yes, this England team fully deserves to go to the final

The chorus is sung at the top of their lungs by tens of thousands of fans in a trance: “It’s coming home, football’s coming home”. All of England are celebrating the qualification of their team for their first Euro final on Sunday night against Italy. But the English victory against Denmark has been criticized (2-1 ap), many observers believing that the victorious penalty scored by Harry Kane in overtime was contentious or even non-existent. Other voices have been raised to point the finger at the advantage the Three Lions have had of playing five of their six games at their favorite Wembley stadium, where the final will also be held.

Yet Gareth Southgate’s men have shown immense qualities throughout the competition, especially in the knockout matches, which make him a handsome and deserving finalist. Here’s why.

Because this is his second big successful competition in a row

Gone are the days when the England team was the laughing stock of Europe. Since its elimination against Iceland in the round of 16 of Euro 2016, the English selection has continued to progress under the leadership of its coach Gareth Southgate. The first progress was seen at the 2018 World Cup, where it was only eliminated in the semi-finals by Croatia (2-1 ap). It continued its momentum at the Euro, despite a first round far from convincing.

But the Three Lions stepped on the accelerator in the knockout phase, where the big teams show up. They first broke the curse by finally beating Germany in the round of 16 (2-0), before crushing Ukraine in the quarter-finals (4-0). Against Denmark, they largely dominated a large part of the meeting and logically won the victory thanks to a great intensity and a hint of luck, with a goal against his side of Simon Kjaer and this famous disputed penalty. The fact remains that no one, so far, has been stronger than England on this Euro.

Because she has a talented workforce

Admittedly, the English game is not flamboyant and sometimes lacks offensive impetus. But one observation is undeniable: England has a royal workforce, with young nuggets destined to become world references (when this is not already the case). The tank is particularly impressive in midfield, with the pair Kalvin Philips (Leeds, 25) -Declan Rice (West Ham, 22) and Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount (22), and especially in attack.

The attacking potential is indeed frightening, with star striker and captain Harry Kane at the head of the game, scoring four goals in the competition, all registered in the elimination phase. The best player of this Euro on the English side is undoubtedly Raheem Sterling, the Manchester City winger who turned the heads of all his opponents (3 goals at the Euro). Next to them, Gareth Southgate can rely on a host of young diamonds: Jadon Sancho (who should soon sign for Manchester United, 22), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, 19), Phil Foden (Manchester City, 21 years) or Marcus Rashford (Manchester United, 23). Very heavy.

Because she only conceded one goal

If the attack has something to impress, it is not surprising the less strong of the English team during this Euro. Contrary to clichés, the Three Lions are now extremely solid in defense, with only one goal conceded since the start of the competition (on an exceptional free kick from Dane Damsgaard). Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, often criticized at Everton, was impeccable throughout the Euro despite some jumps in concentration. The 100% Mancunian “back four” has perfectly met expectations, releasing a serenity that has long been lacking in England.

On his left side, Luke Shaw (United) continues to create huge differences and has already delivered three assists. His right-hand counterpart, the Cityzen Kyle Walker, was also excellent. And what about central defenders John Stones (City) and Harry Maguire (United), long mocked for having respectively cost 55 and 87 million euros. The astronomical cost of their transfer is now forgotten, so much they convinced in clubs as with their selection. Harry Maguire even scored with a header from a set piece against Ukraine in the quarterfinals and could be once again invaluable in this area in the final.

Because she often plays “at home” in major competitions

With such performances, all of England began to dream of a first success at the Euro. A victory would be all the more symbolic as the final takes place in the temple of Wembley, in London. And this is what provokes criticism. With six out of seven matches played in their home, the English have clearly benefited from the support of their supporters, unlike other teams who have traveled all over Europe during this very special Euro.

But for those who frequent the stands, seeing tens of thousands of English flags and jerseys is hardly an incongruity. For decades, Three Lions supporters have traveled the world in droves and annexed almost every stadium they pass through, from Portugal to Brazil to Russia. Let’s mention the incredible atmosphere of England-Algeria in the first round of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa or England-Slovakia in the group stage of Euro 2016 in Saint-Etienne, with a completely white stadium for… two pitiful 0 to 0. It just goes to show that having the support of a delirious crowd has not always been a guarantee of success for the English, far from it.