Aoba Tanaka 
England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that the team felt “perhaps less satisfaction” at reaching the Euro 2024 final compared to their Euro 2020 experience. England’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday secured their spot in a second consecutive European Championship final, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against Spain on Sunday.
Reflecting on the journey, Gareth Southgate noted a shift in the team’s mindset. “There’s a different feel [than 2021]. We’re now in a different moment as a team, two tournaments on and a lot more big match experience,” Southgate told BBC Sport. “I guess there was less of a celebration, perhaps less satisfaction at reaching a final.”
England finished as runners-up in the delayed Euros in 2021, losing 3-2 to Italy in a penalty shootout at Wembley after a 1-1 draw. It was their first final appearance since the 1966 World Cup. Now, they face another historic opportunity as they prepare to take on Spain in Berlin.
Under Southgate’s leadership, England has consistently reached the semi-finals or further in major tournaments, including World Cups and Euros, though a trophy has eluded them. Including fixtures decided on penalty shootouts, Southgate’s England have won nine knockout games and lost three, also losing a third-place game.
Gareth Southgate acknowledged the heightened expectations. “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,” he said. When asked if winning was now essential, Southgate responded, “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.”
Southgate’s journey with the England team began when he was named the Football Association’s head of elite development in 2012, followed by his appointment as England’s Under-21 manager a year later. He took over as manager of the senior team in 2016, replacing Sam Allardyce.
“What that journey’s taught me is what it means to English football really to have credibility on the European and world stage,” Southgate said. “I know what it means to people working at every level from youth development all the way through to senior football.”
As England prepares for the Euro 2024 final, the team and their fans are filled with anticipation. Southgate’s leadership and the squad’s growth have brought them to the brink of history once again, and all eyes will be on Berlin this Sunday to see if they can finally claim the coveted trophy.
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