England boss Gareth Southgate pays emotional tribute to long-time assistant Steve Holland on eve of Euro 2024 final

Southgate first came across Holland when he was working in youth development at the FA and the latter was at Chelsea, as an assistant to André Villas-Boas. He was impressed with Holland's methods and innovative approach and when the FA handed him the responsibility of the England U-21 in 2013, Southgate invited Holland to join him as his assistant while allowing him to maintain his position at Chelsea. Thus began a journey which continues to date.

During their stint with the England senior team, they have reached two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Although they share similar views on football, they bring different styles and personalities to the table. Holland is usually more vocal with the players while Southgate chooses to be more measured in his approach. And the combination is working magic in a bid to bring out the best from the players.

“Firstly, I could not do it without him,” Southgate told reporters. “He is a fantastic balance for me. His strengths eat up my weaknesses. He is so meticulous in his preparation.

“We have grown so close. The trust between us is immense and I could not have anybody better alongside me. He has won the Champions League, he has won the Premier League, everything. He is a proud Englishman like me and there is one medal missing. We have brilliant staff right across the board but clearly, our relationship is really, really strong.”

Southgate and Holland are seeking European glory on Sunday and the duo's combined strengths and strategic insights will be crucial for the Three Lions to trounce Spain in Berlin. They failed at Wembley three years back but the loss must have imparted some wisdom which they would look to make the most of against Luis De La Fuente's side.