Ahead of the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain, Metro talked with Teddy Sheringham on the Three Lions’ chances of ending 58 years of suffering and the future of manager Gareth Southgate.

On behalf of Online Poker, the former Tottenham and Manchester United striker, who has 51 England caps, discussed the threat posed by Spain and breakthrough sensation Kobbie Mainoo.

The main selection choice looks to be over Harry Kane. Should Gareth Southgate continue with England’s captain and all-time goalscorer, or go with Ollie Watkins, who scored the late winner against the 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.’

If you were altering the team that defeated the Netherlands, what would they be? Once more, Luke Shaw and Cole Palmer made an impression off the bench.

Luke Shaw provides you with that natural breadth on the left, thus I believe he will enter.

“Kieran Trippier has performed incredibly well, so it will be difficult for him, but Gareth Southgate needs to make these difficult decisions.”

“Aside from that, I don’t see much changing. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, in particular, played outstandingly yesterday, so I don’t see them changing from the starting lineup.”

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.’

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.’