A Different Feel This Time Around
Gareth Southgate has been candid about the mood in the England camp as they prepare for the Euro 2024 final. According to Southgate, there’s a “different feel” compared to their Euro 2020 experience. One might expect fireworks and fanfare, but the atmosphere is surprisingly more subdued this time.
From Heartbreak to Hope
England’s journey to this final marks their second consecutive appearance on the grand stage of European football. The memories of the Euro 2020 final, where they lost to Italy in a nail-biting penalty shootout, are still fresh. That was their first final since the 1966 World Cup, a momentous occasion that brought the nation together. Yet, as Southgate puts it, “there was less of a celebration, perhaps less satisfaction at reaching a final” this time.
Experience: The Game Changer
One significant difference is the wealth of big match experience the team has accumulated over the last two tournaments. Southgate notes, “we’re now in a different moment as a team.” The players are no longer the wide-eyed rookies they once were; they’ve been through the wringer and come out stronger. This newfound maturity might explain the more measured reaction to reaching another final.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
As England gears up to face Spain on Sunday, the focus is laser-sharp. Southgate’s men are not just content with making it to the final; they have their eyes firmly set on the prize. “I wouldn’t say it becomes run of the mill but it’s a little bit more normal for us,” Southgate admits. The road to victory is never easy, but this team is ready to tackle whatever comes their way with a blend of experience and determination.
