Southgate says Euros success can give nation back its ‘energy’

Gareth Southgate believes this summer’s European Championship can help the country regain “its enthusiasm for life” and claims the United Kingdom was “well placed” to host the tournament.

Uefa is continuing to insist the plan to spread the Euros over 12 countries remains, as the England manager acknowledged, although that may change early next month depending on Covid-19 infection rates. Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed the UK had made offers to become the sole host of the tournament. However, the Football Association has said there are no plans for additional games in this country.

For the time being, Uefa is continuing with its schedule of 12 cities, including London, with seven games at Wembley. Each host city has until April 5 to confirm the number of fans allowed in each stadium before Uefa makes a final decision.

Southgate told Talksport: “We’ve got our fingers crossed that we keep progressing as we are and there could be some fans back in the stadium. Then everything else is a bit up in the air. You would imagine if there’s an option for one country to host, we’ll be well placed with a couple of other countries to do that.”

Of England’s involvement in the tournament, Southgate added: “If we can play a part in the country getting back its energy, its enthusiasm for life, its enjoyment… the major tournaments are national events. We all go and see that roller coaster. I think the country are ready for that enjoyment.”

Southgate revealed Leicester fullback James Justin would have been in contention for his squad named this month for three World Cup qualifiers had the 23-year-old’s season not been ended by injury. He also praised Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.