Teddy Sheringham makes Euro 2024 final prediction and names dream Gareth Southgate replacement

Ex-England striker Teddy Sheringham (Picture: Getty)

Ahead of the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain, Metro.co.uk spoke to Teddy Sheringham to assess the Three Lions’ chances of ending 58 years of hurt and discuss the future of manager Gareth Southgate.

The former Tottenham and Manchester United striker, who won 51 caps for England, also spoke about the threat of Spain and breakout star Kobbie Mainoo on behalf of Online Poker.

The big selection decision appears to be over Harry Kane. Should Gareth Southgate stick with England’s captain and all-time record goalscorer or opt for Ollie Watkins, who scored the late winner against Netherlands?

‘I don’t think Ollie Watkins should start the final. I think Harry Kane is our leader and he leads by example.

‘I know he hasn’t had the best of campaigns, but he if scores a goal in the final then he’ll win the Golden Boot again – it’s as simple as that.

‘He’s not been as explosive as normal and that might have something to do with who we’ve been playing against.

‘I think Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have both put their credentials forward to start, but I think we’ll still see our leader leading from the front in the final.’

Harry Kane is expected to start the Euro 2024 final (Picture: Getty)

Would you make any other changes to the team that beat Netherlands? Luke Shaw and Cole Palmer impressed from the bench again…

‘I think Luke Shaw will probably come in – he gives you that natural width on the left hand side.

‘Kieran Trippier’s done very well and it will be harsh on him, but Gareth Southgate has got to make these tight calls.

‘I can’t see a lot changing otherwise – I thought Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were fantastic yesterday, especially in the first half, so they’re not going to come out of the starting line up.’

There are calls for Luke Shaw to start for the Three Lions (Picture: Getty)

How impressed have you been with Spain, the standout team at the Euros, and how do you see the game going?

‘I think Spain have been the most impressive team in the tournament.

‘When Rodri is in the team he makes them tick like Manchester City – it looks like they’re never going to give the ball away.

‘Having said that, I don’t think they’re unbeatable – if we have a go at them with a caution that Gareth will put in the players’ minds, I think we’ve got a good chance of winning it.

‘I don’t think there are going to be a lot of goals in it because we’re going to have to be very tight on their two wingers, but I still hope and expect that we’ll win it.’

Spain have been the standout team at the Euros (Picture: Getty)

So, what’s your prediction?

‘I said before the last game that it will be tight and we’ll win by a goal, I said 1-0 before, but I think it might go to 2-1 again.’

Should Gareth Southgate step down regardless of the outcome of the final?

‘I don’t think you can say “regardless”, even in a match like this. I think if he wins it then you’ve got to give him the opportunity to take the country to the next World Cup.

‘It hasn’t been explosive football, but the Germans for example have been doing this for years. They struggle a bit in the early stages but then they find their best form towards the end of the tournament.

‘If Southgate wins the Euros, then you’ve got to give him the chance to take the country to the next World Cup.’

In your eyes, are there any standout candidates to replace Gareth Southgate?

‘I would break the bank for Pep Guardiola.

‘He would probably rather manage Spain, but if you have all the money in the world – like the FA have – then I would say break the bank and get Guardiola!’

Kobbie Mainoo has been a key player for England at the Euros – how highly do you rate him?

‘He looks a very cultured player, he’s very smooth.

‘He’s above his years the way he plays the game in midfield – he understands that keeping the ball is the main objective for a centre-midfield player, and he does it beautifully.’

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