England coach Gareth Southgate states that the Three Lions are ready to take on the Netherlands for a spot in the EURO 2024 finals. England will be clashing against the Oranje in the EURO 2024 semi finals. The winner shall face Spain in Berlin for the European title.
England are plausibly the strongest squad on paper in the tournament. However, they have failed to live up to their expectations so far. Southgate states that the Three Lions were under immense pressure coming into the tournament. Furthermore, England players have been incapable of coping up with the pressure. Their performance has been subpar throughout the tournament.
Although England have won the games they should have, they have done it barely. Despite their qualification to the semi finals, their performances are considered disappointing. Especially, given the player quality in their squad. The Three Lions began their competition with an opening day win against Serbia. They would narrowly edge past Serbia with a 1-0 score line courtesy of Jude Bellingham. Subsequently, Denmark would hold England to a 1-1 draw, with Harry Kane opening his scoring account in the tournament.
Thereafter, they would play an agonizing goalless draw against Slovenia in the final group stage game, qualifying for the knockout rounds in the process, and finishing on the top of their group. Then, they would come extremely close to elimination against Slovakia in the RO16. However, Bellingham and Kane would rescue the Three Lions once more. Subsequently, the Three Lions would find themselves in a similar situation against Switzerland in the final 8. Although, Bukayo Saka would put them on level terms and England would qualify for the semis on penalties.
Southgate will be hoping that England bring their A-game to the field, if they wish to beat Netherlands.
Southgate: Netherlands will face a tough job to beat England after Ed Sheeran!
Worldwide renowned singer Ed Sheeran paid a visit to the England camp to help them relax after their RO16 game.
Southgate would speak of how England have been ‘fortunate’. The Three Lions coach said:
“We’ve been very fortunate. We’ve had Ed Sheeran in to sing and it was great. The players had a couple of beers before the last game.”
Southgate believes that England players are now soaking up the pressure and ready to bring the fight against the Netherlands. The Three Lions will be keen to win the fixture and make way into their second consecutive EURO final in a row.
England captain Harry Kane backs his team!
England captain Harry Kane is proud of his team for showing up ready to fight despite the noise around them. Kane would credit Southgate’s management for England’s positive results. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker said:
“Over the years under Gareth, we’ve handled that well and this tournament has been no different. The expectation has been bigger and the noise a bit louder, but we’ve handled it well.“
Although, Harry Kane himself has failed to sustain his good run of form at the EUROs. The forward had an exceptional season at Bayern Munich. However, he has failed to turn up with the goods for the Three Lions. One could hardly overstate Harry Kane’s capabilities in front of goal. Especially, considering he’s England’s all time top scorer!
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands have been good in the tournament so far. The Oranje would be grouped along with the likes of France, Austria and Poland. Netherlands would make it out of the group on 3rd position. Subsequently, they would breeze past Romania in the RO16, winning 3-0. Furthermore, they would beat a good-looking Turkiye in the quarter finals.
Southgate and England will have to play on a higher level if they are to beat the Netherlands and a punch a ticket to the finale against Spain!
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