England have one final training session ahead of Sunday’s final as the Three Lions go through their paces before taking on Spain in the Euro 2024 final with history on their mind
England are 24 hours out from a second Euros final in three years as they look to go one better and win a major tournament for the first time in 58 years.
The Three Lions haven’t always been pretty en route to Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where the winners of Euro 2024 will be crowned, but few will have cared as Gareth Southgate’s side slowly click into gear. Their performance in the late semi-final win over the Netherlands was by far their best of the tournament.
Ollie Watkins‘ late strike gave those in pubs and living rooms up and down the country a euphoric moment but the nation will be desperate to avoid a repeat of the final loss at the last Euros, with Italy breaking English hearts on that occasion.
Spain will look to oppose the Three Lions and become the most successful nation in Europe by claiming a fourth title. England meanwhile want their first, to sit alongside the World Cup they won back in 1966. Saturday was their last day of prep and we take a look into camp to see what we can spot.
Spirits high
And why wouldn’t they be? A group that are winning and enjoying each others company are often smiling and joking around. We can all cast our mind back to England teams of the past who looked like they were so highly strung – be that because of the manager or maybe the pressure.
This current group though, as has been the way with them for several years, look to be embracing every moment as they close on history. There’s no doubt England have built into this tournament and could be about to peak at the perfect moment.
Watkins buoyed
One of those providing the energy seemed to be the Aston Villa man. He came off the bench to score the latest ever semi-final winner in a Euros or a World Cup – sending the country in raptures by doing so.
Watkins, a clear understudy to Harry Kane, made no secret of the fact he’s been frustrated by his limited minutes at the tournament. But boy did he take his chance when it came his way and, even though he may well begin on the bench on Sunday night, the Villa man has proved he has the appetite for the big moment and his Dutch strike will forever have him etched into Three Lions history.
Saka focused
Without a doubt one of England’s better players and an image of him looking into the distance was certainly one of focus and motivation. If it wasn’t for the Arsenal star the Three Lions may well be watching from the sofa following his Switzerland equaliser in the quarter-final.
Saka does have his own redemption story following the heartbreak of Euro 2020 on home soil. The recent formation change has tweaked his role somewhat but the winger come wing-back has been a bright spark going forward and will relish taking on the Spanish full-backs.
Southgate plotting
The ex-player turned manager is on the cusp of history. He’s copped his fair share of criticism but, in what could yet be his final game in charge, Southgate has the chance to put himself alongside Sir Alf Ramsey by claiming a major tournament.
Southgate will go up against Luis de la Fuente as he looks to outwit the Spanish boss. In the major games gone by – the semi-final vs Croatia in 2018 and the final against Italy three years late – some have felt the England boss was unable to react when the Three Lions were under the pump.
The 53-year-old was spotted looking deep in thought on occasion whilst also having conversations with his assistant, Steve Holland. England know they’ll face their toughest task by far in the German capital and Southgate will need a plan to stifle the possession-based outfit.
Specific instructions
The England boss was also seen engaging in one-on-one chats with some of his players, no doubt outlining specifics ahead of the final. John Stones, who has been an ever present in defence, was seen in dialogue with Southgate as he imparted some words of wisdom.
The centre-half will have to handle Alvaro Morata but also ensure he manages to impose himself on the game, taking the ball out of defence which will take the pressure off his midfielders should the Spanish press high.
Walker’s prep
The Manchester City defender has seen his position change recently, coming in to play as part of a back three. He, for club and country, has been something of a get out of jail free card with his pace helping them in sticky situations defensively.
Walker is likely to come up against two players in Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who will almost be able to match him for pace. As a result he’s been doing his sprint prep, aided by Luke Shaw, as he looks to remain primed in what could be some vital races.
Intensity high
Another thing England will have to do is run, especially if they want to see any of the ball against Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and co. The Spanish keep the ball better than maybe any nation in the world and will have long periods where they retain possession and make England work.
The press from the Three Lions has been questionable at times but training looked to have an intense edge to it as England ensure they are primed physically for what the Spaniards will put them through.
“They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team,” said Southgate. “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.
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