England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final

Whether you love him or hate him, Gareth Southgate has steered England to yet another European Championship final, showcasing his tactical acumen with inspired tweaks and changes throughout the tournament.

His ability to instil confidence in the squad has been evident in their ability to overcome setbacks and deliver when it matters most.

Here’s how the Three Lions reached the Euro 2024 final.

Group C

England entered Euro 2024 on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over the team’s prospects.

Nevertheless, they started Group C on a positive note, securing a 1-0 victory over Serbia thanks to a powerful header from superstar star Jude Bellingham.

Next, the Three Lions – rather miserably – drew 1-1 with Denmark. Harry Kane got off the mark in this clash, sliding the ball over the line from inside the box, before Morten Hjulmand hammered in off the post.

Though the match was far from exciting, the point earned meant Gareth Southgate’s men entered the final round of fixtures with the knowledge that victory over Slovenia would crown them as group champions.

Much to the frustration of many fans, England laboured to a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne but it was still enough to win the group due to the Danes’ tie with Serbia.

Roll on the knockouts.

Last 16

Despite being on the supposedly ‘easier’ side of the knockout stage draw, England had a tough evening against Slovakia.

Ivan Schranz put the Three Lions on the back foot early into the match as he prodded the ball past Jordan Pickford and into the back of the net.

The stopper narrowly avoided further embarrassment when David Strelec noticed him off his line in the second half and let fly from the middle of the park.

England were granted a reprieve by the 23-year-old’s miss, and Bellingham grabbed it with gusto, pulling his side level with a sublime, acrobatic strike in the final minute of added time.

In extra time, Harry Kane swiftly put the Three Lions ahead with a header that ultimately secured the victory.

“Sometimes, things just change in the blink of an eye,” screamed ITV Sport’s commentary team.

Quarter-finals

Gareth Southgate’s men faced another comeback challenge against Switzerland in the quarter-final.

It took until the 75th minute for the deadlock to be broken last Saturday (6 July) with Breel Embolo the man to do it.

Restoring parity looked improbable, but Bukayo Saka produced a moment of sheer brilliance to achieve it, cutting in from the right and expertly driving a low left-footed finish into the bottom corner to force extra time.

Chances were sparse during the additional 30 minutes, with Xherdan Shaqiri coming closest as he rattled the crossbar with a well-taken corner kick.

In the penalty shootout, the Three Lions showed remarkable composure. Jordan Pickford fiercely denied Manuel Akanji, while Cole Palmer, while Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored with supreme confidence.

Semi-finals

There was widespread concern about how the Three Lions would perform against the Netherlands on Wednesday, especially after Xavi Simons’ brilliant strike.

However, England rallied, and their equaliser came just 11 minutes later from the penalty spot, with Harry Kane earning the kick after receiving a knock to his right foot from Denzel Dumfries as he attempted a shot on goal.

In the remainder of the first half, Phil Foden twice went close to putting his side in the ascendancy, and Dumfries himself struck the frame of the goal.

After the break, England returned to a much more slower style of football which allowed the Dutch to get on top. Jordan Pickford had to be alert to save Virgil van Dijk’s effort while substitute Wout Weghorst was a problem in and around the Three Lions’ box.

Bukayo Saka thought he had put his side ahead when he put the ball away from close range but Kyle Walker was judged to be marginally offside.

However, there was no need for extra time in this thrilling contest. Ollie Watkins, brought on for Kane in the final 10 minutes of normal time, emphatically thumped the ball into the net in the 90th minute, igniting jubilant celebrations in Germany and beyond.

Next up, Spain…bring it on.

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