The first semi-final of UEFA Euro 2024 will see a high-flying Spain team face off against France, who have been resilient throughout this competition, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Also watch: UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-finals preview
Entering this semi-final between Spain and France, there is a lot of uncertainty around La Roja. With several issues with the starting XI due to suspensions incurred in the previous tie, Luis de la Fuente will be forced into making a fair few changes. However, expect Spain to continue playing an exciting brand of football, with their young wingers causing havoc in the wide areas.
France have been largely lacklustre this tournament, but they have managed to find a way to get this far. They edged Portugal on penalties in their previous tie and will be expecting their main man Kylian Mbappé to fire here. Up until this point, the to-be Real Madrid CF striker has only netted once—from the penalty spot against Poland in the group stage.
The major concern in the Spanish camp is surrounding the fitness of star midfielder Pedri, after the FC Barcelona man limped off during his team’s quarter-final tie against Germany. To make matters worse, Spain will be without Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Morata, and Robin Le Normand due to suspensions. Nacho Fernández and Ayoze Pérez, however, were both deemed fit enough to make it to the bench against Germany despite question marks over their fitness.
On the other hand, France will be expected to field a full-strength line-up as Adrien Rabiot returns from suspension.
Spain
Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-W-W-W-W
Most recent result: Spain 2-1 Germany, Euro 2024
European Qualifying: Finished 1st in Group A, with 21 points.
France
Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-W-D-D-W
Most recent result: France 0-0 Portugal (5-3 on penalties), Euro 2024
European Qualifying: Finished 1st in Group B, with 22 points.
Although Spain will be without a fair few of their important players, the quality of football they have shown is far superior to France’s. The likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will still threaten in the wide areas and could prove to be the difference on the night.
Spain 2-1 France
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: William Saliba, Theo Hernández, Aymeric Laporte
Midfielders: Rodri, N’Golo Kanté, Dani Olmo
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé , Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Joselu
Captain: Joselu
Vice-captain: Kylian Mbappé
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