Robert Marawa on England’s chances in the EUROs final: Can they ride their luck once again to “bring it home”?

Showmax PL ambassador Robert Marawa says while he hasn’t been impressed by England’s EURO campaign, he won’t rule them out from being crowned champions on Sunday.

England take on Spain in the final of the UEFA EURO spectacle at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, 14 July at 9pm. All the action will be shown live on Showmax Premier League.

Showmax Premier League ambassador Robert Marawa isn’t convinced by England’s EURO campaign despite their securing a place in the final on Sunday.

Marawa admits that the Three Lions have often ridden their luck in the tournament. “It’s been a lucky journey, but football is also about luck, and England have ridden their luck,” said Marawa.

Luck aside, he says England manager Gareth Southgate has also made some timely substitutions that have swung the game in the Three Lions’ favour.

“I think the substitutions that manager Gareth Southgate has made has been timely. In the previous game it was with Ivan Toney, he got the best of Ivan, who won lots of aerial duels and fouls in key places.”

“Even in the semi-finals, Southgate was able to bring in Ollie Watkins who has had a smasher of a season with Aston Villa. So, then you question things like why he leaves Harry Kane on the pitch that long when you know that you got the firepower on the bench. The indecision from Gareth Southgate has been his undoing.”

“When you are exposed to so much talent, why aren’t you using them, even if it’s on a rotational basis. He also needs to be upfront and tell the guys, ‘I will use you in this or that game’. But I think Southgate is also afraid to drop the big names, and as a coach you have got to be brave. I think he has lacked that bravery.”

He says Southgate needs to be brave come Sunday. “The players coming-off the bench have shown that the coach needs to be brave. I am sure Ollie Watkins will have to be on the bench for the final, I doubt he will start the game. But you need a brave coach to say ‘you know what, Ollie, you have been on a roll, and I will start you in the final. I would rather take you off if things aren’t working out and make a change’. At least then it sends a message to the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to say ‘You can’t sulk, get out there and play’.”

Marawa adds that lady luck was on England’s side even in their semi-final win against the Netherlands. “The Dutch pulled the trigger first and should have done more. They hit the woodwork several times, they had some shots cleared off the line. The game had all the drama. But at the end England came up with a last-minute goal to win it. They have been able to ride their luck. I just had a feeling they would win it.”

Looking ahead to the final, Marawa anticipates a thrilling match that he expects will be settled in normal time.

“It’s going to be tough for England. Spain have been amazing. It’s refreshing to watch this team. They have got two players on the left and right wing in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams who are allowing them to play such great attacking football.”

He highlights the impact of these young players.

“These two have brought a different dimension to Spain. Spanish football was all about tiki taka, it isn’t anymore. It’s a very watchable game, very skills driven because of individuals. When you have a 21-year-old and a 16-year-old who are the poster boys of a Spanish team, it says a lot. Rodri can now sit back and be the calm figure that he is.”

Marawa predicts two possible scenarios on Sunday.

“I see the game going one of two ways. Spain will either enjoy a comfortable win if they stick to their game plan, or else if England get a sniff into the game, they will ride their luck, like how they have in this tournament.”

He however acknowledges England’s hunger to win a EURO tournament. “England have some hungry players that will be desperate to show up on Sunday. There is no turning back. 1966 is a long time back. These England players have a chance to become heroes, and they know if they win on Sunday, their lives will change forever. It will be a cracker of a final.”

Marawa has also weighed in on England midfielder Jude Bellingham’s Ballon d’Or chances. “He should be in the reckoning. I have no idea how Lionel Messi won it the last time. It was unfair on the likes of Erling Haaland for example because of what he achieved with Man City. That can never be replicated by any individual ever, aside from himself.”

He believes Bellingham’s trophies and potential EUROs win make a strong case: “The Ballon d’Or also factors in national team performances and because Haaland has been absent from the EUROs and Bellingham is competing plus the fact that he’s won the Champions League and LaLiga title, puts him in good stead.”

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