Gareth Southgate says winning a trophy is the final step to England earning the respect of the footballing world.
The Three Lions have not lifted a major trophy since the World Cup in 1966 but can end that drought by beating Spain in the final of the European Championship on Sunday.
Under Southgate’s management, the team have reached a semi-final and now two finals of major tournaments but the England boss accepts they must get over the line tomorrow if they are to be truly respected.
“We tried to change the mindset from the start, we tried to be more honest about where we were as a football nation,” Southgate explained.
“I’ve travelled to World Cups, European Championships watching as an observer and watched highlight reels of matches on the big screens – and we weren’t in any of them.
“We needed to change that. We had high expectations but they didn’t match where we were performance-wise. Now, the high expectations are still there but we’ve had consistent performances, certainly over three of the last four tournaments and a quarter-final in the fourth.
“In the end you have to be in the latter stages of tournaments to learn how to win the big games. A lot of records we have broken but we know we have to do this one, to get this trophy to really feel the respect of the footballing world.”
Southgate is now in his eighth year as England manager having also represented the country as a player too.
And the England boss says his experiences mean he has no fear for the final with Spain, and urged his players not to feel nervous too.
He said: “I don’t have any fear about tomorrow as I’ve been through everything. I want the players to have that fearlessness. If we’re not afraid to lose it gives us a better chance of winning. I’m personally excited tomorrow.”
FEATURED IMAGE: STU FORSTER/GETTY IMAGES VIA ONE FOOTBALL
