Game changers: The strategic use of substitutes during Euro 2024

Game changers: The strategic use of substitutes during Euro 2024

Substitutions are not just about swapping tired legs or managing injuries, they are crucial chess moves to impact the outcome of high-stake football matches. Within this blog game insights analysts Dan Simpson and Aston Cox look to underpin the importance of substitutions during the Euro 2024 tournament.

During the tournament a maximum of five substitutions could be made within normal time, with an additional substitute being permitted in extra time. Each team were allowed three opportunities to make in-game subs, with a fourth in extra time. Euro 2024 seen a utilisation of 90% of the available substitutions, this resulted in 467 changes being made within the 51 games during the tournament.  However, what impact do all these substitutions have on the tournament?

Game changers

Euro 2024 was not just a showcase of footballing prowess over the 51 matches, but also a testament to the power of strategic substitutions. A total of 117 goals were scored across the tournament. Substitutes contributed to 30% of these goals, with 20% (23 goals) being scored by a substitute, and a further 10% (12 assists) providing the key pass leading to the goal.  One of the most striking moments of the tournament came during the semi-final between Netherlands and England. Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins, both electrifying talents, were both brought off the bench within the 81st minute whilst the game was 1-1. Just nine minutes later Cole Palmer assisted Ollie Watkins to score the crucial winner to propel England through to the final. This not only showcases the impact substitutes can have on the entire complexion of the game, but magnifies the strategy behind when to make a substitution or who to bring on to influence the game.

Sub timing

In the high stakes of Euro 2024, the timing of substitutions did more than inject fresh energy into games, it became a crucial lever in managing the fatigue levels of players and game momentum. The strategic interaction of when to introduce new players is pivotal to making the difference between advancing in the tournament or facing an early exit. Statistics from the tournament reveal 83% of substitutions occurred after the 60-minute mark within games. The choice of when to make these changes often centre around the need to either seize a game-changing moment or to preserve players energy levels for future challenges.  This can also provide valuable tournament experiences for the broader squad.

Spain case study

The deployment of substitutes played a crucial role in Spain’s journey to victory at Euro 2024.  Using all 31 substitutes available on the road to the final enabled Spain to rotate their squad and ensure players are as fresh as possible leading into their match against England.  Including the four substitutes deployed in the final, Spain deployed a whopping 97% of substitutes available throughout the tournament.  One of these, was Mikel Oyarzarbal who, after being introduced in the 68th minute proceeded to score the tournament winning goal 18 minutes later.

Exploring Spain’s use of substitutes closer reveals a deliberate use of substitutes in crucial turning points of matches.  They spent 55% of their games in a winning position, higher than any other team at the tournament, and this is reflected in 86% of their substitutes being made from a winning position.  Spain only made five substitutes from a drawing position, resulting in them winning both games with substitutes scoring the winning goals.

Over the course of the tournament, Spain scored 15 goals, with 40% of these either being scored or assisted by substitutes. This statistic is a testament to Spain’s’ strategic brilliance in the utilisation of substitutes not just as fresh legs or tactical changes but highlighting Spain’s squad depth in bringing on capable players of making significant impacts.  

Coaching considerations

Whilst the game format we coach within may not require game changers to win major tournaments, there are however some key considerations for coaching:

How do you look to share equal playing time for your players within the team? How do you track this?

Do you plan the timing of your substitutes within your match day plan?

Is there an opportunity to rotate players within your team to allow players to experience being the game changer?