English fans are preparing themselves for an unprecedented prospect on Sunday as their national team gears up for the final of the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 in Berlin. The Three Lions have remarkably never lifted the European crown and will look to end that unfortunate record. Even apart from the present, a potential victory can go a long way in shaping up the futures of the coaches and players associated with England.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for England in the European Championship so far. The group stages did not indicate any chance for them to reach the final with a passive and tedious effort to secure qualification. However, since the knockout stage began, Gareth Southgate has worked on the flaws. His side’s incredible grit and character has earned them a spot in the final for a second Euro in a row, which they will now hope earns them the title.
Gareth Southgate’s future and legacy as the coach of England
The 53-year-old has always been subject to criticism during his tenure as the English head coach. His playing style and tactics do not offer the most attractive and pleasing soccer, but effectiveness is a trait that has drastically improved under him. Southgate has seen splendidly better results than his predecessors at the helm of English soccer.
The prospect of earning the victory in Berlin will not only guarantee Gareth Southgate to stay as the coach for years to come, but it will also possibly earn him the distinction of being the greatest-ever coach of England’s national team. For all of England’s talent over the years, the World Cup triumph in 1966 under Sir Alf Ramsey is the only piece of silverware in its history. Southgate can match the record with a win over the Spanish which will also clear the doubts surrounding his future.
A likely victory for Jude Bellingham in the Ballon d’Or race
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has been undoubtedly the face of England’s journey in the competition. The 21-year-old has scored two goals so far, both of which have proven to be match-savers for the Three Lions. His overhead kick in stoppage time against Slovakia in the round-of-16 stage helped his team narrowly escape elimination. In the absence of the former Dortmund prodigy, England would have long said goodbye to the European dream.
The Ballon d’Or race in 2024 is one of the closest in recent seasons. No single individual has enjoyed a particularly dominating season to consider them undisputedly clear of others. Bellingham’s club teammate, Vinicius Jr. is the current favorite to win the award. Nonetheless, a Euro trophy in the bag would steer Bellingham distantly clear of others and would finish off a magnificent debut season at Real Madrid for the English superstar.