England face Spain at the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as the Three Lions attempt to win a major trophy for the first time in more than half a century.
Gareth SouthgateThe Liverpool team have had a rollercoaster ride in Germany this summer, stumbling in the group stage despite their opening match victory over Serbia, and falling behind in every knockout stage game to date. A dramatic ending aerial kick by Jude Bellingham saved them from a dismal exit in the last 16, before a perfect penalty shootout display got them past Switzerland. His best performance came in the last match against the Netherlands, where he was rewarded with a last-minute goal from Ollie Watkins to secure a 2-1 victory.
Before the final against Spain on Sunday night, the coach spoke about his feelings during the tournament. He was criticized by pundits and critics for England’s early performances, with some fans throwing glasses of beer at him after a dull draw with Slovenia.
Yet Southgate understands these feelings, insisting that at heart he is still an England fan. He said: “I’m an England fan, I have more responsibilities now but… I’m desperate for England to win and I was the same as a player. I want to win on Sunday so much that it hurts, don’t get me wrong.”
Follow the entire preparation for England x Spain in the Euro 2024 final below:
Euro 2024: latest news England x Spain
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England face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday
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How Gareth Southgate changed England’s fortunes and rebranded patriotism
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England’s dramatic late goals aren’t luck – there’s a secret ingredient to their success
How Gareth Southgate changed England’s Euro 2024 campaign
09:42 , Sonia Twigg
Now this Gareth Southgate sits at Blankenhain’s base talking about how England can win a European Championship final, he can make an admission. “There was a danger,” as he says, that this Euro 2024 campaign and his entire managerial mandate could have been undone. There was certainly a risk of “doom and gloom” engulfing the team.
“But,” adds Southgate, “I was determined to face him.” This went far beyond walking towards the beer glasses that were thrown after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, although he still considers this to be crucial “because we fought so hard to change the atmosphere for the players”. More important was actually solving what was wrong – “a coaching challenge. That wasn’t necessarily in training camp.” It involved showing players what they were actually doing on video and comparing it to their instructions. There was also only one photo.
Emotions, body language and a ‘defeat’ photo: how Southgate changed England
Will England be able to beat Spain – and how? Ask our chief football writer your Euro 2024 questions ahead of the final
09:31 , Sonia Twigg
England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as the Three Lions aim to end their wait of more than half a century for a major trophy.
Gareth Southgate’s side have had a rollercoaster ride in Germany this summer, getting through the group stages with two lackluster draws.
A dramatic shot from Jude Bellingham in the dying moments of the round of 16 saved them from a disappointing exit.
England have since found their rhythm, with an improved performance seeing them overtake Switzerland on penalties, followed by another step towards defeating the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Ollie Watkins’ excellent last-minute goal secured a 2-1 victory, taking England to the final – but will they be able to perform again to win the tournament?
Will England be able to beat Spain – and how? Ask our chief football writer your questions
Southgate remains steadfast in reconciling England’s role and social issues
09:15 , Sonia Twigg
“If I’ve helped some kids, some adults, who feel like they’ve been going through criticism or something like that in the last few weeks, [by showing] there is a way to try to overcome this and show perseverance, and things can change very quickly. For them, it won’t be two football games that will make a difference. But I hope they can find a way to overcome whatever difficulties they may be facing.
“I think these values are important. We live in a country that has been furious. I would love for this to be different as we move forward. We hope we can bring some temporary happiness. But we are not going to change our country either. Maybe we can give some good examples.”
Southgate remains steadfast in reconciling England’s role and social issues
09:00 , Sonia Twigg
Southgate has defended the knee, criticized racism abroad while admitting there is a problem with it in England and talking about the benefits of diversity, leading to accusations that he is “woke” and bringing people saying he should step up. stick to football.
But he said: “I have no regrets because I think this is a responsible position. You have the chance to make a difference in things that matter. I have my values. I never wanted to impose my values on people. But I think there are some fundamental human values that if you have the opportunity to model them, then you should.”
Southgate remains steadfast in reconciling England’s role and social issues
08:48 , Sonia Twigg
Gareth Southgate said he does not regret having spoken out in defense of “fundamental human values” in a way that brought him abuse and unpopularity in some quarters.
O England The manager reflected that “we live in an angry country” as he expressed his hope that winning Euro 2024 could bring more unity and happiness.
And the 53-year-old, who has shown greater willingness to discuss social issues than his predecessors, said he believes his job means he has a duty to address important issues.
England x Spain
08:46 , Sonia Twigg
Good morning and welcome The Independent live coverage and preparation for the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
We’ll bring you all the latest updates from the England camp, and any Gareth Southgate team news and selection tips.
