Preparations for England’s first major final are drawing to a close as Gareth Southgate’s side set foot on the Blankenhain training grounds for the last time before Berlin’s game against Spain on Sunday.
The Three Lions carry the nation’s hopes after booking their place in the final thanks to Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
England had been heavily criticised for their poor showing at the start of the tournament, but a dramatic last-16 win over Slovakia and a penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland (before the result against the Netherlands) have transformed emotions about the team.
Southgate was able to give defender Luke Shaw more minutes in the quarter-final win, meaning his side have no fitness issues ahead of the clash with La Roja.
The players walked out onto the training ground on Saturday morning under the watchful eye of the England manager and his assistants for their final session.
Gareth Southgate has led England to two major tournament finals in his four competitions as head coach.
The final touches are being put to England’s preparations for their clash with Spain on Sunday evening.
Luke Shaw (centre) has been able to regain his fitness during the tournament, having been sidelined through injury since February.
Phil Foden produced one of his finest performances in an England shirt in the semi-final win over the Netherlands.
Jude Bellingham is hoping to cap off a remarkable season for club and country, having already won the LaLiga title and the Champions League with Real Madrid.
Spirits seemed high among the players, who are 90 minutes or more away from etching their names into the history books.
It remains to be seen whether Sunday’s final will be Southgate’s last game as England manager, as there were rumours before the tournament that he would retire at the end of England’s campaign.
On Friday he revealed he wants to take England to their second ever major tournament so badly it hurts and admitted the match will define his legacy as Three Lions boss.
“I know my job now and I’m my own biggest critic, I look at everything clearly,” he said. “I know there’s work going on and how we’ve worked with different groups of players to get the results we’ve gotten.”
“I want to win so badly that it hurts, don’t get me wrong, but I can handle whatever comes. I know it’s not going to change what the dog thinks when he walks through the door again.”
He added: “It will,” when asked how the Spain game will affect people’s perception of his time with England. “But in the eyes of others.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will hope to make an impact off the bench as he did in the quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Kyle Walker is expected to continue in the right-centre position he has played in England’s last two knockout games.
England captain Harry Kane has declared himself fit for the competition after suffering a knock to the foot against the Dutch.
Jordan Pickford has been a steady hand in goal for England throughout the tournament, while fans know the Everton goalkeeper could also be called upon if the final goes to penalties.
“Age and experience have made me more comfortable with who I am, what I’m good at and what I need to improve. I fully understand that, in the end, winning and what that means completely changes the way others will see you.”
England go into the match as second favourites, and will face a Spain side that has been in devastating form throughout the competition. In contrast, the Three Lions have not been impressive at times, but their semi-final victory confirmed that they have grown in the tournament.
Among the smiling faces on Saturday morning was captain Harry Kane, who declared himself fit to start against the Iberian giants as he sets his sights on another major tournament Golden Boot.
The captain suffered a foot problem while winning the penalty that earned his side a draw against the Netherlands in Wednesday’s semi-final. Southgate said the knock contributed to his decision to replace Kane in the euphoric victory.
But when asked by reporters about his availability for the final, Kane said: “I’m fine.”
Kieran Trippier also had a groin problem in midweek but Southgate hopes both he and Kane, who has not undergone a scan, will be fit. Kane and his team-mates will share an extra prize of up to £10m if they lift the trophy on Sunday night.
Declan Rice (centre) will have the huge task of managing Spain’s midfield, while semi-final hero Ollie Watkins (right) and Ivan Toney (left) have both proved effective off the bench.
Both Ezri Konsa (left) and Eberechi Eze (right) have impressed when called up by the England manager during the tournament.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has had to fight for minutes in the tournament but that doesn’t seem to have affected him.
Several players are also in a position to receive personal bonuses through their individual sponsorship deals. For example, Kane is likely to get a reward if he wins the Golden Boot, as a result of his deal with Sketchers.
Kane is the joint top scorer with three goals, alongside Spaniard Dani Olmo and other players who are no longer in the tournament.