Spain vs France: Preview, predictions and lineups

The first of the semi-finals at Euro 2024 takes place in Munich on Tuesday night as Spain, the standout team of the tournament, face two-time winners France.

Spain dazzled through their first four games in Germany before they were dealt their toughest test of the summer in the quarter-finals when they faced the hosts. A late Florian Wirtz equaliser failed to deter Luis de la Fuente's side, however, and Mikel Merino, taking inspiration from his father, scored a 119th-minute header to send La Roja into the last four.

The free-flowing Spaniards are now just a game away from their first finals berth at this competition since 2012. They were semi-finalists three years ago before losing to Italy on penalties.

If they are to compete in Berlin on Sunday, they'll have to overcome a drab, dreary, but canny France team. Didier Deschamps' outfit slogged through 120 minutes of action with Spain's Iberian friends on Friday night and were perfect from 12 yards to advance.

The majority have been waiting for an uptick in watchability from the star-studded Les Bleus, but it's fair to say that we know what we're going to get from Deschamps' France this summer.

Here's 90min's preview of the Euro 2024 semi-final tie between Spain and France.

What time does Spain vs France kick-off?

• Location: Munich, Germany
• Stadium: Allianz Arena
• Date: Tuesday 9 July
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Slavko Vincic (SVN)
• VAR: Nejc Kajtazovic (SVN)

Spain vs France H2H Record (Last Five Games)

• Spain: 2 wins
• France: 2 wins
• Draws: 1

• Last meeting: Spain 1-2 France (10 October 2021) - UEFA Nations League

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Spain vs France on TV and live stream

Spain team news

Pedri was forced off in the first half against Germany with a knee injury and has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. The Spaniard could be out of action for six weeks.

However, De la Fuente has fine options. Dani Olmo replaced the Barcelona midfielder off the bench and opened the scoring in the quarter-final. He's most likely to start in Pedri's absence, although Mikel Merino is another alternative for the manager to consider after he scored the winner in extra time.

Veteran right-back Jesus Navas will come in to replace the suspended Dani Carvajal. Robin Le Normand also misses out after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Germany.

Spain predicted lineup vs France

Spain predicted lineup vs France (4-3-3): Simon; Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Olmo, Fabian; Yamal, Morata, Williams.

France team news

France have no players suspended for Tuesday's semi-final and Deschamps can welcome back Adrien Rabiot after the Juventus midfielder served his one-game ban in the quarter-final.

Rabiot, one of the manager's favourites, could come in for Eduardo Camavinga with Antoine Griezmann also dropping to the bench.

There could be more reshuffling in France's attack, with Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram in contention to return to the XI.

France predicted lineup vs Spain

France predicted lineup vs Spain (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Thuram; Mbappe.

Spain vs France score prediction

Spanish light faces up against French darkness in Munich, with the majority keen to enjoy a Spain win on Tuesday night.

De la Fuente's side have been the team of Euro 2024 thus far, displaying club-like cohesion and vintage technical quality to control contests. France will let them have much of the game here, with Deschamps set to rely on his three midfield screeners and sound defensive unit.

France have underperformed in front of goal, scoring just once from open play, but they're also yet to concede an open-play goal all tournament. Spain will certainly test them at the Allianz, but France's knowhow and resilience could get them over the line - much to the dismay of purists across the globe.

Prediction: Spain 0-1 France

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