Spain Win is A Victory For Football : A Lesson in Tactical Football With Dave Hendrick | OneFootball

England vs. Spain: A Tactical Review of the Euro 2024 Final

Introduction

The Euro 2024 final between England and Spain was a masterclass in contrasting football philosophies. Dave Hendrick, in his Two Footed podcast, delved deeply into the intricacies of the game, offering critical insights and observations. This article captures Hendrick’s analysis, emphasising the key moments and tactical nuances that defined the match.

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Spain’s Dominance and England’s Struggles

From the outset, Spain demonstrated their tactical superiority, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. “Football won yesterday,” Hendrick proclaimed, highlighting Spain’s 2-1 victory as a triumph for the beautiful game. Nico Williams’ goal on 47 minutes epitomised Spain’s dominance, as they capitalised on England’s cautious approach. Hendrick criticised England’s strategy, stating, “England had seed possession, territory, and all the rest and set out not to win the game but to not lose the game.”

Key Moments and Tactical Shifts

England’s lack of offensive urgency was palpable until significant changes were made. Hendrick noted, “Harry Kane was hauled off… Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins came on, and England looked like a team.” These substitutions injected life into England’s attack, leading to Bukayo Saka’s brilliant run and Jude Bellingham’s improvisation that set up Palmer’s equalizer.

However, Spain’s resilience and tactical discipline shone through. Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner was a testament to Spain’s structured approach and ability to execute under pressure. Hendrick lauded Spain’s “front-footed approach” and their “belief in themselves, their mindset, their mentality.”

The Managerial Edge

Hendrick drew stark comparisons between the managerial philosophies of Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente. He praised de la Fuente’s ability to mend the rift between Real Madrid and Barcelona players, fostering unity within the squad. “Delente came in and he sorted that,” Hendrick said, emphasising the harmonious environment de la Fuente cultivated.

In contrast, Hendrick was critical of Southgate’s conservative tactics and reluctance to make bold decisions. He argued, “Southgate refused to bruise egos by dropping Harry Kane or Phil Foden,” suggesting that England’s manager lacked the courage to make necessary tactical adjustments.

Statistical Insights

Hendrick’s analysis was bolstered by a plethora of statistics that highlighted England’s shortcomings. England’s expected goals (xG) at Euro 2024 was a mere 6.43, lower than that of teams eliminated in the group stage like Croatia. “England created less XG at Euro 2024 than Croatia, who had 7.1 and went out in the group stage,” Hendrick pointed out, underscoring the inefficiency of England’s attack.

Furthermore, England’s defensive frailties were evident throughout the tournament. Hendrick was particularly critical of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, labelling their performances as “dreadful.” In contrast, he praised Spain’s consistent defensive solidity, where “nobody in that Spanish backline at any point in this tournament turned in less than seven out of 10.”

Conclusion

Dave Hendrick’s Two Footed podcast provided a comprehensive and incisive review of the Euro 2024 final. His critique of England’s cautious approach, juxtaposed with Spain’s tactical brilliance, offers valuable insights for football enthusiasts and analysts alike. As Hendrick aptly summarised, the final was a “victory for the beautiful game,” epitomising the essence of football as a sport of strategy, skill, and belief.