Former England striker Gary Lineker, who earned 80 caps for his national team.
Gary Lineker believes Gareth Southgate’s team is on the verge of making history after securing a spot in the Euro 2024 final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund. This is the first time England’s men’s team has reached a final outside of England, contrasting with their previous appearances at Wembley for the 1966 World Cup and the 2021 Euros. Meanwhile, the women’s Euro victory in 2022 also occurred on home soil. England, historically champions only in the 1966 World Cup, have never won the European Championship, whereas Spain boasts three Euro titles.
Lineker, set to host BBC One’s final coverage, emphasized the significance for English football, highlighting their 2021 Euro final loss at Wembley and the chance for redemption abroad. He praised England’s resilience and late-game heroics throughout the tournament, including Ollie Watkins’ decisive 90th-minute goal against the Netherlands. Reflecting on England’s journey, Gary Lineker pointed out their ability to grind out results even when not playing at their best, a trait crucial in tournament football.
Despite Spain being viewed as favorites heading into the final after an impressive run in Germany, Lineker noted England’s improvement through the knockout stages, culminating in their best performance against the Netherlands. Regarding the iconic “football’s coming home” phrase, Lineker dismissed its use, citing its historical jinx. He expressed confidence in England’s chances but acknowledged the challenge posed by a formidable Spanish side.
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