“It says a lot about their confidence” - Frank Leboeuf warns England ahead of Euro 2024 final against Spain
Former France international turned television pundit Frank Leboeuf has sent a warning to England ahead of the Euro 2024 final against Spain. The Three Lions will be up against a red-hot Spain team in the summit clash, as they look to clinch their first-ever European Championship.
The two powerhouses of European football will take on each other at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, June 14. Spain have comfortably been the best team throughout the tournament winning every single game in the way.
England, on the other hand, have been far from impressive but have worked their way to their second Euro final in a row. They finished as runner-up in Euro 2020 losing to Italy on penalties.
Frank Leboeuf has warned England that they must not take Luis de La Fuente's side lightly highlighting how they came back from behind to beat France in the semis. Leboeuf told ESPN FC:
“They [England] cannot be comfortable in their minds now because France were very solid defensively. France scored the first goal, but Spain came back [with an equaliser] in 10 minutes and ended up scoring another. It says a lot about their confidence, their skills and the way they are prepared by De la Fuente. It’s going to be a big task for the English [to beat Spain]."
Spain have won the Euros on three occasions which is joint-highest along with Germany. England, on the other hand, have only managed one runner-up finish.
Alan Shearer urges England manager Gareth Southgate to make one big change against Spain in Euro 2024 final
England legend Alan Shearer has urged Gareth Southgate to start Luke Shaw in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. The Manchester United left-back is yet to start a single game in the Euros this time out and has come on from the bench in the last two games.
Southgate's decision to name just one natural left-back in his squad caused a bit of a stir as the 29-year-old was coming back from a long-term injury. Kieran Trippier has been used by Southgate at left-back so far but Shearer has urged the England manager to start Shaw in the final.
He said on the Rest is Football podcast:
"It wouldn't surprise me if he put Luke Shaw in from the start and then kept everything else the same. That is a huge strength in what they've got in Yamal and Williams on either side. Yamal loves to come inside on his left foot, that's what we wants to do, there are not many times where he goes on the outside on the right."
The Newcastle United great added:
"So if that's going to happen, and you are going to play to play three at the back which I think he may do, he should run into traffic which hopefully might work to England's benefit."
Luke Shaw scored for the Three Lions in the Euro 2020 final against Italy but Gareth Southgate's side could not hold onto the lead.