Gareth Southgate and England face a date with destiny this evening as Spain stand in their way of Euro 2024 glory.
England meet Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night as the two sides lock horns in Berlin.
Spain have been superb throughout the tournament and certainly deserve their spot in the final.
England’s route to the final has been a little less convincing having stumbled through a favourable group.
The Three Lions were even seconds away from elimination against Slovakia before Jude Bellingham came up with an injury-time leveller.
An extra time win against Slovakia, a penalty shootout win against Switzerland, a last-minute winner against the Netherlands; England have done it the hard way.
Spain certainly pose the toughest task yet and England stars need to step up to the occasion if they are to secure the trophy.
Kieran Trippier on Arsenal’s Declan Rice
Gareth Southgate is unlikely to make changes from the win over the Netherlands in midweek.
That means Kieran Trippier is primed to start at left wing back once again despite him being substituted for Luke Shaw at half-time.
The Newcastle United ace maybe hasn’t been at his best this summer but he is an experienced performer who has the full trust of Southgate.
Trippier is a leader in this England squad and he is now seeing younger players step up into leadership roles too.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of facing Spain, Trippier highlighted the rise of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice in this England setup.
Rice captained England against Belgium back in March and Trippier has been impressed by his development as a leader.
Trippier suggested that people almost overlook that Rice is only 25 but is already seen as one of the vocal leaders in the England squad.
Rice has become a key man for Arsenal and England, taking it upon himself to become a leader for both.
Trippier has been impressed with Rice as well as England teammate Bukayo Saka, suggesting that the duo are really stepping up.
“People forget how young Declan is for example, he’s very vocal,” said Trippier. “Bukayo, so young still, who’s very vocal,” he added.
Rice may struggle to land the Arsenal captaincy given that current skipper Martin Odegaard is only 25 too.
The Norwegian doesn’t look to be going anywhere any time soon and should be Arsenal captain for a long time yet.
Perhaps Rice will be in line to become England captain whenever Harry Kane gives up the armband – and that would seemingly be a decision backed by Trippier having seen him rise in the Three Lions setup.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
