Spain icon Gaizka Mendieta has slammed England's mentality following their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina and expressed a wish that the Three Lions had made it to the final instead, believing Spain would have had an easier game against the European champions.
Mendieta criticises England's defensive approach
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport via ignitiongaming.net, Mendieta said: "I think England would be a perfect opponents for Spain to play. I think our style of play is better suited to playing England and then we could win the game. But unfortunately it’s not the case and we don’t see Kane and Bellingham face the Spanish side and a repeat of the Euro 2024 final."
England had taken a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon in the semi-final but then dropped deep, a tactical mistake attributed to Thomas Tuchel, allowing Argentina to mount a comeback and win 2-1. Mendieta highlighted this as a mentality issue: "When looking at England in the semi-final it seems the mentality was an issue and dropping back and defending the lead was the issue. You see how Spain play when they are ahead and it’s always to be in control, to play with the ball and express ourselves. Now we face Argentina."
Spain's preparation for Argentina
Spain, the reigning European champions, defeated France in the other semi-final and will face defending world champions Argentina in the final on Sunday. Mendieta acknowledged the challenge Argentina poses: "This will be a different game to facing England. I think Argentina will adopt a similar approach to how they played in England and be physical and strong and to try to stop Spain playing. But with the ball Argentina are dangerous with Messi and Alvarez or Martinez."
Despite the change in opponent, Mendieta insisted Spain's preparation remains consistent: "The basis of the preparation will be exactly the same. We prepare to keep the ball, we prepare to play attacking football and work for each other and create chances. We will keep the ball, we will look for good movement from our attacking players and look to get Rodri the ball to play forward and through the lines."
Key threats and tactical adjustments
He highlighted the importance of Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal in linking play and providing width, while warning about Argentina's physicality and Lionel Messi's threat: "The physicality, the mentality of the Argentina’s will be different and with Messi, you have the best player who is very dangerous, so you can’t give him time and space."
Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final and could have faced them again in a repeat, but instead will take on Argentina in a clash between Europe and South America's best. Mendieta's comments underscore the contrasting styles and the high stakes of the final.
