New Delhi: The final of the UEFA Euro 2024 is around the corner, with the tournament reaching its conclusion on July 15, 2024. The final match between England and Spain will take place in Olympiastadion Berlin, and a champion will be crowned in the biggest stadium of Germany. Spain have dominated most teams to reach the final while England have pulled off miracles at the end to move through the knockout stages. Gareth Southgate’s England National Football Team will once again hope for a ‘miracle’ if they want to beat this talented Spanish side.
Although their 90 minute goals have helped them take the final spot, England have done tremendously well to keep a sturdy defence and a optimistic mindset that was crucial in their journey to the final of UEFA Euro 2024. The inspirational performances of Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice have helped Gareth Southgate create history with England. The English manager has become the most succesful English manager in their history, with qualifying for consecutive European Championship finals (UEFA Euro 2020 & 2024).
Additionally, Gareth Southgate has the opportunity to rewrite history against Spain. He missed a penalty against Germany in the semi-final of UEFA Euro 1996 that has haunted the English football stratosphere till now. Coming back to the present, he has the chance to clinch the title on German soil and exorcise his 18-year-old demon.
1) Declan Rice
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JULY 10: Declan Rice of England celebrate at the end of the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England at Football Stadium Dortmund on July 10, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Declan Rice has been one of the most consistent performers in Southgate’s side in the UEFA Euro 2024. His interceptions, defensive screening, and attacking prowess helped England maintain shape at the back. His ability to shift into a box-to-box role while continuing his ball-winning role was crucial for England to pull-off the miracles on the field. He has won 77.8% of the initiated tackles per 90 minutes while having a 93.5% passing accuracy, making him an important component for England National Football Team.
The Arsenal midfielder’s contrbutions has helped Kobbie Mainoo move forward and support Jude Bellingham in the middle. His interceptions against Netherlands helped England reach the final. Hence, he is indeed one of the unsung heroes of the English side in the UEFA Euro 2024.
2) Kobbie Mainoo
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JULY 10: Kobbie Mainoo of England looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England at Football Stadium Dortmund on July 10, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Inaki Esnaola/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo might not be the front page of English football newspapers, but he is the one who has changed the dynamics of the England team on the field tremendously. He has been outstanding for England since stepping into the starting lineup, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the double pivot role alongside Declan Rice. His role as a box-to-box midfielder has been crucial for England’s attack.
Mainoo’s skill in moving the ball around and controlling the game’s pace has helped England keep possession and build their attacks smoothly. This has given Jude Bellingham the freedom to push forward, strengthening the offense, while also improving the defense. Mainoo’s presence on the pitch has been like oil for the English team, making everything run better and more efficiently. His contributions have been key to England reaching the tournament final.
3) Jordan Pickford
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JULY 10: Jordan Pickford of England celebrates after Harry Kane of England (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England at Football Stadium Dortmund on July 10, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Jordan Pickford has been consistent for the England National Football Team since Gareth Southgate took over charge in 2016. His performances for Everton in the English Premier League had caught the eyes of multiple clubs, but the 30-year-old goalkeeper had preferred to stay at Everton. Pickford is one of the locker room leaders in Southgate;s system, with making 67 appearances for the national team under Gareth Southgate.
As we mentioned ‘miracles’ before, it is important to note that Pickford’s goalkeeping has saved England in vital situations. Let it one-on-ones, deflected shots, or penalty shootout saves, Pickford has stood tall for his country. His commanding personality is yet another factor that helps England pull-off victories against sturdy opponents. He has made 14 saves in the tournament so far, with two clean sheets to his name. He is yet another unsung heto in England’s journey to the final in Germany, and Southgate will rely on his abilities against the likes of Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.
Gareth Southgate’s England is on the verge of lifting a major international title after 58 years of wait. The unsung heroes who have made it possible for England to reach the UEFA Euro 2024 final must be talked about as well. Hence, here are the three players who were phenomenal for England in this tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
