'Astonishing' stat lost in French Euros charge

We have reached the last four at the Euro's as England, Netherlands, France and Spain are left to battle it out to see who will be crowned the kings of Europe.

The first semi-final between will see possibly the most impressive team of the tournament Spain taking on one of the pre-tournament favourites France.

Luis de la Fuenta's Spanish team has displayed some impressive football during their run to the semi-finals, including overcoming host nation Germany in the quarter finals after a last-minute winner by Mikel Merino. 

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Spain though will be without influential midfielder Pedri and experienced fullback Dani Carvajal due to injury and suspension.

Despite this, Spain remain confident that they are well placed to contest their first European Championship final since 2012 where they were victorious. 

Fullback Marc Cucurella reiterated this belief and that the team is well placed to overcome any absentees. 

Alvaro Morata of Spain celebrates the victory at the end of the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final football match between Spain and Germany. Spain won 2-1 over Germany after extra time. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"We are a united team, which gives everything for its teammate – that is one of the secrets," he said.

"Those of us who have been here know that anyone can perform at the level. We have to do things well, but the coach is the one who decides the replacements."

Key to Spain's success have been wingers Nico Williams and young starlet Lamine Yamal, who have tormented opposing fullbacks all tournament. They will again play a huge part regarding the direction the game takes for Spain as they look again to spearhead Spain's front three alongside captain Alvaro Morata. 

On the other hand, France have been underwhelming to say the least.

Didier Deschamps' team has struggled to ignite the attacking talent within their ranks, although he will have faith his trusted lieutenants including Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann will be able to raise their levels once again.

Kylian Mbappe of France looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France at Volksparkstadion on July 5, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

"For various reasons Kylian and Antoine are not playing their best football compared with what they know they can," Deschamps said.

"Despite all of this, we are here."

France are amazingly two games away from winning a tournament where they have failed to score a goal from open play.

It's an astonishing statistic, though not one that would concern a French team well-used to contesting at the pointy ends of big tournaments, knowing they possess the individual talent to defeat anyone on their day. 

But I'm still tipping Spain.

Having lost the final of the 2021 Euros to Italy in a shootout, England again find themselves with a golden opportunity to break a a near-six decade silverware drought.

But, like France, Gareth Southgate's men have been far from impressive with the likes of Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham failing to replicate their irrepressible club form on the international stage.

Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring his penalty during the penalty shoot out of the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England and Switzerland.

Much criticism has been thrust in Southgate's direction regarding the way he has set up an England team which has struggled to break down packed defences and create chances. 

Despite the criticism, Southgate has stuck to his beliefs maintaining the unity in his squad and that the direction they are heading in will bear fruit come the end of the tournament. 

"I know where I want to take the team to. The team need to see me strong in those moments as well, otherwise that messaging that you're giving them on what they need to be, it doesn't ring true," said Southgate. 

In contrast, Ronald Koeman's Oranj have progressed somewhat under the radar as they look to add to the Dutch's solitary European Championship title back in 1988.

Having finished third in their group after a shock loss to Austria, Koeman's team overcame a resilient Romanian outfit before fighting back to see off the challenge of Turkey in the quarter finals. 

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Coming into the tournament, the lack of goal scoring options was seen as an obvious point of weakness for the Dutch.

Star midfielder Frankie de Jong was left at home to due to injury, but the form of Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has helped the Dutch overcome some of these short comings. His electric displays have given Koeman's team a dangerous attacking outlet despite the struggles of Memphis Depay in front of goal. 

The fervent Dutch support during the tournament has been well documented, and the Netherland's will once again be leaning on this support as they look to overcome an English side oozing with class. 

"I think for the whole nation it's something special," Koeman said.

"We're a small nation and we're part of the semi-final with England, France, and Spain. We're really proud to have the opportunity to play it."

I'm tipping England.

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