England’s national team has been captured starting their preparations for their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
Following the adoption of a new system in the quarter-finals, Gareth Southgate’s squad displayed significant improvement compared to previous performances, despite falling behind to Breel Embolo’s goal in the 75th minute.
Subsequent tactical adjustments, including Luke Shaw’s tournament debut, paid off swiftly when Bukayo Saka equalized with a superb curled effort shortly thereafter.
After a deadlock in extra time, the Three Lions maintained their composure in the penalty shootout, converting all five of their spot-kicks to secure their third semi-final appearance in a major tournament under Southgate’s management.
With their showdown against the Netherlands approaching rapidly, the team returned to training on Sunday, eager to seize the opportunity to advance to Sunday’s final.
Inside the England camp, footage captured the team enjoying a bike ride near their Blankenhain base camp. Adam Wharton jokingly questioned his pace, prompting a reminder from an off-camera voice that it was a recovery ride.
In the gym, several players, including Conor Gallagher and Trent Alexander-Arnold, were shown performing exercises like trap bar deadlifts and weighted sit-ups, respectively.
To unwind from the demands of tournament football, some players opted for a swim. Jude Bellingham reviewed footage on a tablet by the poolside, joined by Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden.
Among the items seen was a replica Wilson ball from the movie Cast Away, with Foden demonstrating his ball-handling skills by juggling it against a wall.
In a special moment, captain Harry Kane presented Gareth Southgate with a gold cap, commemorating his 100th game since taking charge of the national team back in 2016. Saturday’s victory marked a century of fixtures in the hot seat for Southgate, as he inches closer to becoming the first manager to win a trophy for the Three Lions since 1966.
The 53-year-old is only the third England manager to reach the landmark, following Sir Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey.