'Playing our way into tournament': Fans reflect on England’s journey and chances in EURO 2024

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - England has once again made it to the UEFA European Championship final, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Spain on Sunday night.

The excitement is palpable across the nation, as the fans hope to witness the men's team claim their first European title and bring the football crown home.

"Maybe we feel super nervous, but I’ll say very excited," said one fan, capturing the feelings of many on game day, with the match just hours away.

"The generation that we've grown up with has brought us a lot of hope. Nervous, nervous is the word. I think we found a way. I think we're playing our way into the tournament. I think today will be cagey but there’s not gonna be many goals."

Despite initial fears about Spain, the fan said his optimism grew throughout the day: "When I woke up this morning, I thought, Spain was in my head. But now my heart has taken over, and I'm thinking 1-0 England."

Another supporter praised right winger Bukayo Saka, in particular his remarkable comeback and consistent performance.

"Saka got redemption when he scored the penalty. In the last couple of games, he's played every game and he's just been fantastic. He's like a hidden hero, I would say."

Asked about Spain's chances, the fan brushed back the notion of an inevitable Spanish victory: "I don't think so. Obviously, they played better than us in the tournament."

- ‘This is our year’

Confidence runs high among the fans. "I think it’s coming home," declared one.

Another fan expressed overall satisfaction with the team's recent performances. "I liked the way we’ve played in the last couple of games,” he said, but also hedged: “Obviously, the defense is not as strong as I would like them to be..."

Bold predictions were abundant, with one fan envisioning a 3-0 victory for England, featuring a hat-trick from Saka.

They also shared their tactical tips. "If I was the manager, I'd go with a 4-3-3 formation: Mainoo, Bellingham, Rice in the middle; Foden, Kane, Saka up front. And bring it home."

Confidence was the dominant theme. "It’s definitely coming home. I can feel it, this is our year. I’m confident," asserted another fan. Reflecting on the team's adaptability, they added, "This tournament, we have shown we can change formations. In the game against Switzerland, we played well; against the Netherlands, we played well. But I’m confident."

As England prepares for the final showdown against Spain, just 10 days after also dramatically sweeping in a new government, the nation stands united in hope and belief, dreaming of a historic victory that would see the men's team crowned European champions for the first time.