Southgate's letter, Foden's Euro 96 hairdo, basecamp

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By Ben Browning

Published: June 9, 2021 10:49 am

Last Updated: June 9, 2021 10:50 am

Table of Contents

England Daily: Wednesday, June 9, 2021

With the European Championships just two days away, this new series will bring you the top 5 England stories every day, all in one place.

With that in mind, let’s kick-off.

5. Southgate pens open letter

Like him or hate him as England manager, it is hard to avoid the fact that Gareth Southgate is a classy man on and off the pitch. Five days ahead of The Three Lions’ European campaign, Southgate penned an open letter to fans, available in The Players Tribune.

Regardless of whether you agree with his tactics/squad selection, this article is one of many reasons why we have the exact right manager in charge of our @England team.

Gareth Southgate is a person I will happily support & have represent me/my country.https://t.co/LEujArE2bK

— Spencer (@SpencerOwen) June 8, 2021

In his long read, Southgate is keen to stress that the England national team is far more than the results they get on the pitch, and demonstrates that he understands just how important it is to the fans.

This is no better encapsulated than in the following passage:

“Of course, my players and I will be judged on winning matches. Only one team can win the Euros. We have never done it before and we are desperate to do it for the first time.

Believe me.

But, the reality is that the result is just a small part of it. When England play, there’s much more at stake than that.

It’s about how we conduct ourselves on and off the pitch, how we bring people together, how we inspire and unite, how we create memories that last beyond the 90 minutes. That last beyond the summer. That last forever.”

• The reigning EURO Champions

• A new generation of Spain players

• The 2018 World Cup Champions

• A team that haven’t lost a game since 2018

• An England team looking to finally bring it home

The EURO’s is starting in 4 days, and it’s gonna be a blast pic.twitter.com/8saLYngqgs

— The Football Union (@theftblunion) June 7, 2021

If you have a spare five minutes, the full letter is certainly worth a read.

4. Phil Foden evokes Paul Gascoigne memories with hair change

Phil Foden shocked social media when he unveiled his new haircut, going from Brunette to platinum blonde which immediately, and inevitably, drew comparisons to Paul Gascoigne at Euro 96.

Skin-fade Gascoigne has gone full Euro ’96 ‍♂️ @PhilFoden pic.twitter.com/CQNmXKCGbI

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) June 8, 2021

When asked about the new style, Foden said:

“I’ve had the same haircut for what seems like ages now, so I thought I’d try something new. I woke up this morning to a lot of comparisons to Gazza and Eminem, but it was my own thing and people turned it into something else.”

EUROS ICONIC MOMENTS ⚽️

When Paul Gascoigne did at Euro 96 pic.twitter.com/X8UT1M367Z

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 7, 2021

3. England arrive at basecamp

Following their two friendlies at the Riverside Stadium against Austria and Romania, England have travelled to their basecamp for the tournament, St George’s Park.

From @Boro to basecamp.

at St. George’s Park! pic.twitter.com/WAa36YuCN5

— England (@England) June 8, 2021

Two 1-0 victories stand the Three Lions in good stead heading into the European Championships, and they are within touching distance of their opening fixture against Croatia on Sunday.

Southgate still has selection headaches facing him, with severe question marks surrounding the fitness of key duo Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson.

Now stationed in the Midlands, England will be travelling down to London for all three of their group games, but will be relieved by the familiarity that this setting will offer.

2. England unveil Lions’ Den series, Everton’s DCL up 1st

Over on their YouTube channel, England have unveiled their latest series: ‘Lions’ Den’.

Granted exclusive access to the players, Lions’ Den will bring new content every single day via live streams, although you can catch up on it afterwards, here.

For their first episode, Dominic Calvert-Lewin discussed how he’s feeling before his first senior tournament, and the Everton forward revealed what he eats to improve his jumping ability.

When asked how it felt to be part of the squad at St George’s Park, Calvert Lewin said:

“It’s something I’ve always strived for and dreamed of, so to actually be here is just pure excitement”

He also talked about the atmosphere of the squad saying:

“It’s a very together squad, and it’s got the right balance of different ages and youth and experience, so it’s an exciting time to be an England player.”

1. Brighton’s Ben White: First interview after selection

Brighton’s Ben White was chosen as part of Gareth Southgate’s 33 man long-list, but was cut from the squad when it was trimmed.

However, a thigh injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled the full-back out of the tournament, meaning that a space opened up in England’s camp.

And it was White who ultimately got the nod over the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Jesse Lingard and Ollie Watkins.

A change of summer plans ☀️➡️⚽️

Love this, @ben6white! pic.twitter.com/ShgGmWQrnl

— England (@England) June 8, 2021

White could be in line for a shock start against Croatia if Harry Maguire isn’t deemed fit, with the Athletic reporting that the versatile defender has impressed staff in the England camp since his arrival.

Ben White has quietly impressed England players/staff with his quality, bravery, calmness & decision making in each training session + friendly. 23yo could be a surprise star for #ENG at #EURO2020
W/ @PJBuckingham @AndyNaylorBHAFC for @TheAthleticUK #BHAFC https://t.co/AUKUwvdF89

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 8, 2021