Southgate responds to England being made Euro 2020 favourites

England manager Gareth Southgate has reacted to the news that his side are now viewed by many bookies as the favourites to win Euro 2020.

The Three Lions went into their game against Germany knowing that a victory could do wonders for their Euros aspirations. Now, after a comprehensive 2-0 success at Wembley, fans are starting to believe that football really could be coming home again.

Could the wait be over?

It prompted many, including bookmakers and pundits, to label this side as the favourites to win it all – especially with the semi-finals and final taking place on home turf.

During a recent interview, Southgate made it clear that he believes his team can handle the pressure.

“I said at the start of this tournament that we have got to accept the expectation and have to be able to handle that and also we want the fans to be excited.” He explained.

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“Four years ago, we wanted this team to become relevant again and we are making steps towards that being the case so of course, we want to give people nights like against Germany. 

“We are chuffed that they enjoyed their afternoon whether they were here or at home and absolutely we have to make sure our focus is 100 percent. 

“Although we have a lot who were with us in the World Cup semi-final, we have a lot who are relatively inexperienced.

“The two midfield players, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, are very inexperienced internationally and do not have any European experience club-wise either and they were up against a World Cup winner and a Champions League winner in Toni Kroos and Leon Goretzka.

“A huge challenge. They did brilliantly. Their energy and athleticism was really important. We will need to show that again.”

England will hope to maintain that same optimism and drive when they face Ukraine in their Euro 2020 quarter-final this Saturday.

Featured image credit: Getty

The ‘Coming Home’ shirt was made using Sports Direct’s flagships stores ‘My ID Customisation’ – a dedicated spot on the sidelines of the store where customers can have products customised with limited edition designs from illustrators, such as Daniel Nyari.