Gareth Southgate, the England boss, is feeling the pressure as his team gears up for the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. Despite a rocky start to the tournament with one win and two draws in the group stage, followed by close victories over Slovakia and Switzerland, Southgate believes his team is now ready to make history.
Southgate acknowledged that the expectations were high at the beginning of the tournament, and the noise from outside was deafening. He emphasized the importance of having less fear and inhibition, which has been a strength of the team in the past. Captain Harry Kane echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to lean on past experiences and the leaders in the team during tough games like the upcoming semi-final.
The winners of the semi-final will face Spain in the final, who secured a 2-1 victory over France. England, who were runners-up in the Euro 2020 final, are looking to reach back-to-back European Championship finals, a feat that would be historic for the team. Kane acknowledged that as the team has improved, the expectations have also increased, but he believes that the added pressure can be a motivating factor for the players.
Southgate’s tactical decisions, including late substitutions in games, have been a point of contention. However, he defended his approach, stating that changes are made based on the freshness and balance of the team, as well as the direction the game is taking. Defender Luke Shaw made his comeback from injury as a substitute in the last game, but it remains to be seen whether he will start in the semi-final.
There were concerns over the choice of the referee for the semi-final, with German referee Felix Zwayer facing criticism in the past for match-fixing. Southgate, however, expressed confidence in the referee’s abilities, stating that UEFA selects referees of a high standard and that the referee’s past is not a factor to consider.
As England prepares to take on the Netherlands in the semi-final, the team is focused on the task at hand and ready to give their all on the pitch. With the weight of expectations on their shoulders, the players are looking to make their mark in Euro 2024 and secure a spot in the final. The stage is set for an intense battle between two strong teams vying for a spot in the championship match.