He Denmark Vs England and the Spain Vs Italy They were two great games that allow us to leave some reflections and comparisons between two of the candidates for the Euro 2024. The styles of the teams trained by Southgate and From the source They have certain differences despite sharing the same starting tactical system on paper.
Defensive approach
England He lined up in a defensive 4-4-2, sought to protect his field and wait for the opponent to make mistakes. Instead, Spain used a 4-4-2 being Morata and Pedri the most advanced, with a high block and intense pressure from the beginning, forcing the opponent’s error in order to recover the ball as soon as possible.
This difference in defensive approach reflects two different proposals: England preferred a more patient and conservative stance, while Spain opted for a proactive and aggressive defense.
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Efficiency Match Sports
Offensive approach
In attack, England proposed a 4-2-3-1 with a Bellingham hitch to connect with Harry Kane, Saka and Foden. The team depended on the individualities of these players who are key to breaking down rival defenses with their individual talent, but at times the team lacked 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 that had a great performance, Rodri controlled the middle of the field, Morata threatening for his presence, a Pedri between the lines and a Fabian who interpreted his height well to also reach areas of the rival area.
Spain generated numerous scoring opportunities through varied offensive resources: combinative play, individual combinations, shots from outside the area, crosses, incorporation of the full-backs.
Positional play
Spain has proven to be, so far, one of the teams that best manages this phase of the game. He constantly looked behind the opposing midfield line, placing players who could receive in these difficult-to-defend areas.
It is necessary to highlight Rodribeing the most rearward player of the midfielders, was the obvious support point for the team to pivot the game, in addition to his ability to intercept possible counterattacks when possession of the ball was lost.
England proved to be less powerful in this phase of the game. Bellingham, as always, showed performance and effort, but they lacked organization with the rest of the players to subdue a solid structure from the Danes.
Pressure after loss
Another characteristic aspect of the Spanish team is the intention to recover the ball when it is lost in the opposite field. On the contrary, England sometimes did so timidly or simply retreated into a medium-low block.
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Response after dialing
England, after scoring the goal, did not go with determination to increase the score in their favor. He gave ground and preferred to wait to surprise in quick actions. Even when Denmark tied the game, England did not react and maintained the same game plan.
However, Spain did not stop trying to harass and search for the opponent’s goal to increase the score. Although this did not change, and ended with the only goal of the game, the own goal of Calafiori.
Changes during the course of the matches
Neither team made any notable tactical changes. The selectors preferred to change player by player, looking for the newcomers to provide new energy, but without modifying the tactical structure.
Conclusion
England needs to improve their collective play with the ball, probably occupying better positions on the field and generating angles that help in that offensive phase. It cannot depend solely on the individualities of players like Foden or Saka, who had a limited impact in this recent match. It is expected to see a more ambitious England with a clearer idea of how to generate football in the future.
Spain should have materialized more of its numerous scoring opportunities. If in his debut against Croatia, he had a first part of pure scoring efficiency, in this match yesterday, against Italy, he seemed not to want to arrive. Obviously, DonnarummaItalian goalkeeper, had a decisive role with his performance.
Be that as it may, both teams are loaded with individual talent and therefore, both should be considered teams with all the potential to go far in this championship.
