England are into the Euro 2024 where they will meet Spain – and Gary Neville fired a warning about one Manchester City player.
Gareth Southgate’s side beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday night in dramatic fashion, as Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score an injury-time winner.
Xavi Simons – a player said to be admired by Manchester City – gave the Netherlands the lead early doors. But that was cancelled out by a controversial Harry Kane penalty.
England produced their best display in the tournament so far, and there is feeling that the Three Lions are hitting form at the perfect time.
But a very difficult task now lies ahead, with Spain easily the best team in the tournament.
And in that team, there’s one man Gary Neville feels must be stopped.
Gary Neville says England must not allow Man City star Rodri to play in Euro 2024 final
Spain have seriously impressed at the Euros.
Luis de la Fuente’s side seem to have a great balance, and they are very slick in and around the opposition box.
They have two mercurial wingers in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are both capable of producing moments of magic.
But key to Spain’s play are the two sitting midfielders, one of whom is Rodri. And for Neville, not letting the Manchester City star play will be absolutely paramount on Sunday.
He said on ITV: “Trust me, if we let Rodri and Fabian Ruiz play in midfield, their (full-backs) jobs will be a lot harder. So it’s really important, the most important thing is to get people up against them two.
“If they’re releasing the passes to those two wide players (Yamal and Williams), then full-backs for England on Sunday will be in trouble.
“Get against Rodri, get against Fabian Ruiz, try and deal with them and you’ll stifle a lot of attacks forward. I thought they were amazing last night (vs France).”
Stopping Rodri is paramount for England
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Neville is absolutely spot on here.
England have an extremely difficult task this weekend trying to beat Spain in the final, but they can give themselves a chance by preventing Rodri and also Ruiz from playing.
It will be very interesting to see what Southgate does to try and nullify him.
Obviously, Phil Foden knows all about Rodri given he trains with him day in, day out. He might be the man tasked with pressing him in that number 10 role. He of all peple knows just how effective Rodri is at holding midfield, and might be the best man to stop him being influential.
If England can keep his influence to a minimum, then there will be a chance.
