England vs.
The semi-finals of the European Championship will see England face off against their opponents for a place in the final. As the host nation and one of the tournament favorites, England will be looking to progress past the semis for the first time since the World Cup in 1966.
The Road to the Semi-Finals
England topped their group with two wins and a draw, followed by a comfortable victory over Ukraine in the quarter-finals. Throughout the tournament, they have showcased a solid defensive unit, conceding only two goals in five matches. In attack, the likes of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane have been in fine form, with the latter currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with four goals.
As for their opponents in the semi-finals, it remains to be seen who they will face. It could be Italy, Spain, Belgium, or Switzerland. All four teams have impressed in their own way so far, and England will need to be at their very best to come out on top.
Italy
If England were to face Italy in the semi-finals, it would undoubtedly be a tough test for Gareth Southgate's side. Italy have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, winning all four of their matches and conceding just one goal. Their performances have been based on a highly organized defense, with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in top form.
At the other end of the pitch, Italy have plenty of attacking talent, with the likes of Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne causing problems for opposition defenses. If England are to progress past Italy, they will need to find a way to break down their resolute defense while keeping their own backline solid.
Spain
In the event that England face Spain in the semis, they will be up against one of the most possession-based teams in world football. Spain have dominated possession in each of their matches so far, with the likes of Sergio Busquets and Pedri dictating the tempo from midfield.
While Spain have been impressive in their build-up play, their finishing has been a concern. They have scored just six goals in five matches, with Alvaro Morata in particular struggling in front of goal. If England can keep Spain at bay defensively and capitalize on their own chances, they could potentially progress to the final.
Belgium
Belgium have been one of the most exciting teams to watch at Euro 2020, with their attacking trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard causing headaches for defense after defense. In midfield, Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel have provided a solid platform for the team to build from.
However, Belgium have had defensive concerns throughout the tournament, with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld showing signs of their age. If England can expose these defensive frailties while keeping Lukaku and his teammates at bay, they could potentially progress to the final.
Switzerland
Switzerland have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament, knocking out World Champions France in the Round of 16. Their performances have been based on a rock-solid defense, conceding just four goals in five matches.
At the other end of the pitch, Switzerland have relied on their talisman Xherdan Shaqiri, who has scored three goals so far in the tournament. If England are to progress past Switzerland, they will need to find a way to break down their stubborn defense while keeping Shaqiri quiet.
The Final Word
Regardless of who England face in the semi-finals, they will need to be at their very best to progress to the final. The team has shown great resilience and quality throughout the tournament so far, and they will be hoping to continue that trend in the semis and potentially beyond.
With the nation fully behind them, England will be looking to make history by winning their first major trophy in 55 years. Can they go all the way? Only time will tell.
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