Euro 2020: Gareth Southgate takes England to first major final since 1966

England manager Gareth Southgate rejoices as he takes his team to the Euro 2020 final. The “suffering” of the World Cup defeat in 2018 is cast aside, as the nation reach their first major final since 1966.

The Three Lions came from behind to eventually beat Denmark 2-1 on Wednesday, booking themselves a place in the final of Euro 2020.

Three years ago England lost out when Croatia beat them after extra time in the semi-finals of the World Cup. But now they face a major final of a men’s tournament for the first time in 55 years.

Southgate says that they have now put things right, and he is proud of the players. He says, “it’s an incredible occasion to be a part of”. But he knew it would not be straightforward or easy. England have waited so long to get through a semi-final, and his squad have finally achieved it. Considering some of them have very little experience at international level, Southgate says they “have done an incredible job”.

Mikkel Damsgaard scored the opening goal for Denmark, before England equalised due to an own goal from Danish captain Simon Kjaer. Harry Kane clinched victory for England in extra time after scoring from his rebounded penalty save. It is the first goal that England have conceded in the tournament.

England now face Italy in the final on Sunday in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley.

‘A fantastic night’

Gareth Southgate is pleased they’ve “given the fans and nation a fantastic night”, and it’s not over yet, “the journey carries on for another four days”. They have given the nation something to celebrate after a difficult couple of years, and need to enjoy it. Reaching the final is a brilliant moment to savour.

However, Southgate warns there is still “one more massive hurdle to conquer”. They have a sizeable task ahead of them to beat the “fantastic team” of Italy who have two very experienced “warriors at the back”.

England forward Raheem Sterling praised his team for a “top performance”. He says they “had to dig deep”, “responded well and showed good spirit”. The team “knew it would be difficult”, but “stayed patient, with their “legs and aggressiveness” ensuring they would be OK. The win is “another step in the right direction”.

Skipper Harry Kane, who converted the penalty in his second attempt, adds, “We got there when it mattered. We reacted really well”. They have had a great tournament so far, and there is only one more match to go. He says it is a great feeling to play the final at home, but knows a “very tough game against Italy” awaits.

Focus now shifts to Italy

Sunday is Italy’s 10th major tournament final, and their fourth in a European Championship, with their last triumph lifting the World Cup in 2006. It is not all good news though, as the Azzurris failed to even qualify for the last World Cup in 2018. But success has risen again since former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini took took over to manage his national side.

Italy have gathered momentum throughout the tournament, heading into the final unbeaten in 33 matches. They have already seen off world number ones Belgium and three time European champions Spain.

Among the team are veteran defenders Giorgio Chiellini, 36, and Leonardo Bonucci, 34, who have both impressed so far.

Italy have caused England a lot of pain over the years. The two sides last met in March 2018, for a friendly which ended in a 1-1 draw. Their last meeting in a major tournament was the 2014 World Cup where Italy won their match 2-1, and England finished bottom of the group. When the two countries met at the quarter finals of Euro 2012, the Azzurris knocked the Three Lions out of the competition on penalties.

England have not beaten Italy in their past three meetings, the last win in a friendly in August 2012, but could this finally be their time.

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