England is gearing up for a pivotal clash in the Euros final against Spain, with Kieran Trippier declaring himself fit despite battling a calf issue throughout the tournament.
This poses a selection challenge for England manager Gareth Southgate, especially with Luke Shaw also pushing for a starting spot after his return from injury.
Captain Harry Kane has assured that he is free from injury concerns, despite a knock to his foot during the semi-final.
Southgate commented, “There have been no scans. As far as we know they’re OK, but we haven’t done a lot out on the pitch, so we’ll find more out [on Saturday]. We’re not expecting anybody to rule themselves out for the final.”
Acknowledging the pressure, Southgate admitted to feeling nerves ahead of the showdown.
“There’s a little bit of nerves because, if not, what would that mean? The physiology of that is that your body prepares itself for battle and the human beings through evolution that’s what it does,” he explained. “I’m exactly the same as anybody with that, I guess the difference now is I know how to manage that, deal with that, use that focus, use the motivation it brings.”
Reflecting on the tournament journey, Southgate likened it to a family holiday, emphasizing the intense focus required now.
“Very focused, really. Not a lot of time. We got back to the hotel at four in the morning, up by eight or nine looking at Spain, looking back at our game, training the players that hadn’t played,” he said. “So fast-paced, really. In some respects you’d ideally like longer to prepare, in other respects the lads have been away a long time now.”
With anticipation building across the nation, England aims to avenge their past Euros disappointment.
“This is the same as lots of other things you’ve been through so you gain confidence from that, you’ve got evidence of what’s worked,” Southgate affirmed, readying his team for one last push towards glory.
Probable England xi: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham, Kane.
