England reaching Euros final feels ‘normal’ – Southgate
Gareth Southgate, the mastermind behind England’s resurgence in international football, has a surprising take on the Three Lions reaching the Euro 2024 final. He says it feels “normal” now, a stark contrast to the euphoria that followed their Euro 2020 run. This shift in perspective reveals a lot about the evolution of the team and the growing expectations surrounding them.
It’s a testament to Southgate’s coaching and the team’s consistent performance that reaching a major tournament final has become almost routine. England’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday secured their second consecutive European Championship final, a remarkable achievement considering their recent history. The last time they graced the final stage of a major tournament was at the 1966 World Cup, a distant memory for many fans.
Southgate’s England has become synonymous with resilience and consistency. They have navigated three of his four major tournaments, including World Cups and Euros, reaching at least the semi-finals. This consistent performance has instilled a quiet confidence in the team, a sense that they belong among the elite.
“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 explained to BBC Sport. “I guess there was less of a celebration, perhaps less satisfaction at reaching a final. 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.”
Southgate’s words reflect the team’s evolution. They are no longer content with merely reaching finals; their hunger for victory has intensified. They have tasted success, and now they crave more. The joy of qualification has been replaced by a burning desire to lift the trophy, to etch their names into the annals of English football history.
“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 admitted, acknowledging the weight of expectations. The pressure is on, and the team knows it.
Southgate’s Journey: From Under-21s to International Success
Southgate’s journey to the top of English football has been remarkable. He was appointed the Football Association’s head of elite development in 2012, a testament to his vision and expertise in nurturing young talent. A year later, he took the reins of the England Under-21 team, laying the groundwork for future success.
He then stepped up to the senior team in 2016, replacing Sam Allardyce. The pressure was immense, but Southgate faced it head-on, instilling a sense of unity and purpose in the squad. He understood the importance of building a team, not just a collection of talented individuals.
“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, highlighting the significance of his role. He has become the architect of a new era for English football, restoring pride and confidence in a nation with a rich but often frustrating footballing history.
He has instilled a sense of togetherness in the team. This is evident in their camaraderie on and off the pitch, their unwavering support for each other, and their shared belief in their ability to achieve greatness.
Will Southgate Sign a New England Contract?
The question of Southgate’s future hangs in the air. His current contract, which he extended in November 2021, is set to expire in December. But with the Euro 2024 final looming, he has politely declined to discuss his future.
“Emotionally it would be impossible for me to make a logical decision at the moment on any of that because my sole focus for two years has been winning this tournament,” Southgate explained. He is fully dedicated to leading England to victory, and rightly so. He is determined to see this journey through, to guide the team to the pinnacle of success.
“The last five or six weeks have been an absolute rollercoaster, so I don’t really know where I am with anything other than very focused on preparing the team for this game and determined to keep leading them in the way we have over the last month,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s immediate goal.
Southgate’s future with England remains uncertain, but his focus remains unwavering. He is determined to lead the team to glory, and the outcome of the Euro 2024 final will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping his future.
England’s Road to the Final: A Journey of Grit and Determination
England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final has been a testament to their resilience and determination. They have faced challenges along the way, battling through tough group stages and nerve-wracking knockout rounds. But they have emerged stronger, their resolve tested and tempered by the fires of competition.
The team’s journey has been marked by moments of brilliance, individual heroics, and collective grit. They have showcased their tactical flexibility, adaptability, and unwavering belief in themselves and each other. They have become a force to be reckoned with, a team that has earned the respect of their opponents and the admiration of their fans.
Their Euro 2024 journey is a testament to the power of teamwork, the importance of a shared vision, and the unwavering belief in oneself and each other. They have come a long way since the disappointment of the Euro 2020 final, and the lessons learned from that defeat have shaped their approach to this tournament.
The Importance of Southgate’s Leadership
Southgate’s leadership has been instrumental in England’s recent success. He has created a culture of accountability, respect, and a shared passion for the game. He has empowered his players to express themselves, to play with freedom and confidence, and to embrace the pressures of representing their nation.
He has fostered a sense of unity within the team, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated. He has created an environment where players can thrive, where they feel supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
Southgate’s leadership has been a key factor in England’s resurgence. He has guided the team through a period of transition, instilling a sense of belief and purpose. He has shown that a team can achieve success when there is a shared vision, a commitment to excellence, and a leader who inspires and motivates.
The Impact of Southgate’s England
Southgate’s England has not only revitalized the national team but has also had a positive impact on the wider footballing landscape. They have inspired a new generation of players, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself. They have shown that anything is possible if you have the right blend of talent, determination, and a leader who guides the way.
England’s journey under Southgate has been a long and winding road, but it has been a journey worth taking. They have overcome adversity, embraced challenges, and emerged stronger. They have redefined expectations, rekindled a nation’s passion for the game, and shown that anything is possible when a team comes together with a shared purpose and a leader who inspires.
As England prepares for the Euro 2024 final, one thing is clear: Southgate’s influence has transformed the national team, and their journey is far from over. The future holds endless possibilities, and the journey continues. The world is watching, and England is ready to write the next chapter of their story.
- Gareth Southgate views England reaching the Euros final as “normal” now, showcasing the team’s evolution and growing expectations.
- England’s consistent performance under Southgate has made reaching major tournament finals almost routine.
- The team’s resilience and consistency have led to them reaching at least the semi-finals in three out of four major tournaments under Southgate.
- There is a shift in perspective from celebrating reaching finals to now craving victory and aiming to etch their names in English football history.
- The team’s hunger for success has intensified, with the focus now on lifting the trophy and meeting the high expectations placed upon them.
- Southgate acknowledges the pressure on the team, understanding that their legacy will be defined by the result on Sunday in the final.
- Southgate’s journey from coaching England’s Under-21s to leading the senior team to international success has been remarkable.
