Euro 2020 semifinal is a very special opportunity for England: Gareth Southgate

 

England’s head coach Gareth Southgate has admitted that the Euro 2020 semifinal against Denmark is a very special opportunity for his team. England will take on the Danish team in front of an almost 60,000 home crowd at the Wembley Stadium, London on Wednesday.

England has ticked the right boxes so far in the tournament and semifinal against Denmark will be a chance for the Three Lions to break their hoodoo of going all the way to the final.

England had last qualified for the final of a major tournament back in 1966 when they went on to win the World Cup. Since then, they don’t have a great record in the knockout stages of the big events.

Meanwhile, England had topped their group and then went on to defeat arch-rivals Germany by 2-0 in the Round of 16. Subsequently, they thrashed Ukraine by 4-0 in the quarters and they have come up with collective efforts.

“England matches bring families and communities together,” said Southgate.

Speaking to BBC, he added: “The opportunity to bring happiness and create brilliant nights for our fans, our nation, is a very special one that you have when you play with England. “They are matches that you remember where you were and some of the nicest messages you get are that people appreciate how the players have been – that they feel they can connect with them – they should be very proud of that.”

Talking about what it means to him if England goes to reach the final of Euro 2020, Southgate said, “If you’re a coach it’s a bit like being a parent – you’ve gone past the moment when it’s about you and it’s about what you pass on to others.”

Meanwhile, England had lost the 2018 World Cup semifinal against Croatia by 2-1 and their defender Harry Maguire feels that hurt could inspire his team.

“The motivation is there,” Maguire said. “Losing the semi-final at the World Cup hurt a lot.”

England will take on Denmark at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.