"3 years on, and he’s at it again" - Rio Ferdinand makes hilarious Euro 2020 callback with pic alongside Chiellini ahead of England-Spain clash
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has posted a hilarious Euro 2020 callback pic with his Italy counterpart Giorgio Chiellini ahead of the Euro 2024 Spain-England clash in Berlin on Sunday (July 14). The now-retired Chiellini was a member of the Euro 2020-winning Azzurri team that beat the Three Lions on penalties in the final.
It turned out to be the veteran defender's last major-tournament appearance, and he made sure it was a memorable one by ending the Azzurri's 53-year European Championship drought. Although Chiellini had debuted in 2004, he wasn't a part of Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions are into back-to-back European Championship finals for the first time. They face a La Roja side looking for a record fourth title, while Gareth Southgate's side are looking for their first.
Ahead of the big game in the German capital on Sunday, Ferdinand posted a funny picture with Chiellini on Instagram and captioned it:
"3 years on, and he’s at it again ffs….giorgiochiellini #Euro2024"
Coming to the latest edition of the tournament, both Euro 2024 finalists are unbeaten in six games, with Spain winning all six, becoming the first team to do so in a single edition of the competition.
"There's a different feel" - England boss ahead of Euro 2024 final with Spain
England boss Gareth Southgate reckons his team have a 'different' feeling ahead of their second European Championship final in four years, having lost to Italy on penalties three years ago.
The Three Lions have ground out results without necessarily being at their fluent best as they eye a first major title in 58 years. Ahead of the title match with Spain, Southgate said about the mood in the English camp (as per BBC):
"There's a different feel (than 2021). We're now in a different moment as a team, two tournaments on and a lot more big match experience. I guess there was less of a celebration, perhaps less satisfaction at reaching a final.
"I wouldn't say it becomes run of the mill, but it's a little bit more normal for us. That statement in itself is probably a bit ridiculous given our history."
The Three Lions are looking to become the 11th different team to win the European Championship and the first since Portugal triumphed eight years ago in Paris.