Football’s coming home? Gary Lineker bans England ‘bad luck’ charm as Three Lions stand on ‘brink of history’ at Euro 2024

The Three Lions stand “on the brink of history” this summer, with another shot at continental glory being secured. Said opportunity was passed up three years ago at Wembley Stadium, with Italy inflicting more penalty shootout heartache on Gareth Southgate’s side.

They now have the chance to secure a first title for the men’s team since 1966, while rewriting the record books as the first England side to win a trophy on foreign soil. With that in mind, Lineker has told BBC Sport when asked if football is indeed coming home: “I'm banning that statement. It's been bad luck for so long.”

Ex-England striker Lineker is, however, looking forward to what promises to be quite the spectacle in Berlin on Sunday. He added: “I think it's hugely significant for English football. They were in a final, they were in the last final of the Euros, of course, and that was at Wembley, and that ended up in huge disappointment. This is going to be tough, it's going to be difficult, but they're on the brink of history. No English team in football has ever won a major tournament abroad.”

Southgate’s side have not been at their best during a run to the Euros final, but Lineker believes that bodes well. He went on to say: “They have got that kind of never-say-die attitude, which is something that is hugely important. Even when they weren't playing great, they were grinding out results. And it's an old football cliché that if you can win when you play badly, then things are not that bad.”

Spain are considered to be slight favourites, with teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal dazzling for them, but England can call upon the likes of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden – while all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane is expected to once again lead the line as captain.