Spain's to Lose?: Euros 2024 Semi-Finals Preview

Spain, France, England and The Netherlands make up the final 4 teams in the competition. El Chumbazo's Jack Heath guides you through what to expect in the enticing semi-finals to come including predictions and team news. Can England finally bring it home? Or are Spain on the verge of glory?

Spain vs France

KO 8pm, Tue 09/07

Spain have continued to place themselves as the best performing side in the Euros so far. Prior to the Germany match, I firmly believed that the winner of the quarter-final would go on to win the tournament. Spain are definitely favourites to go on and win the Euros after a resilient performance against Germany. Lamine Yamal set up Dani Olmo as the midfielder's late run into the box put Spain into the lead in the 51st minute. Germany kept pushing Spain and found an 89th minute equaliser through Florian Wirtz, taking the match into extra-time. Yet, it was super-sub Mikel Merino who scored a superb header in the 119th minute to seal the victory for La Roja. They will be on cloud nine heading into a crucial clash with France.

France continue to struggle to convert their chances in the tournament. They have still failed to score from open play. A bore 0-0 draw with Portugal where quality was lacking from both sides took the match to a penalty decider. João Félix's agonising post-struck penalty was the difference, sending Les Bleus into the semi-final. France have not hit the heights of previous tournaments, seemingly struggling to finish their dinner in front of goal. On the plus side, their defence has looked relatively untroubled, only conceding once in the tournament.

The noticeable team news will come from the Spain camp. Vital piece of the puzzle Pedri injured himself in a tackle with Toni Kroos on Friday. Dani Olmo would be the likely replacement for the young Spanish star. Additionally, Dani Carvajal's sending off and Álvaro Morata and Robin Le Normand's accumulation of yellow cards will force de la Fuente to shuffle the pack. Jesús Navas, Nacho Fernández and Mikel Oyarzabal would be the likely replacements, although Joselu's major knockout experience may be required.

El Chumbazo Predicts:

Jack H: France, similar to England, have been rather fortunate to reach this stage in the competition. Indeed, tournament form is never the defining factor and everything could change in a heartbeat. However, Spain have looked devastating this tournament and have found their flow. Key injuries and suspensions will be a blow but the likes of Williams, Yamal, Rodri and Fabián will lead their team to victory to seal their place in the final. Spain 2-0 France.

George: Despite the ridiculous rules surrounding yellow card suspensions meaning that Luis de la Fuente will have to field a slightly different 11, I still think Spain will have enough to get past the French in normal time. Spain 2-1 France.

Jack B: Despite the good form of Spain, France may have the slight advantage going into this one due to Carvajal, Morata and Le Normand being suspended. It will be Spain’s toughest test so far, but I think Williams and Yamal will be too much for the French fullbacks to handle. Spain 2-1 France.

The Netherlands vs England

KO 8pm, 10/07

The Netherlands overcame a 0-1 deficit to beat a plucky Turkey side 2-1. Young prodigy Arda Güler set up yet another goal with an inch-perfect delivery to Samet Akaydin to nod home to put Turkey into the lead in the 35th minute. The Dutch dug deep and eventually found on equaliser in the 70th minute via an unmarked Stefan de Vrij, a frustrating goal to concede for a highly disciplined Turkish side. Soon, the fairytale was over for the Turks as a Mert Müldür own-goal from a dangerous Denzel Dumfries cross sent the Oranje 2-1 up. In a highly entertaining end-to-end game, Turkey were denied by a last ditch block from Micky van de Ven. The Dutch are beginning to put themselves together at the right time in the tournament following mixed group stage performances.

England squeezed past Switzerland on penalties to secure their place in the semi-finals. Bukayo Saka's superb effort cancelled out Breel Donald Embolo's opener, forcing the game into extra-time then penalties. England, who have historically been woeful from the spot, displayed a mature front as Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Toney and Alexander-Arnold dispatched sensational penalties. England have still not been at their best this tournament but are just doing enough to keep progressing. The performance wasn't convincing but it was an improvement from the previous games, especially the first-half.

Apart from Ian Maatsen, the Dutch go into the game with a clean bill of health. For England, captain Harry Kane came off with a knock in extra-time and will be a concern for the Three Lions. In all honesty, Kane has failed to make much of an impact this tournament, so Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins are both very capable of leading the line for England. Whether Southgate decides to revert to a 4 at the back or maintain the 3 at the back is yet to be decided, particularly with Luke Shaw's return and Marc Guéhi's comeback after suspension.

El Chumbazo Predicts:

Jack H: The Dutch on their day can blow any team away with the pace in attack and big name defenders. Yet, this tournament, they have not been water-tight at the back, encouraging for Saka and co. to run at the Dutch backline. England are gaining more and more confidence with each win despite being under par. I think this will be a gruelling match which could go to penalties again. If so, I'll back the Three Lions to continue their recent excellence from the spot. The Netherlands 1-1 England (England to win on penalties).

George: Is there some form of belief starting to grow in the England camp? After an excellent penalty shootout performance from the Three Lions, confidence might have started to grow just slightly. Although the overall performance was still miles off what we would hope to see, the formation change did ultimately yield an improved performance from England. I expect us to continue to improve as we (hopefully) start to hit our stride at the right time. The Netherlands 1-2 England (AET).

Jack B: England have really dug their way through this tournament, & as much as we can all say about the performances and the tactics of the team so far, Gareth has gotten his team over the line consistently. Also, I can’t see the Netherlands troubling our defence too much. I expect it to be another dogfight that England will come out on top! The Netherlands 0-1 England (AET).