Southgate dares to dream as England eye end to long wait for Euros glory

England manager Gareth Southgate said he does not believe that fate is guiding the Three Lions to Euro 2024 glory, but is dreaming of ending a 58-year wait to win a major tournament in Sunday's final against Spain.

Three years on from losing the Euro 2020 final on home soil to Italy, Southgate's men have another opportunity to become European champions for the first time in Berlin.

England have struggled on their road to the final, needing a series of late goals, fightbacks and a penalty shoot-out against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Southgate said that did not mean they were destined to beat a Spanish side who have been a class apart in the competition so far.

However, it would a reward for England's consistency in never failing to reach at least the quarter-finals in the four tournaments Southgate has taken charge of.

England ready to step up a gear in Euro 2024 knockouts, says Southgate

Football

"I'm not a believer in fairy tales but I am a believer in dreams," Southgate said at his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

"We've had big dreams, we've felt the need and the importance of that but then you have to make those things happen.

"Fate, the run that we've had, the late goals, the penalties, that doesn't equate to it being our moment, we have to make it happen tomorrow and perform at the level that we need to perform.

"Of course it would be a lovely story but it's in our hands and our performance is the most important thing."