England Must Be 'Tactically Perfect' to Defeat Spain, Says Southgate

England manager Gareth Southgate emphasizes that his team must be "tactically perfect" to overcome Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final.

The English team secured their first major final appearance on foreign soil with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final held on Wednesday.

This marks the third time in the past four major tournaments that Southgate has led England to the semi-final stage, either in the Euros or the World Cup.

Southgate acknowledges that Spain, who have won the Euros three times, are the "favourites" for the final, as England aim to clinch their first Euros title.

"They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team," said Southgate. “They have got a day longer and in the past three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant, so we have got to get our recovery spot on. Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side. But, you know, we are here."

England's Unfinished Business

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice views England's loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final as a driving force for their performance on Sunday. Italy triumphed over England 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes at Wembley.

"Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever," said Rice. "We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history but we are up against another top side who we have to massively respect. Hopefully now we can do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. I think he deserves it."

Chelsea's Cole Palmer expressed confidence that the team can "finish the job" and make a lasting impact by winning in Berlin. Palmer provided the assist for Ollie Watkins' last-minute winner in the semi-final.

"Everyone's buzzing," Palmer shared with the England YouTube channel. "Last night on the bus, tunes were on, [in the] changing room, everyone was just enjoying it. But obviously it's a short turnaround and it's a massive, massive game to change our lives, our family's lives, and to make everyone proud. That's what we're trying to do. I think if you've got to this final then you have to hopefully finish the job. It's all good getting to the final, and you've got to enjoy it because you don't get many moments to enjoy. But, no, everyone just wants to win so bad."

Southgate's team has improved their performance throughout the tournament, reaching their second consecutive Euros final.

Palmer, who won the European Championship at the Under-21 level with England in 2023, believes the team has hit their stride.

"In the first few games, we didn't play the best that we could and everyone knew that," added Palmer. "But now I think as the tournament's gone on, especially yesterday, I think we had our best game in the tournament, and that's what you want going into the later stages. It's huge. We played them last year in the Under-21s final, England versus Spain. Even that was a massive game, so I can't imagine this one."