Spain vs France predictions: La Roja can secure final spot

Gareth Freeman
Spotlight
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will have to make changes to his defence
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will have to make changes to his defence

- Spain have won 12 of their last 15 games
- France have scored just three goals at Euro 2024
- Recommended bet:
Spain to win

Spain and France meet in the first Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday after both sides were taken into extra-time in the previous round.

La Roja held a 1-0 lead over Germany for the majority of the second half but the host nation levelled late on, with Mikel Merino grabbing a last-gasp winner deep into extra-time for Spain.

France played out a goalless 120 minutes with Portugal but prevailed on penalties to seal their own place in the last four.

Team news

Spain’s victory over Germany came at a significant cost as Pedri sustained a knee injury that has probably ended his tournament.

Dani Olmo replaced Pedri against Germany and should come into the starting side after scoring in that game, and providing the assist for Merino’s winner.

Boss Luis de la Fuente will also be forced into changes in defence as Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal are suspended.

France are at full strength and boss Didier Deschamps must decide whether to recall Adrien Rabiot to his midfield after suspension, or keep the faith with Eduardo Camavinga after he impressed against Portugal.

Forward Randal Kolo Muani could be relegated back to the bench with Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram pushing for recalls.

Adrien Rabiot is available to return to the France midfield after a suspension
Adrien Rabiot is available to return to the France midfield after a suspension

The stats

France have drawn three of their five Euro 2024 games.

Spain have scored 11 goals in five games in Germany.

France have managed just three goals at Euro 2024.

Spain have won 12 of their last 15 games, or 13 including the extra-time win over Germany.

Prediction

Spain have a few selection issues to contend with and the fact De la Fuente has to reorganise his defence is a concern, but overall they have looked a stronger side than France and crucially they have been far more effective in front of goal.

Kylian Mbappe has failed to deliver for Les Bleus, with his form and confidence potentially knocked by a facial injury he suffered in the group stage that requires him to play wearing a mask. With Mbappe misfiring, the French attack looks a little lightweight, whereas Spain have been in excellent form going forward.

La Roja have scored 11 goals in their five games and have conceded just twice. Striker Alvaro Morata has managed only the one goal as Spain have shared the goals around with eight different scorers, while France have benefited from two own goals and the one effort they have put away themselves came from the penalty spot.

For all the attacking talent they possess, Les Bleus have looked incredibly passive at times and for large periods against Portugal they seemed content to sit back and defend. Similar tactics would probably prove costly against Spain’s slick attack so La Roja look the more likely winners even if they do have to make a few changes to their line-up.  

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SpainFranceEuropean Championship