England's Decade Of Development Has Its Reward In Euro 2024 Final

England's progression to a first ever major tournament final on foreign soil at Euro 2024 is the fruit of a decade of work on a player development programme that has turned perennial underachievers into serial contenders. Ending a 58-year wait to win a major trophy at senior men's international level is the final hurdle left to clear for Gareth Southgate's men in Sunday's final against Spain after serial success at youth level and in the women's game. Just months after the Three Lions had crashed out of 2014 World Cup with one game to spare of the group stage, Southgate –- then in his role as under-21 boss –- appeared alongside the English Football Association's technical director Dan Ashworth.

They presented a plan termed "England DNA" that had the goal of blending the passion English football was famous for with better technique and a stronger mentality to handle the pressures of major tournament football.

"One of the mantras we have is 'The only thing that changes is the size of the shirt'," said Ashworth, who was recently appointed Manchester United's sporting director after successful spells at Brighton and Newcastle.

"So as they come through that player pathway, from an under-15 boy or girl, all the way through to the seniors, we have some consistent messages around them.

"If everyone is on the same page and everyone buys into and believes what you are trying to do it can become so much more powerful."

The results since speak for themselves at every level.

Many of Southgate's squad in Germany have already experienced winning tournaments at youth level.

Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer were part of the side that beat Spain in the final to win England's first under-21 Euros for 39 years 12 months ago.

Ezri Konsa won