Gareth Southgate, the England manager, shared his thoughts with BBC Sport ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro campaign. He reflected on his experience leading the team at major tournaments and noted that while there will be good training days, there will also be challenges to navigate during the month-long tournament.
When asked about the Euro 2020 final, Southgate emphasized the importance of delivering results in the present and the need for his players to prove themselves every day. He expressed that he does not dwell on past achievements or reputations.
Southgate discussed the changes in the squad, mentioning the inclusion of young players who have performed well in the past season. He acknowledged the loss of experienced players but highlighted the energy and fearlessness that the new additions bring to the team. Regarding expectations for England to win, Southgate recognized the pressure but emphasized that the team is still young. He stressed the importance of guiding the players through the challenges they may face in the tournament.
Southgate concluded by expressing his privilege and honor in leading England into a major tournament. He drew inspiration from past managers like Bobby Robson and reminded himself of how fortunate he is to be able to lead such a talented group of players into competition on a global stage.
Overall, Southgate’s message was clear: while there are certainly challenges ahead for England in Euro 2020, he believes that with hard work and dedication from his players, they can overcome them and achieve great success on behalf of their country.
