FINAL FACEOFF
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Abel Ruiz: This Barcelona B forward has effectively led the lines, having scored six goals, he will look to add to his tally in the final.
Ferran Torres: The Valencia youth product‘s pace and trickery have been key behind Spain’s progress.
Sergio Gomez: With a lethal left foot, Barcelona’s Sergio Gomez can put pin-point crosses as well as convert chances.
STRENGTHS
Speed: Spain’s speed is a threat. Because of their pace, they can be very lethal on the break. Strong wing-play: While Spain can break teams down with their fluent passing, one of their biggest weapons is their wing-play. Having terrorised the full-backs, Ferran Torres and Sergio Gomez will be key to their chances against England. Finishing ability: Six players have scored for Spain in this tournament, with Abel Ruiz top-scoring for the team with six goals. Having scored 15 goals in six games, there is no doubting this team’s finishing ability.
WEAKNESSES
Question marks in defence: Spain have conceded five goals in their six games. They came under pressure against France, Iran and Mali but were saved as the rivals missed a lot of chances. Isolation of Abel Ruiz: In the group game Brazil were able to cut off supply to Ruiz by playing a high line, narrow formation. Lack of physical presence: Spain are one of the most technically superior sides but with very little physical aggression. They lack physical players who can play the role of a disruptor and help soak up pressure in the midfield.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rhian Brewster: The England forward has two hattricks against USA and Brazil in the quarters and semi-finals respectively.
Calum Hudson-Odoi:
The attacking medio is highly rated at Chelsea, where he starred in the youth side’s treble win.
Phil Foden: The City medio can dictate play and his combination with Brewster has worked very well.
STRENGTHS
Solid backup: Jadon Sancho’s unavailability beyond the group stages have not been felt and Steve Cooper’s boys have shown heart of champions.
Star power: Aside from Brewster, England posses the likes of Calum Hudson-Odoi, Angel Gomes, Phil Foden and George McEachran who can make life hard for Spain if necessary. Fluid unit: England’s biggest strength is they function like a well-oiled machine. Every player has a pre-defined role and sticks to it, making the team that much harder to stop when they move forward.
WEAKNESSES
History against them: England have always been regarded a powerhouse, but they have won only one World Cup. This is a problem that has plagued them at the youth level as well losing to Spain in the U-17 Euro. Conceding goals: England’s defence has the tendency of letting goals at unwanted periods. It cost them the U-17 European Championships, as a late Spain equaliser saw England lose the final on penalties. They even conceded two goals against Mexico in the FIFA U-17 World Cup group stages after leading the game 3-0 for 65 minutes.