England manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed any notion that fate is guiding the Three Lions to Euro 2024 glory, instead urging his players to seize the moment and make their dreams a reality in Sunday’s final against Spain.
After a rollercoaster ride to the final, England have another chance to become European champions for the first time, three years on from losing the Euro 2020 final on home soil to Italy. Southgate’s men have had to overcome late goals, fightbacks, and a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
“We’re not a believer in fairy tales, but we are believers in dreams,” Southgate said at his pre-match press conference. “We’ve had big dreams, we’ve felt the need and importance of winning a major trophy. But we have to make it happen.”
The 53-year-old manager has transformed England from perennial underachievers into serial contenders at major tournaments, reaching one quarterfinal, one semifinal, and now two finals in his four World Cups or Euros.
However, Southgate acknowledged that they need to take it one step further to earn worldwide respect for their slow and steady improvement. “We needed to change that. We had high expectations, but they didn’t match our performance wise,” he said.
Southgate’s contract expires at the end of the year, with questions surrounding his future regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s match.
The high and lows of his career, particularly during the last eight years as England manager, have prepared him to approach the final with no fear.
“To represent my country as a player and then to be able to lead my country for eight years as a manager is the biggest privilege I could possibly have,” he said. “Tomorrow I don’t have any fear of what might happen because I’ve been through everything.”
Southgate urged his players to feel fearless and be their best version, saying, “If we’re not afraid to lose, it gives us a better chance of winning.” Whatever happens, he believes his team is strong and will support each other.
England have a chance to end a 58-year wait for major trophy glory on Sunday. Can they seize it? Only time will tell.
