Spain vs France EURO 2024 semi-final preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, possible line-ups
A mouth-watering clash between two titans of European football awaits in Munich. Spain have lit up the tournament so far, and are the only team to win all five of their games. They are also joint-top in number of goals (11) and top on total attempts (102) and balls recovered (230), demonstrating how impressive they have been both going forward and defensively. “My players are insatiable,” beamed coach Luis de la Fuente after the quarter-final win over Germany. “There’s always room for improvement, of course, but we can’t question their pride, quality and commitment.”
Spain vs France previous EURO meetings
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Spain vs France previous EURO meetings
Standing in La Roja’s way, though, are a solid France side who have kept four clean sheets in their five matches so far. Les Bleus are aiming for a fourth major tournament final in the last eight years (after reaching the EURO 2016 showpiece and the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals) – an incredible record which attests to their reservoir of big-game experience. “We’re in the semi-finals and it’s something we shouldn’t take for granted, even if we may be used to it recently,” said coach Didier Deschamps after the quarter-final victory over Portugal. “Now we go to win it.”
Possible line-ups
Spain: Unai Simón: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams
Suspended: Carvajal, Le Normand
France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappé
Who will reach the final? 🤔
🔴 Spain
🔵 France
Graham Hunter, Spain reporter
You don’t win major trophies without somehow passing tests like this. On current form it’s arguable Spain would be favourites to avenge their 2021 UEFA Nations League final loss. La Roja have been winning, scoring freely and convincing in a way Les Bleus have perhaps not quite yet managed. Luis de la Fuente must cope without Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand and Pedri, however. Time for the extraordinary experience of 38-year-old Jesús Navas to come to the fore? There is also in-form goalkeeper Unai Simón and, of course, Spain’s thrilling, youthful wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. This is a test Spain can pass with flying colours.
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Classic semi-final EURO goals
Alex Clementson, France reporter
While much of the narrative post-Portugal has centred on France’s continued struggles going forward, solace will be taken from the side’s nigh-on impenetrable defensive unit. Solid foundations prevent you losing, but there’s an admittance within the camp that a formula for offensive fluidity needs concocting. A third semi-final in Les Bleus’ last four major competitions is a record few can match, and that winning mentality will stand them in good stead against a formidable-looking Spanish outfit.
Views from the camps
Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: “We’re facing a football superpower, a great opponent. They are not just powerful as a team, physically very strong, very quick; they also have brilliant individual players. Undoubtedly, they have some of the best in the world. We’re going to demonstrate all of our potential. I think we’re on the same level as them, both collectively and individually – it’ll be a brilliant spectacle.”
Didier Deschamps, France coach: “[Spain] have had the best EURO so far and have left the best impression after every game. All Spain teams have always had a good midfield who are able to control games. Rodri in particular is essential to the Spanish team, but all their players are important.”
Source: UEFA
