England will need to be “tactically perfect” to overcome Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, according to manager Gareth Southgate.
England secured their first major final on foreign soil with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday. This marks the third time in the past four major tournaments that Southgate has guided England to at least the semi-final stage of the Euros or the World Cup.
Southgate acknowledges that three-time winners Spain are the “favorites” for the final, as England aims to secure their first European Championship title.
“They are rightly favorites for what they have achieved in this tournament. They have been the best team,” Southgate stated. “They have an extra day of rest, which has been quite significant in recent finals, so we need to ensure our recovery is spot on. Tactically, we must be perfect as they are such a good side. But we are here, and we are ready.”
England Have ‘Unfinished Business’
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice believes England’s defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final will serve as motivation for Sunday. Italy won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in London.
“Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever,” said Rice. “We now have another opportunity to write our own history against another top side. We must respect them greatly. Hopefully, we can do it not just for ourselves but also for the manager. He deserves it.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is confident that the team can “finish the job” and make history by winning in Berlin. Palmer, who provided the assist for Ollie Watkins’ last-minute winner in the semi-final, emphasized the team’s determination.
“Everyone’s buzzing,” Palmer said on the England YouTube channel. “Last night on the bus, in the changing room, everyone was enjoying the moment. But it’s a quick turnaround, and we have a massive game to change our lives and make everyone proud. We have to finish the job. It’s important to enjoy the final, but everyone just wants to win so badly.”
Southgate’s team has overcome a slow start to the tournament to reach their second consecutive Euros final. Palmer, who won the Under-21 European Championship with England in 2023, believes the team has found their rhythm.
“In the first few games, we didn’t play to our best, and everyone knew that,” added Palmer. “But as the tournament progressed, especially in the semi-final, we had our best game. That’s exactly what we want going into the final stages. We played Spain last year in the Under-21s final, and even that was a massive game. This one will be even bigger.”
Credit: BBC Sport
