S Poddar
Gareth Southgate acknowledges that Spain are the favorites for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin but believes England’s unity and spirit could be crucial.
Southgate emphasized the need for England to be “perfect” to overcome a formidable Spanish side. He praised the team’s resilience and the strong bond developed throughout the tournament, which he feels will be vital in the final match. England’s journey to this final, their first on foreign soil since the Euro 2020 defeat to Italy at Wembley, has been characterized by this unyielding spirit.
Reflecting on their past experiences, Southgate mentioned that England’s familiarity with the pressures of a final will aid their preparation, although he downplayed any advantage this might give. Spain, led by Luis De La Fuentes, have been dominant, winning all six of their matches convincingly.
“They are deservedly favorites given their performance this tournament,” Southgate remarked. “They’ve been outstanding, and with an extra day of rest, we need to ensure our recovery is spot on. Tactically, we must be flawless.”
He further acknowledged Spain’s strength, saying, “They are an excellent team. To win, we need to be perfect and draw on every bit of our inner strength.”
Despite the challenges, Southgate highlighted the emotional momentum England has built. The semi-final victory against the Netherlands showcased their best football yet, driven by the camaraderie within the squad.
“The big nights have bonded this group. The new members have integrated well, learning immensely from these six games. Our experienced players understand what’s required, but with such a quick turnaround, we need to be perfectly prepared.”
Southgate underlined the unique challenges of a European final, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “Coaching a European final is a different experience, and you learn a lot from it. The togetherness and spirit we’ve shown will be crucial.”
As England prepares for the final, Southgate remains optimistic, knowing that the team’s unity and collective strength could make all the difference.
