France v Spain: Who would England prefer in World Cup final? Independent writers’ verdicts

England are readying themselves for a huge World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta – with France or Spain awaiting the winner in the showpiece decider. A storied footballing rivalry renews for the first time in 21 years as Thomas Tuchel ’s side prepare to take on Lionel Messi and co. as they look to return to the men’s World Cup final after 60 years. First, though, comes a clash between European heavyweights – who both have recent tournament history with England. Spain brought Gareth Southgate’s tenure to an end as England were pipped to Euro 2024 glory , while France knocked them out of the last World Cup at the quarter-final stage. But which of the pair would Tuchel’s team rather face if they reach the final? Our experts have their say... Lawrence Ostlere, Chief Sports Writer: France The obvious answer is Spain. The correct answer is France . Playing Spain is like fighting Floyd Mayweather: you can have the meatiest fists in the business but that’s irrelevant if you never land a punch. The image that comes to mind is some combination of Rodri, Pedri and the centre-backs passing the ball between them on the halfway line while the ghost of Harry Kane gives chase, England utterly spent trying to get a kick against the team with by the far most possession of any at the tournament. Spain have the game to frustrate England again (Getty) Playing France is like fighting Anthony Joshua: you are going to take some brutal blows on the chin but at least they’ll let you throw a few back. Jordan Pickford or Emiliano Martinez would have to have a great game against France for England or Argentina to win the World Cup, but they would at least give up spells of possession, moments to build something with the ball, the right of reply. England will lose 1-0 to Spain. They could lose 4-0 to France, but they could also draw 2-2, take the game into deep waters and pull off an upset. Kieran Jackson, Senior Sports Writer: France Revenge would be in order no matter the opponent : Spain (Euro 2024 final) and France (World Cup 2022 quarter-finals) knocked England out of their last two tournaments, both via 2-1 scorelines in normal time. France have a fine array of attacking talent but may be vulnerable at the back (Reuters) On paper this summer, the attacking might of the French presents the more formidable challenge, while Spain have looked decidedly edgy in their last two games. However, I actually think France are a more beatable opponent for Thomas Tuchel’s side in a one-off match. It comes down to style of play. Spain’s possession-retention, in the daytime heat of New Jersey, would wear down an already fatigued-looking Three Lions as it did in Berlin two years ago, while France’s expansive philosophy gives more opportunities on the break for Tuchel’s attacking stars. Of course, they’d have to keep out (or at least limit) Kylian Mbappe and co. but, if so, England would have their fair share of chances, as they did in Qatar. Luke Baker, Deputy Sports Editor: Spain I don’t want to overthink this. France have objectively been the best team at this World Cup and their ludicrously talented attack looks capable of destroying any defence put in its path, let alone one as vulnerable as England’s... So you have to take your chances with Spain , who – while a fine team that would deservedly head into the final as favourites – have a lower ceiling than Les Bleus. I also think the impenetrable nature of Spain’s defence has been overstated. Circumstance has enabled them to keep an impressive number of clean sheets but France have only conceded one more goal than La Roja and are just as defensively talented. Has the impenetrable nature of Spain’s defence been overstated? (Getty) There may be a psychological advantage from beating England in the Euro 2024 final but it took an 86th-minute winner to triumph and the path to the Three Lions making enough small improvements to best Spain this time around feels more viable than the one to stopping France. Alex Pattle: Spain My view on this could change by the end of Spain v France, but tentatively I'm going to say Spain … Although back-to-back finals losses to La Roja would be especially heartbreaking, I think the physicality of this England team could cause them trouble if the right referee is in place. And yes, they've only conceded one goal ahead of the semi-finals, so I would expect a final against them to be tensely and narrowly contested, but England have won a few contests like that so far (Panama, DR Congo, Norway) – always finding a way. England have found a way in tight contests at this tournament (Getty) Against France, it would likely be more of a shootout, and although England have similarly won a couple of those (Croatia, Mexico), I think France would be a step too far in that type of game. And even then, France’s defence has been underrated this tournament anyway.