The Euros have begun, and England is gearing up for its first match on Sunday
Words by Alysia Georgiades
After a year’s delay the England squad is finally gearing up for its first match of the Euros against Croatia.
We all know how this fixture ended three years ago, but will history repeat itself?
As far as preparations are concerned, England haven’t been able to have the best of warm-ups. Many of the starting XI didn’t play in the two friendlies last week due to injuries - including centre back Harry Maguire - and recovery time for Chelsea and Manchester City players after the Champions League final at the end of May.
This meant the matches against Austria and Romania included a range of England players, including a few who didn’t make the 26-team squad.
Discussions as to why Southgate selected players who didn’t make the cut have left experts, pundits and fans alike confused. But even if it wasn’t the intention, this decision has likely instilled a team spirit that is essential when heading into a major tournament.
After announcing the 26-player squad last week, Southgate gave those who missed out the option to stay with the team. And every one of them did exactly that, meaning a few had the honour of putting on the England shirt and playing for their nation. Something Southgate himself has said he reminds his players of before every match in an open letter published four days ago titled Dear England.
Southgate emphasised the honour, writing that the players “are part of an experience that lasts in the collective consciousness of our country”. What he asks of his players is simply win or lose, to make their nation proud whilst playing a game they love.The matches might not have been a part of the Euros, but assured those players they are still a part of the England squad. An incredible achievement whether it is a friendly or a final
With the second youngest team of the tournament, England is not shy of skilful players who have the ability to leave a lasting impression on the pitch and in the minds of everyone watching. But there are doubts over the starting XI’s preparations after being unable to play a match together. And with the added concern of injuries, England’s first match against Croatia will be no easy feat.
Experts and fans alike have been predicting and choosing their starting XI for Sunday’s match, trying to guess the type of play Southgate will use to achieve the best possible start to the tournament. And after two impressive outings from Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish in the friendlies, many think he should play against Croatia.
His ability to make things happen on the pitch, fearlessly moving forward and winning free kicks makes him exciting to watch and dangerous for opponents. Which is exactly why other’s believe Southgate could use him as a powerful substitution.
But which players will be on the pitch is not the only factor in the formula for success. Football requires mental stamina as much as it requires physical endurance. Players need to believe that they have the ability to win before and during a match, and substitutions should be able to fit seamlessly into the team whilst making an impact on the game. This isn’t always easy, but Southgate seems to know the importance of building a positive team, and the effect it can have on play.
The England squad, based in St George’s Park in Staffordshire, have been bonding on and off the training ground, some of which can be seen on England’s Youtube channel with their Lions Den series, as well as The Official England podcast and interviews with the media.
Seeing the players relaxed and positive about England’s chances is one of the best ways to start a major tournament. If the players have belief, then the team as a whole will work stronger to turn that belief into success. And when the team is enjoying being a part of an iconic competition, it snowballs to the fans, who watch each match with pride.
Gareth Southgate himself said during an interview for BBC’s Euro coverage that the England team and football act as a “catalyst for togetherness”, and that’s been proven time and time again. Yet Southgate’s aim at the tournament isn’t necessarily to win, it’s to make the nation proud.
Whether iconic, memorable moments are a part of a match England win or lose is irrelevant, because if they play to the best of their ability for as long as they’re on the pitch, then the outcome doesn’t become the most important part.
We saw this at the World Cup three years ago. When England lost that semi-final, the nation was devastated. But the players left what they could on the pitch, and even with the loss, gave the nation a tournament that would never be forgotten.
So as much as we look at if the England squad is ready, England as nation should be ready too. For the highs and lows, for the pride that Southgate hopes will wash over fans, and for the memories his team is hoping to create.
And after a year’s delay, it’s safe to say England is more than ready. So bring it on.