"I feel like I am part of this team" - Barcelona youngster Gavi sends message ahead of Spain vs England Euro 2024 final
Barcelona starlet Gavi has sent a message to his Spain teammates ahead of the Euro 2024 final against England on July 14. La Roja play England at the Olympiastadion in Germany in a scintillating final.
Gavi, however, is not a part of the tournament. He has been out of action since suffering a cruciate ligament tear in November 2023 while on international duty. Gavi, though, is in full support of Luis de la Fuente's side as the 19-year-old said (via Barca Universal):
"I am very proud and very happy to be there with them. They deserved it very much. I feel very loved, i watched all the games and supported them because I feel like I am part of this team and this country."
Spain have been in stellar form at Euro 2024, winning all six of their matches en route to the final. Luis de la Fuente's side are the only team in the history of the competition to do so.
Spain aim to win the European Championships for the fourth time in their history having previously won it in 1964, 2008, and 2012. De la Fuente's team won the UEFA Nations League last year and are now on the cusp of another major trophy. Spanish football is seemingly going through a renaissance on the international stage having gone through a difficult period since 2012.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente previews Euro 2024 final against England
Luis de la Fuente has claimed that there are no favorites in the Euro 2024 final against England. The Spain coach noted that like the previous knockout games, it's an even outing.
Speaking to the media ahead of the blockbuster showdown against Gareth Southgate's side, he said:
"There are no favorites. It's an even match-up, just as out previous knockout matches were. If we are not above the level we displayed in those games, we won't have a chance of winning."
While it's a pragmatic approach from De la Fuente, there's no denying the individual and collective brilliance his team have shown. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Fabian Ruiz, and others have all been influential.
England, though, are a tough opponent with a squad full of talented players. Gareth Southgate is looking to lead the team to triumph having lost out in the final at Euro 2020.