As England undergo their final preparations for Sunday night’s Euro 2024 final, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will be looking to utilise every advantage he can find, no matter how big or how small.
International tournaments are often settled on the most minor details, so Southgate will be desperate to leverage every advantage he can find in the Berlin showpiece.
And according to former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, Southgate need look no further than his substitute’s bench to provide him with a ‘dream’ advantage.
VIDEO: Why England FINALLY Came Good Against The Netherlands
Subs have been crucial in England’s run to Berlin, not least Wednesday night’s dramatic semi-final victory over the Netherlands in which 81st-minute replacements Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins combined in the final minute to allow the Aston Villa forward to score another late winner.
And it’s these attacking options which Keane sees as being a huge positive for England ahead of their showdown against Spain.
“Just think of the quality of these players that are coming off the bench for Gareth [Southgate],” Keane said, speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet.
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
England’s Ollie Watkins celebrates his late winner against the Netherlands (Image credit: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
“Harry Kane is obviously a brilliant goal scorer. You’ve got Ollie Watkins who is coming off an amazing season at Aston Villa, the goals and assists he’s got, Cole Palmer who has been amazing at Chelsea, Ivan Toney is the main man at Brentford – these are coming off the bench.
“They are the star men at their clubs, so for that mindset to come on as a sub and think ‘I’m going to have an impact’, it’s a dream for a manager.”
Get a free live stream to watch Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world and catch the final stages of the summer’s big tournament
More Euro 2024 stories
England hero compares Three Lions to Real Madrid ahead of Euro 2024 final
Euro 2024: BBC draft in Manchester United hero for England v Spain final
VIP Euro 2024 final tickets on sale for eye-watering £337,000 – but come with a risk
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
