England stand on the precipice of history as they gear up for the Euro 2024 final, a match that could see them hoist their first ever European Championship. The Three Lions, under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate, were agonisingly close to glory at Euro 2020, succumbing to Italy in a nail-biting penalty shootout three years prior.
Now, 58 years after their legendary World Cup triumph against West Germany in 1966, England could be raising another significant international trophy if they conquer Spain this Sunday. However, England’s path to the final has not been without its hurdles.
Despite finishing top of Group C, the team only managed to clinch a victory against Serbia in their opening match, followed by edgy draws with Denmark and Slovenia. The round of 16 also posed a challenge, with Slovakia taking an early lead.
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It seemed like curtains for England until Jude Bellingham’s remarkable bicycle kick deep into stoppage time. Harry Kane then rose to the occasion to net a vital header in the additional half hour, catapulting England into the quarter-finals against Switzerland.
Once again, the Three Lions found themselves behind when Breel Embolo netted in the 75th minute, reports the Express. However, Bukayo Saka swiftly retaliated with a goal five minutes later, pushing the game into extra time and penalties.
A semi-final showdown with the Netherlands proved to be England’s toughest match yet, as they found themselves 1-0 down early on due to a spectacular strike from Xavi Simons. However, with Phil Foden in the No. 10 role, the team appeared more dynamic in attack, as Kane won and converted a penalty in the 18th minute.
Substitute Ollie Watkins scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, sending the Three Lions through to the final and leaving the Dutch side deflated and out of the tournament. The stage is now set for Sunday’s final against Spain, with an energised England team eager to claim their first trophy in over half a century. But what sort of financial incentive do they have beyond the pride of winning the trophy?
What do England players earn at Euros?
Despite many England players earning tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly at club level, their national team pay is surprisingly modest. Reports suggest that each England player receives around £2,000 per game but this sum has been selflessly donated to the England Football Foundation for the past 17 years.
The Foundation redistributes the money to its chosen charities, raising over £5million since 2007. Therefore, while players could earn up to £14,000 for reaching the tournament’s final this summer, they don’t take any of the money home.
Players are also set to receive a substantial bonus if they win the trophy, with it being reported that the squad will receive a £24million bonus should they triumph on Sunday. It has also been claimed that Southgate will be awarded a £4million bonus if he successfully leads the team to European glory.