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England manager Gareth Southgate has emphasized the need for tactical perfection as his team prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday. England secured their first major final appearance on foreign soil with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday.
Southgate, who has led England to the semi-finals in three of the last four major tournaments, acknowledges Spain’s status as favorites due to their consistent performance and history of three Euro titles.
“They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team,” Southgate stated. “They have got a day longer and in the past three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant, so we have got to get our recovery spot on. Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side. But, you know, we are here.”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice highlighted the motivation drawn from England’s defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final. Italy triumphed over England on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes at Wembley.
“Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever,” Rice said. “We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history but we are up against another top side who we have to massively respect. Hopefully now we can do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. I think he deserves it.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer expressed confidence in finishing the job in Berlin, recalling the team’s jubilant mood after their semi-final victory. Palmer, who assisted Ollie Watkins’ last-minute winner against the Netherlands, stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity.
“Everyone’s buzzing,” Palmer told the England YouTube channel. “Last night on the bus, tunes were on, [in the] changing room, everyone was just enjoying it. But obviously it’s a short turnaround and it’s a massive, massive game to change our lives, our family’s lives, and to make everyone proud. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Palmer, who played a key role in England’s Under-21 European Championship win in 2023, believes the team has found its stride at the right time.
“In the first few games, we didn’t play the best that we could and everyone knew that,” Palmer said. “But now I think as the tournament’s gone on, especially yesterday, I think we had our best game in the tournament, and that’s what you want going into the later stages.”
