Southgate Urges Fearless Approach From England In Euro 2024 Semi-Final Clash

Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that the high expectations surrounding England contributed to their lacklustre start at Euro 2024. He is urging the Three Lions to play without fear in their semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday. England's journey to the top of Group C was unconvincing, with a narrow win over Serbia followed by draws against Denmark and Slovenia.

In the last 16, England needed some luck to progress. Jude Bellingham's stunning 95th-minute overhead kick levelled the score before Harry Kane secured victory in extra time. The quarter-final against Switzerland also required a penalty shoot-out after Bukayo Saka's brilliant equaliser helped them come from behind.

Southgate believes that despite needing penalties to overcome Switzerland, it marked an improvement for his team. "One of our strengths over the years has been having less fear, showing less inhibition but at the beginning of the tournament the expectation weighed heavily and the noise from outside had never been louder," he said ahead of Wednesday's match in Dortmund.

The England manager noted that his team struggled initially but managed to find ways to win. "We couldn't quite get ourselves in the right place. What was impressive in the end was that we ground it out and found ways to win," Southgate added. He observed a shift during their game against Switzerland, seeing a more liberated version of his team on the ball.

Southgate emphasised that now is the time for his players to focus on what is possible rather than what might go wrong. "This is now the chance to make history. We are trying to break new ground and that is not easy but the players have been resilient," he stated.

Aiming for Back-to-Back Finals

England aims to become just the sixth team to reach back-to-back Euros finals, having lost to Italy in the delayed 2020 edition. While core players like Kane, Declan Rice, John Stones, and Jordan Pickford remain from that defeat, new faces such as Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, and Kobbie Mainoo have joined the squad.

"I am very fortunate to have a fabulous group of players; we work as a team and we always have," Southgate said. He praised how well his squad has bonded over recent weeks, noting that half of them had no prior tournament experience.

Selection Dilemmas

Another selection decision awaits Southgate as he must choose between recalling Luke Shaw or continuing with Kieran Trippier at left-back. Shaw impressed during a short cameo against Switzerland but has been injured for four months.

"Luke Shaw has been injured for four months; it wasn't a possibility for him to play until the last match where he made a good contribution," Southgate explained. He acknowledged Shaw's balance but also praised Trippier's consistent performances over many years.

Southgate concluded by expressing satisfaction with his squad's depth and versatility: "We've got 21 of the players onto the pitch with no dead rubbers and that has made people even more connected."