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‘Bloody good’ – Gareth Southgate discloses what England must do to beat Spain in Euro 2024 final
Gareth Southgate warned England that they must be “perfect” to beat a “bloody good” Spanish side in the Euro 2024 final.
Acknowledging Spain as the favourites, Southgate emphasised that England must be at their absolute best to end their 58-year title drought.
La Roja have been the standout team of the tournament, consistently delivering top-notch performances from the group stages to the semi-finals.
Their impressive run includes victories over pre-tournament favourites France, defending champions Italy, Croatia, and hosts Germany – prompting Southgate to urge his players to be flawless in their execution to overcome such a well-organised and skilful opponent.
“They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament,” Southgate told reporters. “They have been the best team. They have got a day longer and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant so we have got to get our recovery spot on. Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side.
“They are a bloody good side. Let’s pitch it right. We have got to be perfect to win this game and we will have to find everything that we have got from within us.”
Victory over the Netherlands was a testament to Southgate’s brilliant tactical acumen and the depth of his squad. He made changes just in time, with substitutes Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer playing pivotal roles for the decisive 90th-minute winner that fired England to their second consecutive European Championship final. The manager is elated with the perseverance of his bench players and hailed those who have patiently waited for their opportunity to shine.
“We are in a first final ever overseas,” Southgate added. “I am more pleased for the players who have come in and had their moments. That is the key.
“When somebody trains the way Ollie has consistently and the whole group. Not one of them has let their heads drop even though every time you pick a team you are leaving 15 out. That is not easy to keep going but it is a huge strength we have got.”
As the final approaches, the importance of tactical discipline and mental fortitude cannot be overstated. The match against Spain in Berlin offers a chance to end decades of disappointment and secure a historic victory.
The memory of the narrow loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final still lingers, adding extra motivation for the team to exorcise the ghosts of the past and achieve glory this time around.