DEAR ENGLAND: On the biggest day of their careers, a message to the Three Lions squad from the people who know them best

The Euro 2024 final is almost upon us and England's players will once again try and make history.

After penalty heartbreak in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley, Gareth Southgate has led his side to a second consecutive final at the tournament, with Spain this time in their way.

The Three Lions will go into the game as underdogs, but Southgate has helped build courgage and spirit in the squad that could just help push England over the line.

Claim victory on Sunday night, and each player will be etched into their country's history forever more.

Here, those know know the players best pen their final good luck messages ahead of the game. 

JORDAN PICKFORD

James Tarkowski, Everton team-mate

Jordan, our first meeting was when I got my first England call-up in March 2018. Straight away it was clear to me that you were a leader.

We never got to play together for our country, but I'm so happy to be your team-mate at Everton. You are fearless, brave and I know the work you put in to ensure you are prepared for the defining moments — like when you saved Manuel Akanji's penalty against Switzerland.

You have had an outstanding tournament, but you have been outstanding for England since you first pulled on your gloves. We are starting pre-season on Monday and we miss you because life is quiet without you. But we will be watching on Sunday. Everyone at Everton is right behind you. Bring it home, mate.

KYLE WALKER

Kevin Fogg, his Sheffield United assistant academy coach

Kyle, I remember the tears when we couldn't offer you a scholarship. You were a good, young striker with plenty of pace. The first time I saw you play you were 12 and smashed in a volley at Derbyshire Lane. We agreed to keep you on extended schoolboy forms and see how you grew and we have been watching you grow ever since. You have developed into one of the best full backs of the modern game.

I'm proud we played a small part in that, but the credit is all yours because you refused to give up. You never stopped listening and learning. You have got better with age, like a fine wine. That comes from the heart. Good luck on Sunday. Make us all proud again.

LUKE SHAW

Jason Dodd, his Southampton Under 18s coach

We got you at 16 and just had to polish you a bit. We challenged you and pushed you. When you tried to sneak away from your jobs such as cleaning boots because you were playing for the first-team, we kicked you up the backside! We moaned at you, but you can see the rewards now.

You are a world-class player and getting the accolades you deserve.

DECLAN RICE

Tony Carr, his West Ham academy chief

It was a no-brainer to sign you when Chelsea let you go. Even at 14, you looked people in the eye and understood the job asked of you.

I was fortunate when I was a West Ham apprentice to know Bobby Moore, who had just won the World Cup. If Bobby was here now, he would be absolutely chuffed to see England in the final, and I'm sure he would tell you to go out and do what you're good at. Bring it home, Declan!

JOHN STONES

Sam and George, his best mates

Sam: It feels like yesterday lacing our boots up together at Barnsley, from Under-12 team-mates.

George: I remember first watching you in an England shirt at Under-19 level. I was overwhelmed to see you then, and it's indescribable now seeing you in your second Euros final… 78 caps later!

Both: It's an honour for us to be by your side, we have countless memories watching your dreams come true. We can't wait to see you in another Euros final. Let's have it!

MARC GUEHI

Steve Owen who coached Guehi at Marvels Lane Primary School in Lewisham and Cray Wanderers U7s

I was your first coach at Cray Wanderers and we are so proud of you. The hard work and dedication you have put in is an inspiration.

We wish you all the luck in the final — but you don't need luck, mate, you're a born winner. Bring it home, Marc.

BUKAYO SAKA

Mark Harvey, his Greenford High School, Southall, PE teacher

You are one game away from making history. I'm confident you will approach this challenge with the same determination that has led you to this point. We are all behind you and, as always, you are the talk of the school.

We are proud of everything you have achieved. Even as an 11-year-old you were a calming influence and always respectful.

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

Sheila Rimmer, his teacher at St Matthew's Primary, Livepool

I wish you'd seen us jumping up to celebrate your penalty against Switzerland. My mind went back to the four-year-old dribbling with a ball at school. Do you remember the card you signed at the end of year one? You wrote, 'Miss Rimmer, the first goal I score at Anfield is for you.'

It's amazing to think that boy in my class may bring back the Euros trophy. I've still got your card.

HARRY KANE

Peter Taylor, his England Under 20s manager

You were professional but also one of the boys, who kept the mood light. I'm sure it's one reason you make a good captain.

During the 2013 U20s World Cup, we hired a conference room at the hotel for a putting competition. All the lads came dressed in tracksuits except for you. You turned up in full golf regalia to get the lads laughing: hat, sweater, shoes. You didn't win, but were the best dressed.

There won't be a more popular Euros winner, Harry.

JUDE BELLINGHAM

Mike Dodds, his Birmingham academy manager

I remember first seeing you aged seven, and your progress accelerated at Birmingham. You were always a talented young man. We gave you the No. 22 shirt because you were three players in one (numbers 4, 8 and 10).

Now you're a creative 10 for England — and we can't wait to see you light up the final.

PHIL FODEN

Joe Makin, his Reddish Vulcans coach

Phil, it was always about your presence: smaller than the other boys and quieter, but you have inner strength.

You must have covered every blade of grass on Wednesday and it's always been the same — that desire to be better than the guy next to you. 

I remember that message we wrote on our website in 2008 when Manchester City took you on. It read, 'Foden, Phil Foden: remember the name — a left foot to die for.'

KIERAN TRIPPIER

Lee Garcka, his PE teacher at Woodhey High School, Bury

I first met you in year nine, and the skills and technique you had then... we can see it all being put into practice now.

Your talent was obvious from the start. You have been the talk of the school, and we have got TV crews asking to come in on Monday if you win. We are all so proud of you and desperate for you to bring home the Euros trophy.

AARON RAMSDALE

Scott Taylor, his assistant head at Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, Staffordshire

Aaron, the day that stands out for us is the day you found out you had been released by Bolton — devastating for any 15-year-old with their heart set on a football career. 

Mr Kerr found you in tears, but what impressed everybody was your reaction. Disappointment drove you on and your work ethic and determination eventually took you to Sheffield United and Bournemouth. Now to Arsenal and England in Berlin. 

More than that, you're a genuine, kind, honest person. Good luck, Azza.

EZRI KONSA

Dave Chatwin, his Charlton academy coach

Ezri, from your first night on the old artificial turf at Sparrows Lane aged 11 with a beaming smile to the Olympiastadion, Berlin. Not a bad journey that, mate!

Taking academy football in your stride. Rising through the ranks with that composed playing style of yours. I'm extremely proud of you.

It's all credit to you as a top player and person. Take Sunday in your stride and I wish you the best of luck. Go bring that trophy home!

LEWIS DUNK

Lee Cooper, his best mate

Lewis, we met through football — two boys playing together at Wimbledon and then Brighton, and you've become a hero to our family. We are so proud of your career. To see you break into the first team, win promotion, become Brighton's captain, play in Europe, represent England and help them to the Euros final.

But we are prouder still of the man you are: kind, honest and fun to be with. Just as Asja likes to say, 'Good luck Uncle Lew, we love you.'

CONOR GALLAGHER

Lee Bowyer gave him senior debut on loan at Charlton

We took you from Chelsea and watched this 19-year-old kid become a leader. Others looked up to you because of your passion. Even then, you stood up for yourself.

I can see why Gareth Southgate turns to you when he needs someone to get about the pitch and put a foot in. Your attitude was always spot on.

It's no surprise that you've gone up the levels since the Valley. Keep doing what you're doing, Conor!

IVAN TONEY

Todd Johnson, senior executive principal at Weston Favell Academy, Northampton

Ivan, all the staff who knew and taught you remember you fondly as a teenager with one priority in life: to play football. Now we see you playing for England at Euro 2024. 

It is an inspiration for all our present students at the academy, proving there is a way no matter where you come from. We look forward to you bringing the trophy back to Weston Favell.

ANTHONY GORDON

Paul Tait, his youth coach at Everton

I spoke about you recently in a presentation I gave to 100 coaches at the national football centre St George's Park. You're a great example of how important it is to have patience with young players coming through.

Aged 12 your technical ability was there, but you needed to develop physically. By 17, thanks to hard work, you were passing every test with flying colours. It's fantastic to see you in an England shirt.

OLLIE WATKINS

Paul Tisdale, his first manager at Exeter City

I remember the commitment you put in over 10 years to making yourself selectable at Exeter. It happened at Plymouth away and your career has been a perfect wave of improvement since.

As I used to say to you then: 'Less is more. Think forward, run forward, play forward.' I speak for everyone who contributed to your first steps in football when I say how very proud we are.

JARROD BOWEN

Peter Beadle, his Hereford United coach

I remember when you first came in at Hereford: young, confident and with a willingness to work hard. That hard work has served you well.

When we gave you your debut in senior football we had no doubt you would go on to bigger and better things because of your work rate and desire to learn the game. You were so passionate about football and nothing was going to get in your way.

You got your big move to West Ham, and didn't you kick on? I'm sure the whole of Hereford is proud of you.

EBERECHI EZE

Ikechi Eze, his older brother

I loved our family days in the park taking penalties with Dad and our youngest sibling. You had a God-given talent, but also the real self-belief to succeed.

You're giving me a special weekend, Ebe: a pre-season friendly playing for Aveley against Billericay on Saturday and then heading to Germany on Sunday. I'm so proud of you, brother.

JOE GOMEZ

Steve Avory, his academy director at Charlton

Joe, remember when we used to call you Steady Joe because of your maturity as a young player? That temperament has stood you in good stead.

It has been a pleasure watching your journey: coming through the academy ranks, breaking into our first team, making the move to Liverpool and representing England.

We are all proud of you at Charlton and we'll be cheering on you, Ezri Konsa and the whole team.

DEAN HENDERSON

Stephen McNally, his coach at Whitehaven Miners Social Under 8s

I was the first to spot you were a great goalkeeper, even when your dad wanted you to play up front and Carlisle took you as an outfield player and used you at the back.

You were the best I had seen! You were so determined to get there too. When the other kids were playing on their Xboxes you were out playing football in the street.

If Jordan Pickford gets injured on Saturday, I'd put you in — I've got every confidence in you.

COLE PALMER

Graeme Fowler, his coach at NJ Wythenshawe, Manchester

Cole, you were about seven years old... the ball came to you and you flicked it over your head and then over the defender. You spun on the spot and volleyed it into the top corner. You had been practising it with your dad, Jermaine, the day before. To see you do that, it was magic. At at that young age, too.

To have feet that quick — that's you Cole. You always did things like that. Madness. The Black Boy pub will be watching. Bring home another medal for us to see.

ADAM WHARTON

Mike Sheron, his Blackburn academy coach

We knew you as Little Adam because you were a late maturer and your brother Scott is a big centre half, but we had high hopes for your ability. It's amazing to see you with England at 20, impressing the likes of Harry Kane and Declan Rice.

I'm sure our old gaffer, Jon Dahl Tomasson, helped teach you the mental side when stakes are high. You have shown that incredible focus by how you have adapted to life in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

This is your first tournament, but it won't be your last. Bravo, Adam.

KOBBIE MAINOO

Steve Vare, his coach at Cheadle & Gatley Under 5s and 6s, Cheshire

You started your football journey here and we are immensely proud of everything you have achieved, Kobbie. I remember speaking to your dad and challenging you in training by saying you could only score with your weaker foot, or loading the other team with better players — and you still dominated!

Who would have thought that five-year-old would represent his country at the Euros? Good luck for Sunday. Get the job done and bring it home.

GARETH SOUTHGATE

John Budden, Crystal Palace apprentice and author of the short-story collection We Aim To Live, shedding light on that time

Gareth, we went from Selsdon Juniors (kings of South London!) to be struggling apprentices and young pros at Crystal Palace.

A friend in a fierce environment, chewing the fat after training at Mitcham Station, laying out our ambitions for the future. You never told me your plan was to be the nation's saviour, but here you are.

You have offered proper leadership at time when the England team needed it. The nation is proud of your team and your friends are proud of you. Go well, mate. Bring it home.