Coach Southgate: I don't believe in fairy tales, but I believe in dreams
Báo Tuổi Trẻ•14/07/2024
Gareth Southgate says he is 'not a believer in fairy tales but a believer in dreams', as he leads England into the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Coach Gareth Southgate called on his players to play with a fearless spirit - Photo: REUTERS
England are looking to end a 58-year trophy drought since winning the 1966 World Cup. Southgate was part of Euro 96, which was held in England but won by Germany. Asked if he felt it was destiny for the Three Lions to win the European Championship in Germany, the 53-year-old said: "I don't believe in fairy tales but I believe in dreams. We had big dreams and we felt the importance of it, but you have to make them happen." Southgate's message to his players ahead of the final was that they must go into the match fearless. "I'm not afraid of anything that could happen in the Spain game because I've been through it all. I want the players to feel fearless. I want them to be the best version of themselves. Because no matter what happens, we're a strong team," he said. England captain Harry Kane also said that defeat to Italy at Wembley in 2021 had given him and his teammates more motivation to beat Spain. Kane declared: "It would mean a lot. It would be the best feeling. For the fans, it would be a historic moment and to celebrate it would be special. We've been in the final before, but it ended badly. Now we have that extra hunger and passion to make sure it goes our way."
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