Gareth Southgate, the head coach of the England national football team, has expressed how the external noise surrounding the team was at its peak earlier in the tournament. However, as England prepare to face Netherlands in the semi-final of Euro 2024, Southgate believes his team is now ready to seize the opportunity to make history by reaching their first major final on foreign soil. This tournament holds significant importance for England, as they have only ever played two tournament finals in their history – winning the 1966 World Cup and losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy, both games that took place at Wembley in London. The prospect of clinching a place in Sunday’s final against either France or Spain looms large as England hopes to rewrite the history books.
Southgate reflected on the team’s journey through the tournament, emphasizing the shift in mindset that has taken place within the squad. He acknowledged the initial burden of high expectations and external pressure that weighed heavily on the players. Southgate noted the team’s progression through the knockout stages, highlighting a newfound sense of freedom and creativity with the ball. This shift, according to Southgate, signifies a transition from a mindset of fear and inhibition to one of ambition and possibility. The players now find themselves on the brink of achieving something unprecedented for English football – reaching a major final outside of their home turf. Southgate praised the resilience and determination shown by the players as they navigated through challenging moments in the tournament.
Southgate also shed light on the team bonding exercises that have played a crucial role in fostering team spirit and unity. Notable instances include singer Ed Sheeran’s acoustic performance at the team’s training base and allowing players to bond over a few beers before crucial matches. While these moments of camaraderie are significant, Southgate emphasized that true team spirit is forged during critical on-field moments when players must dig deep to overcome challenges. The ability to come together as a team during high-pressure situations, such as defending a lead in injury time or scoring a late winner, strengthens the bond among the players and builds resilience that is essential for success in major tournaments.
Addressing concerns regarding the appointment of referee Felix Zwayer for the upcoming semi-final, Southgate expressed confidence in the officiating decision made by UEFA. Despite Zwayer’s past criticism and involvement in a match-fixing incident, Southgate maintained a respectful stance towards match officials. He underscored the importance of showing respect to referees and upholding the integrity of the game. Southgate’s unwavering confidence in UEFA’s selection process and the high standards set for referees reflects his commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.
Looking ahead to the semi-final clash, Southgate hinted at the possibility of Luke Shaw making his first start for club or country since February. Shaw, who recently returned from a hamstring injury and played a crucial role in England’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland, could feature prominently in the upcoming match. Southgate expressed satisfaction in having Shaw back in the squad and highlighted the importance of his experience and skill on the field. Shaw’s potential inclusion in the starting lineup underscores the depth and versatility of the England team as they aim to make history at Euro 2024.