Preparations for the final of England’s first major tournament are complete as Gareth Southgate’s team take to the Blankenhain training ground for the final time in preparation for Sunday’s clash with Spain in Berlin.
The Three Lions carry the nation’s hopes after securing their place in the final thanks to Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
England came in for much criticism for their poor early tournament performances, but a dramatic last-16 victory over Slovakia and a penalty shootout win over Switzerland (before the Netherlands result) helped turn emotions around towards the team.
Southgate has been able to give defender Luke Shaw more playing time in the last four games, meaning his team have no fitness concerns ahead of the match against La Roja.
On Saturday morning, the players took to the training field under the watchful eye of the England manager and his assistants for their final training session.
Gareth Southgate has led England to two major tournament finals in his four competitions as head coach
The finishing touches are being put to England’s preparations for Sunday night’s match against Spain
Luke Shaw (centre) has been able to regain his fitness during the tournament after being injured since February.
Phil Foden delivered one of his best performances in an England shirt during the semi-final win over the Netherlands
Jude Bellingham is hoping to complete a remarkable season for club and country, having already won the LaLiga title and the Champions League with Real Madrid
The mood among the players was excellent, with only 90 minutes left before they enter the history books.
It remains to be seen whether Sunday’s final will be Southgate’s last as England manager, with rumours circulating before the tournament that he would retire at the end of the English season.
On Friday he revealed that he is so keen to lead England to the second major tournament in their history that it hurts, and admitted that the match will define his legacy as Three Lions manager.
“I know the course now and I’m my own worst critic, I look at everything clearly,” he said. “I know there’s a body of work and how we’ve worked with different groups of players to get the results we’ve got.
“I want to win so bad it hurts, don’t get me wrong, but I can handle whatever comes. I know it won’t change what the dog thinks when I walk through the door again.”
He added: ‘It will,’ when asked how the Spain game will affect the perception of his time with England. He admitted: ‘But in the eyes of others.
Trent Alexander-Arnold hopes to make an impact off the bench, as he did in the quarter-final against Switzerland
Kyle Walker is expected to retain the right centre-back position he has played in England’s last two knockout games
England captain Harry Kane declared himself fit for the match after taking a knock on his foot against the Dutch
Jordan Pickford has been a safe hand in the England net throughout the tournament, while supporters know the Everton goalkeeper could also be called upon if the final goes to penalties
“My age and experience have made me more comfortable with who I am, what I’m good at and what I need to get better at. I fully understand that ultimately winning and what that means completely changes how you’re perceived by others.”
England go into the match as second favourites, facing a Spanish team who have been in devastating form throughout the competition. In contrast, the Three Lions have looked underwhelming at times, but their semi-final win confirmed that they have grown into the tournament.
One of the faces to take to the pitch on Saturday morning was captain Harry Kane, who has declared himself fit enough to start against the Iberian giants as he targets another major tournament, the Golden Boot.
The captain suffered a foot injury winning the penalty that equalised his team’s semi-final clash with the Netherlands on Wednesday, and Southgate said the blow contributed to his decision to replace Kane in the euphoric victory.
But when asked by reporters if he was available for the final, Kane said: “I’m fine with it.”
Kieran Trippier also had a groin problem in midweek but Southgate expects both he and Kane, who has not yet had a scan, to be fit. Kane and his team-mates will share a bonus pot of up to £10m if they lift the trophy on Sunday night.
Declan Rice (centre) will be tasked with keeping Spain’s midfield under control, while semi-final heroes Ollie Watkins (right) and Ivan Toney (left) have proved effective off the bench.
Both Ezri Konsa (left) and Eberechi Eze (right) impressed when called up by the England manager during the tournament
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has struggled to get minutes at the tournament, but that doesn’t seem to have dampened spirits
A number of players are also eligible for personal bonuses through their individual endorsement deals. For example, Kane is likely to receive a reward if he wins the Golden Boot, as a result of his deal with Sketchers.
Kane is the top scorer with three goals, along with Spaniard Dani Olmo and a host of other players who are no longer participating in the tournament.