He Denmark vs England and the Spain vs Italy They are two great games that allow us to leave some reflection and comparison between two of the candidates for Euro 2024. The styles of the teams coached by Southgate and From the origin They have some differences despite sharing the same basic tactical system on paper.
Defensive strategy
England He lined up in a defensive 4-4-2, looking to protect his midfield and wait for the opponent to make a mistake. instead, Spain use 4-4-2 creatures Morata and Pedri the most advanced, with a high block and intense pressure from the start, forcing the opponent’s error to recover the ball as soon as possible.
This difference in defensive strategy reflects two different propositions: England prefers a more patient and conservative stance, while Spain opts for a proactive and aggressive defense.
Offensive strategy
In attack, England proposed a 4-2-3-1 with a Bellingham obstacle to connect to Harry Kane, Saka and Foden. The team relies on the individuality of these players who are key to breaking down rival defenses with their individual talent, but sometimes the team lacks fluidity and cohesion in their collective plays.
On the other hand, Spain, with 3 midfielders showed a more structured and collective approach. With players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Gonzalez On the wings with great performances, Rodri controlled the center of the field, Morata threat for his presence, a Pedri between the lines and a Fabian which well interpreted his height to reach the areas of the opposing area as well.
Spain generated many scoring opportunities through various offensive sources: collective play, individual combinations, shots from outside the area, crosses, combining full-backs.
Positional game
Spain have proven to be, so far, one of the teams that manage this stage of the game best. He always looks behind the opposing midfield line, placing players who can receive in areas that are difficult to defend.
It is necessary to highlight Rodrias the most rearward player of the midfielders, is the clear point of support for the team to pivot the game, in addition to his ability to intercept possible counterattacks when he loses possession of the ball.
England proved to be less strong at this stage of the game. Bellingham, as usual, showed performance and effort, but they lacked the organization with other players to subdue a solid structure from the Danes.
Pressure after loss
Another characteristic of the Spanish team is the intention to recover the ball when it is lost in the opposite field. In contrast, England sometimes did it timidly or simply retreated to a medium-low block.
Response after dialing
England, after scoring the goal, did not go with the determination to increase the score in their favour. He gives ground and prefers to wait to be surprised by quick actions. Even though Denmark tied the game, England did not react and kept the same game plan.
However, Spain did not stop harassing and looking for an opponent’s goal to increase the score. Although it did not change, and ended with the only goal of the game, the own goal of Calafiori.
Changes during matches
Neither team made any notable tactical changes. The selectors prefer to change player by player, looking for newcomers who will give new energy, but without changing the tactical structure.
Conclusion
England need to improve their collective play with the ball, probably occupy better positions on the field and develop angles that will help in that offensive phase. It doesn’t just depend on the individualities of players like Foden or Saka, who had limited impact in this recent match. Expect to see a more ambitious England with a clearer idea of how to develop football in the future.
Spain should have more of its many scoring chances. If in his debut against Croatia, he had the first part of pure scoring efficiency, in this match yesterday, against Italy, he seemed unwilling to come. obviously, DonnarummaItalian goalkeeper, played an important role in his performance.
However, both teams are full of individual talent and therefore, both should be considered teams that have all the potential to go far in this championship.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
