England’s journey to win the European Championship and Gareth Southgate’s potential final chapter with the team commenced in a joyful and vibrant atmosphere at the new home of Germany’s historic club, Carl Zeiss Jena.
During their first training session after arriving in Germany, the squad’s spirits were high as they engaged in a spirited game of head tennis, with Southgate acting as referee. The players’ enthusiasm and the support of local children and their families overshadowed the recent defeat against Iceland at Wembley.
The session also provided reassurance about John Stones’ fitness, as he showed no signs of discomfort from the previous match. Stones’ availability is crucial to England’s aspirations for the tournament. The game culminated in a marathon rally, with shouts of joy and despair, ending with a winning hit from Harry Kane, an auspicious sign for the upcoming challenges.
Gareth Southgate, right, refereed several games of head tennis during training
Harry Kane’s winning hit was a positive omen for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament
Southgate maintained a positive demeanor despite reports suggesting he might leave his role as England boss after the tournament
The local children enthusiastically cheered for Kane, still buzzing from his remarkable debut season with Bayern Munich. After the session, the players graciously signed autographs and posed for selfies, with Jude Bellingham, England’s 20-year-old prodigy, being particularly accommodating.
Southgate’s demeanor reflected that of a proud father, overseeing a squad brimming with youthful talent and seasoned stars. The manager seemed determined to savor every moment of the tournament, which England enters as favorites, just ahead of France. However, it is also likely to be Southgate’s final chapter with the team, as he hinted in a recent interview.
“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore,” Southgate had told Bild. “So maybe it is the last chance. […] You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please,’ as at some point, people lose faith. If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”
Despite the potential end of Southgate’s tenure, the day was a celebration of England’s bright future, with young talents covering every inch of the grass and embracing the challenges ahead. The squad, picked based on form rather than reputation, embodies England’s ambitious approach to the tournament, even amid injuries.
Local youngsters enthusiastically cheered for Harry Kane after his impressive season with Bayern
Jude Bellingham graciously posed for photos and autographs with adoring fans
Carl Zeiss Jena, once a prominent team in East Germany, is also experiencing a resurgence, with a new stadium and upcoming matches against notable opponents. Similarly, Southgate and England are embracing a new beginning with a squad that blends youthful fearlessness and experienced stars.
England’s base in Germany reflects their preference for solitude during recent tournaments. On Saturday, they will depart their tranquil surroundings for the industrial atmosphere of Gelsenkirchen, where they will face Serbia in their opening group game. While England has ghosts from past tournaments, the atmosphere of fun and laughter during training suggests it’s time to cast those ghosts aside and embrace the light of a promising future.