Steady on Gareth
Gareth Southgate has said that reaching the Euros final feels “normal” ahead of England’s huge clash with Spain in the final tomorrow.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the England manager gave his thoughts on reaching a second consecutive Euros final.
“There’s a different feel. We’re now in a different moment as a team, two tournaments on and a lot more big match experience,” he said.
“I guess there was less of a celebration, perhaps less satisfaction at reaching a final.
“I wouldn’t say it becomes run of the mill but it’s a little bit more normal for us. That statement in itself is probably a bit ridiculous given our history.”
Under Southgate England have reached two Euros final and made it to a World Cup semi-final, however they have never been able to go all the way.
When asked how important it is England win the final tomorrow the England manager replied enthusiastically.
Related links:
He said: “Yeah, we needed to win the last one! We didn’t. What we do know is that in the end, how we’ll be viewed by others will be determined by the result on Sunday.”
Beating a very strong Spain team tomorrow will be a tall ask and Southgate has said his side will need to be “tactically close to perfect.”
When asked how he feels about such a big game he said: “I’ve got to keep a professional focus. A bit of detachment from the enormity of the occasion, if you like. It would be easy to be overwhelmed by that.”
England will take on Spain tomorrow in the Euro 2024 final at 8pm.
