Cole Palmer urged England to “finish the job” and change their lives forever by winning the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday.
The Three Lions secured their second successive appearance in a Euros final with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Palmer came off the bench to provide the assist for fellow substitute Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner in Dortmund.
The finish. The roar. The celebrations. 😍pic.twitter.com/y8S6lmrcOf
— England (@England) July 11, 2024
A date with destiny now awaits Gareth Southgate’s men in Berlin on Sunday as they look to secure their first major tournament victory for the men’s team since 1966.
“Everyone’s buzzing,” Chelsea midfielder Palmer told the England YouTube channel. “Last night on the bus, tunes were on, [in the] changing room, everyone was just enjoying it.
“But obviously it’s a short turnaround and it’s a massive, massive game to change our lives, our family’s lives, and to make everyone proud. That’s what we’re trying to do.
“I think if you’ve got to this final then you have to hopefully finish the job.
“t’s all good getting to the final, and you’ve got to enjoy it because you don’t get many moments to enjoy.
“But, no, everyone just wants to win so bad.”
Palmer is appearing at his first senior international tournament but was part of the side who beat La Roja to win the European Under-21 Championship 12 months ago.
And with England now hitting their stride after a slow start to the tournament this summer, the 22-year-old is confident the senior side can emulate the youngsters’ feat.
“In the first few games, we didn’t play the best that we could and everyone knew that,” added Palmer.
“But now I think as the tournament’s gone on, especially yesterday, I think we had our best game in the tournament, and that’s what you want going into the later stages.
“It’s huge. We played them last year in the Under-21s final, England versus Spain.
“Even that was a massive game, so I can’t imagine this one.”
Palmer also reserved praise for manager Southgate and the positive environment he has created within the group.
ONE MORE. 😤 pic.twitter.com/Zp0dGR4L6x
— England (@England) July 11, 2024
“I just think the togetherness that all the players have, he’s created that,” he added.
“It’s our first tournament and we can see how close the lads are and stuff like that.
“The amount of time he puts into the lads to make us better and for the matches.”
