Gareth Southgate Reflects on England’s Euro 2024 Final Journey

Gareth Southgate acknowledges that England’s progress to the Euro 2024 final brings “perhaps less satisfaction” compared to their Euro 2020 journey. The Three Lions secured their spot with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, setting up a clash with Spain on Sunday. England, who lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw, are now in their second consecutive European Championship final. Under Southgate, England have reached the semi-finals or better in three of four major tournaments, yet remain trophyless. Including penalty shootouts, Southgate’s England have won nine knockout games and lost three, including a third-place play-off.

Reflecting on the journey, Southgate told BBC Sport, “There’s a different feel than 2021. We’re now in a different moment as a team, two tournaments on and a lot more big match experience. I guess there was less of a celebration, perhaps less satisfaction at reaching a final. I wouldn’t say it becomes run of the mill, but it’s a little bit more normal for us. That statement in itself is probably a bit ridiculous given our history.” Asked if winning is now essential, Gareth Southgate agreed, saying, “We needed to win the last one! We didn’t. How we’ll be viewed by others will be determined by the result on Sunday.”

Southgate, who became the Football Association’s head of elite development in 2012 and then England’s Under-21 manager, took over the senior team in 2016. He emphasized the importance of credibility on the European and world stage for English football. Southgate’s contract, extended in November 2021, expires in December. He said he won’t discuss his future until after Sunday’s final, noting, “Emotionally, it would be impossible for me to make a logical decision at the moment… my sole focus for two years has been winning this tournament.”