Gareth Southgate’s final message to the nation: England boss thanks the fans for their ‘incredible support and energy’ at Euro 2020… but says his players ‘know now we have to deliver for you’ in historic final against Italy
Gareth Southgate has thanked England’s fans for their ‘incredible support’ in an emotional final message to the nation ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 final.
Southgate has guided the Three Lions to a first major final in 55 years and they’ll be looking to make history by winning the competition when they take on Italy at Wembley.
The manager, who has been hailed for his leadership throughout the tournament, said he was proud of his players but insisted they know they have to deliver on the biggest stage tonight.
Gareth Southgate has thanked England’s fans for their ‘incredible support’ in an emotional final message to the nation
‘I just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everybody for the incredible support we’ve received throughout this tournament.
‘We hope that we’ve represented you in the right way, we hope that you’ve enjoyed watching us play.
I’m very grateful to all of the players and the incredible staff I’ve got with me that we’ve been able to get to our first final for 55 years. But of course we know now we’ve got to deliver for you.
‘We’ll be doing everything we can. Your support and energy has given us a huge lift and I know it will on Sunday.’
England’s squad and staff took a final stroll around their hotel together this afternoon
Captain Harry Kane is pictured with Kieran Trippier ahead of tonight’s final at Wembley
Southgate’s players seemed relaxed and focused as they walked round in their groups
England’s squad and staff took a final stroll around their hotel together this afternoon as the excitement builds ahead of tonight’s match.
The players looked relaxed and focused as Harry Kane led the way at the front of the group.
Southgate was facing a selection dilemma on the eve of the final with Phil Foden forced to sit out the final training session due to a knock.
The England boss admitted the Manchester City star is doubtful for the final.
‘He’s got a very slight foot injury which he felt after training yesterday,’ Southgate said on Saturday. ‘He didn’t train today and I’d have to say he’s doubtful for tomorrow.
Bukayo Saka is in line to start against Italy with Phil Foden having missed training on Saturday
‘We’ll check him again later. It’s not something that would keep him out for a long time, but it might be that the game comes too soon.’
It could mean that Bukayo Saka keeps his place in the starting line-up. The Arsenal forward came back into the team for the semi-final with Denmark and set-up the equalising goal in the first half.
The 19-year-old missed the quarter-final with Ukraine due to a slight knock with Jadon Sancho replacing him in the starting XI. But Saka has now recovered from that injury and is in line to start against Italy.