England ready to end semi-final jinx at Euro 2020, says Southgate
England’s players attend a training session at St George’s Park on Monday. Reuters
Coach Gareth Southgate is confident that England can break their semi-final jinx and book their berth in the final of a major tournament for the first time since 1966 World Cup triumph.
England will take on Denmark in the last four in their bid to win a major title for the first time in 56 years. England finished the first round on the top of their group and saw off arch rivals Germany in round of 16 to remain on course for the title.
Germany had shown the exit doors to England in 1970, 1990 and 2010 World Cups. They also eliminated England from Euro with a victory in 1996 semi-finals.
England have faltered at in the semi-finals of the majors on four occasions since winning the World Cup in 1966, latest being their loss against Croatia at the Russia World Cup in 2018.
However, this time around a resilient England look to exorcise the demons of the past and march towards their goal, which will mark the beginning of a new ear.
Southgate believes his side have learnt from the past mistake and will not repeat the same. They will erase all the painful memories from the minds of the fans, who have clung to a slim hope of another major title for over half a century.
England, under Southgate, have emerged as one of the top contenders for the title and will be highly favored to win against Denmark.
"We've knocked off so many hoodoos or perceived barriers already and I feel like this group of players will feel this is just the next challenge," he said.
