including Kobbie Mainoo from the start?
Dave Kidd: “Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield was never a hit. It was not a good idea in the first place. I thought it was pretty insulting to Mainoo that he even started.
“Gareth was wrong to play Trent, a right back, there. That was a mistake.
“Declan Rice has not played particularly well either. But I think some of it is that he’s had to play with three different players (Mainoo, Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher).
“Phil Foden struggled in the group stage but I think that the change in formation has helped him perhaps more than anybody. It’s allowed both him and Bellingham to play centrally behind Kane.
“The shape really suits these 11 players that Southgate keeps picking and he won’t deviate from.
“But Foden disappointed me in the group stage. Jude Bellingham at times too, but he has his moments.
“The first half against Serbia, outstanding. The overhead kick against Slovakia, unbelievable.
“But Bellingham’s not been consistently as good as he might have been as well.”
England have played Spain 27 times in total - here is a look at every result...
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
