Gary Lineker Hopes For England's Major Trophy Win In Euro 2024 Final
Gary Lineker is confident that England will soon secure a major tournament victory, but he hopes it happens in their Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday. England's clash with Spain in Berlin offers a chance to end a 58-year drought for an international title, something Lineker couldn't achieve during his playing days.
Under Gareth Southgate's leadership, England has come closer to international success than ever before. They have reached consecutive European Championship finals, achieving more major tournament finals in four attempts with Southgate (two) than in their first 23 appearances at the World Cup and Euros combined (one). Sunday's final marks England's first on foreign soil, and they remain unbeaten in Berlin with four wins and two draws.
Lineker scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for the Three Lions, becoming the first English player to win the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup. Despite his efforts, he experienced significant heartbreak on the international stage. Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal eliminated England from that World Cup. Four years later, at Italia 90, England reached the semi-finals but lost to West Germany in a penalty shoot-out.
Lineker remains hopeful that Southgate and his squad can end their wait for a major international honour. He believes that even if they don't succeed on Sunday, they will achieve it soon. "My lifetime ambition as a player was always to win a major tournament with England. We got very close, but it did not quite happen," Lineker told BBC Sport.
"Now it is the same in broadcasting. I have always wanted to utter those words and say an England men's team has won a World Cup or European Championship - and I am hoping Sunday is the day it finally happens," he added. "It is going to be tough, of course. They are playing a very good Spain team with a couple of real superstars and one emerging phenomenon, but I still feel like they've got a good chance."
Past Experiences Fuel Confidence
England came very close at the last Euros, losing the final on penalties – an experience that Lineker believes will benefit them now. "Since then, I have been saying that this team will do it and win something, and I still believe that," he said. "If it is not on Sunday night then it might be in two years, or four, or six... but it will happen because this England side is only going to get better and if you keep banging on the door, eventually it will open."
The former striker netted in both of those aforementioned games against Argentina and West Germany, making those defeats particularly painful. Despite these setbacks, Lineker remains optimistic about England's future prospects under Southgate's guidance.
"I don't want to wait though," Lineker concluded. "I just hope it happens on Sunday." The anticipation for Sunday's final is palpable as fans eagerly await what could be a historic moment for English football.
One more. Turn the page.
— England (@England) July 14, 2024
A chance to make history.
Spain #EURO2024 final
Olympiastadion Berlin
8pm (UK)
@BBCOne and @ITV— England (@England) July 14, 2024
The excitement surrounding Sunday's match is undeniable as fans hope to witness history being made at Olympiastadion Berlin.
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