Teddy Sheringham predicts Spain vs England Euro 2024 final and names Gareth Southgate's ideal replacement
Former Manchester United forward Teddy Sheringham has backed England to defeat Spain 2-1 in their upcoming Euro 2024 final clash at the Olympiastadion (Sunday, July 14). He also named Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the standout candidate to replace Gareth Southgate.
La Roja will be the favorites to lift their fourth European Championship after becoming the first-ever team to win six games in a row in a single edition. They have been flawless at Euro 2024, and most recently knocked out pre-tournament favorites France in the semi-finals with a 2-1 win.
On the other hand, England have relied on some good fortune to progress to the final amid their shaky form. Despite being held to two draws in the group stage, they were placed on the favorable side of the bracket for the knockouts. They have relied on individual moments of brilliance since, defeating Slovakia in extra-time, Switzerland on penalties, and the Netherlands with a last-minute winner.
In an exclusive with METRO, Sheringham gave his thoughts on Spain:
"I think Spain have been the most impressive team in the tournament. When Rodri is in the team he makes them tick like Manchester City – it looks like they’re never going to give the ball away. Having said that, I don’t think they’re unbeatable – if we have a go at them with a caution that Gareth will put in the players’ minds, I think we’ve got a good chance of winning it."
He added:
"I don’t think there are going to be a lot of goals in it because we’re going to have to be very tight on their two wingers, but I still hope and expect that we’ll win it."
Making his final prediction, he stated:
"I said before the last game that it will be tight and we’ll win by a goal, I said 1-0 before, but I think it might go to 2-1 again."
When asked about possible replacements for Southgate - who has been criticized for his style of play - Sheringham added:
"I would break the bank for Pep Guardiola. He would probably rather manage Spain, but if you have all the money in the world – like the FA have – then I would say break the bank and get Guardiola!"
Sheringham's Prediction: Spain 1-2 England
Teddy Sheringham explains why Harry Kane should start over Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney in England's Euro 2024 final clash against Spain
Teddy Sheringham also delved into why he believes Harry Kane should lead the line for England in the final against Spain over the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
Kane has struggled to have a standout Euros campaign for England. The Bayern Munich superstar has failed to have a notable presence up front, often having to drop back into midfield to be involved in their matches. Despite this, the 30-year-old is still at the top of the Golden Boot race with three goals from six games.
England do have other options up front, with both Watkins and Toney impressing in their limited game time. The former scored the winner in their 2-1 semi-final win against the Netherlands despite being on the pitch for just nine minutes. Meanwhile, Toney has provided one assist so far in his two appearances.
Sheringham told the aforementioned publication:
"I don’t think Ollie Watkins should start the final. I think Harry Kane is our leader and he leads by example. I know he hasn’t had the best of campaigns, but he if scores a goal in the final then he’ll win the Golden Boot again – it’s as simple as that. He’s not been as explosive as normal and that might have something to do with who we’ve been playing against."
He added:
"I think Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have both put their credentials forward to start, but I think we’ll still see our leader leading from the front in the final."
Kane is England's highest goalscorer of all time and will likely be entrusted to start against Spain due to his experience. He has an impressive international record, having scored 66 goals and provided 19 assists in 97 appearances across all competitions.