The top storylines for the Euros semifinals

Can Spain get back to winning ways?

Spain defeated Germany 2-1 in the dying seconds of their quarterfinal matchup.

The Spanish own three Euros titles, tied with Germany for the most all-time. Since winning back-to-back in 2008 and 2012, however, Spain has failed to reach the final. 

Spain leads the field in goals scored and has the most attempts on target. Young midfield prodigy Pedri will miss the rest of the tournament with a lateral knee sprain, but the Spanish still have playmaker and breakout star Lamine Yamal.

France, bounced out of the previous Euros in the Round of 16, looks to counteract the best offense in the tournament with the best defense. Its lone goal conceded came from a Polish penalty kick in the group stage.
The French, however, have a very glaring issue at the other side of the pitch.

Will France or England get out of scoring slumps?

For the first time in tournament history, a team will reach the semifinals without scoring a goal in the run of play.

The French’s historical ineptitude in front of goal is much due to forward Kylian Mbappe’s limited effectiveness after breaking his nose in the group stage.

Putting the ball in the back of net isn’t much better for England, who’s scored five goals in five games and won only one game in 90 minutes of play.

Both France and England have found ways to win in the absence of attacking threat. With both defenses in good form, they prove a tough out regardless.

Could Cody Gakpo be the player of the tournament?

The Dutch forward currently leads the competition in goals scored with three.

After the Netherlands finished third in their group, there was skepticism over its chances to make a run. A 3-0 rout of Romania in the Round of 16 and a 2-1 victory over Türkiye now have the Dutch posed for their best Euros finish since 2004.

Lead by Gakpo, the Dutch offense has scored almost twice as many goals as England with nine. They’ll arguably be the most dangerous attacking threat the English have faced all tournament. 

If Gakpo continues in this type of form and leads the Netherlands to its first final since winning the Euros in 1988, few players will have a better case for Player of the Tournament.