**Southgate: England Must Be “Tactically Perfect” to Defeat Spain in Euro 2024 Final**
England manager Gareth Southgate emphasized that his team must be “tactically perfect” to overcome Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final. England secured their first major final appearance on foreign soil with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday.
This marks the third time in the past four major competitions that Southgate has led England to the semi-final stage of either the Euros or the World Cup. He acknowledged that three-time winners Spain are the “favorites” as England aims to win their first Euros title.
“They are rightly favorites for what they have accomplished this tournament. They have been the best team,” Southgate said. “They have an extra day of rest, which has been quite significant in the past three finals, so our recovery must be spot on. Tactically, we will need to be perfect because they are such a good side. But, you know, we are here.”
**England’s “Unfinished Business”**
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice believes England’s loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final will serve as motivation for Sunday’s match. Italy triumphed 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in London.
“Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever,” Rice admitted. “We now have another opportunity to write our own history, but we are up against another top side who we have to massively respect. Hopefully, we can do it, not only for each other but also for the manager. He deserves it.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer expressed confidence that the team can “finish the job” and change their lives by winning in Berlin. Palmer, who assisted Ollie Watkins’ last-minute winner in the semi-final, said the team is buzzing with excitement.
“Everyone’s buzzing,” Palmer told the England YouTube channel. “Last night on the bus, tunes were on, and in the changing room, everyone was just enjoying it. But it’s a short turnaround, and it’s a massive game that could change our lives and make everyone proud. We need to finish the job. It’s great to reach the final, but everyone wants to win so badly.”
**England Finding Their Rhythm**
Southgate’s side, who shook off a slow start to the tournament, has reached a second consecutive Euros final. Palmer, who won the European Championship at the Under-21 level with England in 2023, believes the team has found their rhythm.
“In the first few games, we didn’t play our best, and everyone knew that,” Palmer added. “But as the tournament progressed, especially in our last game, I think we had our best performance. That’s what you want heading into the later stages. We played Spain last year in the Under-21s final, which was a massive game, so I can’t imagine how big this one will be.”