England v Spain match preview
Reigning champions England meet Spain in a tantalising rematch of the 2023 Under-21 Euro final when the teams renew their rivalry in the quarter-finals in Slovakia on Saturday.
La Rojita finished top of their group ahead of fellow five-time champions Italy on goals scored, having beaten Slovakia 3-2 and Romania 2-1 in their first two games.
“We have a model of play, a style,” coach Santi Denia told Uefa. “We look for players out wide who can unbalance the opposition, who have one-on-one ability and speed, apart from quality.
“Our idea is always to have the play inside with quality players who get you up the pitch and can switch the play, and then to find speed on the flanks.”
Spain have reached the final in three of the last four editions of the tournament, becoming champions in 2019 and also making the semi-finals in 2021.
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The Young Lions beat Czechia 3-1 in their opener before drawing 0-0 with Slovenia and losing 2-1 to group winners Germany.
“Replicate what the lads did two years ago,” Alex Scott replied when the midfielder, who scored against Germany, was asked what will be required to knock Spain out.
“It is going to be a tough team. Every Spain team is very good on the ball, very calm and composed.
“We didn’t start well enough [against Germany] and it has cost us. Thankfully, we have qualified in second, so that’s a positive and we will look to the quarter-finals.”
Coach Lee Carsley said the squad “knew how important” their Matchday 3 encounter was. “The first half wasn’t good enough,” he reflected.
“We let ourselves down in terms of the way we played and the goals we conceded. But we responded well in the second half, and that’s more the kind of team I want to see. Having these types of experiences as young players can only help for the future.”
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England v Spain team news
Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Tottenham Hotspur’s Dane Scarlett have not joined England at the tournament because of medical issues.
With his team in a strong position to qualify regardless of the result, Carsley made several changes against Germany and is likely to restore some of his rested players for the quarter-final.
Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, who came on as a substitute, Newcastle left-back Tino Livramento and defender or midfielder Archie Gray, of Tottenham, are among the prime candidates to return.
“I think the second half completely changed,” said Scott. “We changed shape a little bit and freed up Macca in the number 10, and that’s something we can build on in the quarter-finals.
“We work on it every day in training. The lads score goals every single day but it’s not quite clicked yet in the games. With the quality we have in this team, it’s a matter of time before the goals start flying in.”
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Gerard Martin was forced off during Spain’s win over Slovakia with a dislocation in a hand that required an operation and has ruled the Barcelona defender out of the tournament.
Club teammate Pablo Torre sustained a muscle injury during that game but the attacking midfielder came on as a substitute against Italy.
Denia named wingers Raul Moro, Jesus Rodriguez, Diego Lopez and Juan Sanchez as the players he is particularly keen to put in one-on-one attacking situations.
Real Betis’ Rodriguez opened his international account and the scoring against Italy. “It was a goal I’ve been waiting for,” said the 19-year-old.
“I am especially happy that we’ve finished first. We’re going to fight for the trophy now.”
England v Spain expected line-ups
England starting XI: Beadle; Livramento, Quansah, Cresswell, Gray; Scott, Anderson; Elliot, McAtee, Hutchinson; Rowe
Spain starting XI: Iturbe; Pubill, Mosquera, Tarrega, Garcia; Turrientes, Guerra; Torre, Sanchez, Lopez; Joseph
How to watch England v Spain: TV and online streams
Kick-off on Saturday is at 20:00 BST, with live coverage on Channel 4 starting at 19:15.
Fans can use the Channel 4 app to watch online and stream the action via a vast variety of devices on the go.
