Gareth Southgate already has major Spain ‘concern’ ahead of Euros Final

Gareth Southgate admits Spain’s extra day of rest could give them an advantage in the Euro 2024 final.

England take on the 2008 and 2012 winners in Berlin on Friday after their epic win against the Netherlands. The Three Lions came from behind to win in Dortmund after Harry Kane’s controversial penalty cancelled out Xavi Simons’ stunning opener. Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins then fired home a dramatic stoppage time winner to tee-up Sunday’s finale. But Southgate believes his side are already on the back foot.

Spain took on France in their own semi-final on Tuesday, meaning that they have already had an extra day to recuperate. Explaining how his team plans on navigating that challenge, he said: “It’s not as simple as us having the ball and making them run.

“They press very, very well so we’re going to have to be exceptional with the ball and we’re going to have to be exceptional without it. It’s a final so you expect it to be that way. They’ve been the best team. We’re starting to show a better version of ourselves.

“The extra day [of rest for Spain] is a concern, in the last few tournaments that’s been a problem for finalists. We’ve got to do the very best we can to recover the players as well as we can.

“We’re not going to be on the training ground, that’s simple. We’ll be walking through things or delivering things in meetings, it was the same for this game, but we’re in there and with what we’ve shown to this point, we have as good a chance as they do.”

What team should England name vs Spain? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Southgate certainly has plenty of thinking to do ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Olympiastadion. And while it looks set to be an anxiety-filled evening for all of a Three Lions’ allegiance, they have already been given encouragement by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman.

He has predicted that England could potentially get the better of Spain despite their advantage. Speaking after his side’s defeat on Wednesday, he said: “England showed great football in the first half after being 1-0 down.

“It’s football. If you watch all the matches of the Spanish national team they are more offensive with wingers and [playing] football from the back and ball position and you need to stop that.

“But England are in the final and have the possibility to win it. Maybe from the outside because Spain are playing from a high level [they are favourites] but England can stop them, why not.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.