Euro 2024 Monday recap: Shaw declares himself ‘fit and ready’ and Phil McNulty answers your questions

We saw the best of France defensively, that’s for sure. That’s what they do, that’s their style and that’s their DNA. That’s also how you win tournaments, by being solid defensively.

Where they may not have been at their best is with the ball. They don’t play sexy football, that’s not their thing, but they lacked chances to create chances. They are generally more effective in the opposition box.

Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé is probably the biggest disappointment of this tournament.

There are several explanations, the first being the mask he had to wear after breaking his nose against Austria. In that game he looked pretty fit. He also had some fitness issues before the Euros so I don’t think he’s in great shape – but the mask is also bothering him a lot.

If there is one team that can frustrate Spain more than any other here, it is France.

For me, with Spain’s problems in midfield due to Pedri’s injury, it will be a question of who wins the battle in midfield. The physical impact of the French midfield is incredible and that is where the game will be won.

It will be a big game for Antoine Griezmann given he has spent more time in his career in Spain than in France, so we need him and Mbappe to raise their game.

I want a France-England final and I think that France, among the four semi-finalists, has the toughness and experience of this level. I also think that at some point, Kylian will become Kylian again and will be unbeatable.

WINNER: France

Find out what insiders from each of the final four nations have to say ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

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