Arsenal legend Ian Wright has now issued a bold promise to England fans should the Three Lions reach the final of Euro 2024 ahead of their opening game against Serbia.
A trip to Veltins Arena awaits England this Sunday night as Gareth Southgate strives to begin Group C with all three points. The Three Lions are looking to reach back-to-back Euro finals and have three Arsenal stars in the side with Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale and Declan Rice.
It marks the first time that England have ever played Serbia in any competition, having never met for friendlies. Southgate will also hope the Three Lions get their Euro 2024 campaign off to a better start than Scotland. Arsenal ace Kai Havertz helped Germany beat Scotland 5-1.
Ian Wright issues a promise for if England reach the Euro 2024 final
Havertz ensured Germany got Euro 2024 off to the ideal start as the host country with a goal and an assist. The 25-year-old fed Jamal Musiala to give Die Mannschaft a 2-0 lead after 19 minutes before leaving Angus Gunn with no chance to net a first-half stoppage-time penalty.
Germany and England are among the favourites to win Euro 2024 along with France as Italy defend their title. No country has won the European Championship more regularly than Die Mannschaft and Spain, too. They are the sole three-time winners, while England have none.
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So, should Southgate lead England to just their second-ever European Championship final at Euro 2024, Wright has promised the Arsenal legend will celebrate their triumphs by wearing lederhosen. Italy defeated England in the Euro 2020 final on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Wright told ITV Sport during its broadcast of Germany’s Euro 2024 opening-night result over Scotland on Friday: “When England get to a final, I’ll put lederhosen on.”
Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka could determine Ian Wright’s fate
Wright represented England 33 times during the Arsenal great’s playing career, scoring nine goals. But he never made the Three Lions’ squad for a major tournament over Euro 1992 or 1996 or the 1998 World Cup. Rice, Saka and Ramsdale are at their third major tournament.
Rice and Saka will also be vital for the success England have at Euro 2024, and if Wright will have to live up to the Arsenal legend’s promise. Southgate started Rice in all seven of their fixtures at Euro 2020 and all five at the 2022 World Cup, plus Saka in three and four games.
Southgate has also started Rice in 47 of his 51 career appearances for England, plus Saka in 23 of his 33. The former also captained the Three Lions for his first time in a friendly against Belgium this March. While Saka boasts 11 goals and seven assists with England in his career.