Ole sends message to our Euro 2020 finalists

Sunday 11 July 2021 07:00

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has kept in touch with his players throughout Euro 2020 and is hoping our England contingent can lift the trophy by beating Italy tonight.

The boss discussed the tournament in an exclusive interview with Stewart Gardner and emphasised the impact made by defensive duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in particular, while telling Marcus Rashford to make sure he is ready to have an impact in the big game, which kicks off at 20:00 BST.

Feeling the euphoria sweeping the country in the wake of the Three Lions reaching a major final for the first time in 55 years, Ole has enjoyed watching events unfold.

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It's the big one: what's your prediction for the Euro 2020 final?poll

It's the big one: what's your prediction for the Euro 2020 final?

“Ah, it’s tremendous," he replied, when asked about the United players' part in England's success. "They’ve been so solid, the team, and I think Luke and Harry are definitely helping out in that respect. They don’t seem to concede chances and have been very robust.

“I’m very happy Harry is fit and playing while Luke just keeps on going. Over the last couple of seasons, he has just improved more and more.

“Marcus, of course, has had to be patient because there are other good players around. He’s just got to be ready. If, in the final, Marcus comes on, I’m sure he’ll be ready.”

So what will Ole be saying to his charges as they prepare for the biggest international game in their professional lives?

“Enjoy it, of course, be focused," he replied. “Of course, we’ve kept in touch about enjoying the victory and then then next morning, get on with the next one. Nothing becomes history as quickly as a football game.

“It’s history and you have to just look forwards to the next [one] and be ready. Luke and Harry, it’s just recovery, Marcus it’s train well, show a good attitude and show Gareth that you are ready.

“We keep in touch all the time. We will send them a good-luck message of course and it’s been the case for all the players, throughout the Euros and Copa America.”

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All eyes will be on Wembley for what promises to be a tense and exciting occasion, with the manager expecting a few sore heads afterwards.

"You can see here in England, it so unites the country when the team does well," he told us. "Hopefully we, as a club, can unite our own fans next season and that’s what we’re looking forward to.

“When England won in the semis, just watching it on tele, you can see the country is bouncing. There are probably a few sick days being pulled, probably on Monday if it goes well – or even if it goes badly!”

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