Lamine Yamal or Bukayo Saka? Tony Cascarino chooses between attackers ahead of Spain vs England Euro 2024 final
Former Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino has picked England's Bukayo Saka ahead of Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal in his combined starting XI ahead of the Euro 2024 final. The two European giants are set to face each other for the trophy later tonight (Sunday, July 14).
Yamal has left fans around the globe shellshocked with his performances for La Roja at Euro 2024. Despite being just 17 years of age, the Barcelona right-winger has provided three assists in six games - the highest in the tournament so far.
Moreover, he made history in the semi-finals when he scored his first goal of the tournament in Spain's 2-1 win over France. This made Yamal the youngest-ever goalscorer in Euros history at 16 years and 362 days.
While Yamal has been one of the best players at Euro 2024, Cascarino believes Saka is still the better player between the pair. He told talkSPORT (via The Boot Room):
“Well, I think Saka has played different roles. He has been a wing-back, like a full-back and a winger. He has gone past defenders. He has been a threat on that right side whatever position he has played. I think he has been so versatile in this tournament about the demands of what Gareth has put on him. And I am just having him ahead.”
Saka has failed to replicate his Arsenal form for England at the biggest stage but still possesses more experience than Yamal. The former has scored one goal at Euro 2024, netting in the Three Lions' quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Harry Redknapp believes Spain will be 'scared to death' of facing Jude Bellingham; tips England to win Euro 2024 final
Pundit Harry Redknapp reckons Spain will be fearing coming up against Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham in the Euro 2024 final. He also tipped England to win the tie later tonight, claiming they have a stronger team man-to-man compared to La Roja.
Bellingham had an outstanding debut season for Los Blancos, garnering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, winning three trophies in the process. The 21-year-old was crowned the La Liga Player of the Season and is one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Despite his nation's shaky form at the Euros, Redknapp gave a confident verdict to The Sun, saying (via METRO):
"I’m convinced England will do it. I’ve said all along that this is our time, so there’s no way I’ll be going back on my prediction. Not because it’s written in the stars, not because the draw has been kind, and not because we’ve ridden our luck on more than one occasion in these Euros."
He added:
"All that’s helped, for sure, but not the reason I’m so confident. It’s because I look at the two teams and just think, man for man, we are stronger than Spain."
He further said:
"I tell you something, though – England have a hell of a lot more for them to be worried about, trust me. Like Jude Bellingham, for a start. In Madrid they won’t be thinking of a man who’s only been at his best in flashes but the outstanding star of La Liga who took Spain by storm. They’ll be scared to death of facing him, while Jude will be full of confidence at what he can do to them."
Despite his club form, Bellingham has been quite poor in midfield at the Euros, despite his two goals from six matches.