"A massive game to change our lives" - Cole Palmer speaks out ahead of Euro 2024 final between England and Spain
England attacker Cole Palmer is looking ahead to a potentially career-changing Euro 2024 final with Spain in Berlin on Sunday (July 14). The Chelsea man played a key role in the Three Lions' semi-final win over the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday (July 10).
Gareth Southgate's side fell behind to a seventh-minute opener from Xabi Simons but restored parity through a controversial penalty from captain Harry Kane in the 18th minute.
The Three Lions looked the better team as the game wore on. Fresh legs eventually made the difference as Cole Palmer set up fellow substitute Ollie Watkins' 90th-minute winner to eliminate the Oranje.
After playing a key role in the Three Lions' passage to the Euro 2024 final, Palmer recognises the importance of the game as Southgate's side look to end 58 years of hurt in major tournaments.
“A massive game to change our lives, our families lives and to make everyone proud,” Palmer said (as per Lions Den via CFC Daily).
Despite not starting yet at Euro 2024, Palmer has an assist in 125 minutes of cumulative action across four games.
"We have to get the ball off them first" - Cole Palmer's England boss on Euro 2024 final with Spain
England boss Gareth Southgate has joined an exclusive group after leading his team to successive European Championship finals. Following the semi-final win over the Oranje, Southgate has joined Germany’s Helmut Schon (1972 and 1976) and Berti Vogts (1992 and 1996) to reach two European finals.
The former midfielder is already looking forward to the big game against Spain, acknowledging La Roja's ability on the ball and off it. Southgate threw a sneak peek on how he plans to stop Luis de la Fuente's side (as per UEFA.com):
"We have to get the ball off them first! They press very well, so we will have to be exceptional with the ball, and we will have to be exceptional without it. But it's a final, you expect that."
While Cole Palmer and Co. are looking to become the 11th different team to win the Euros, Spain are on a quest to become the first four-time winners.