In their hunt for a first-ever European title and first major trophy in 58 years, England will have to stop an undefeated Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin's Olympic stadium on Sunday.
"Just one more step and we'll be in the history books," England captain Harry Kane said as they reached a second consecutive Euros final after heartbreak at Euro 2020 with a defeat on penalties to Italy at their home Wembley stadium.
This final step is becoming an event of national significance in England. Not because of fear of another bitter failure, but because of the dream of sporting redemption.
England's only major trophy came at the 1966 World Cup. Since then, they got close to an European title at Euro 2020 and almost reached the 2018 World Cup final, but were defeated by Croatia in the semi-finals.
Britain's newly-appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will attend the game, even suggested that there could be a new bank holiday in case of a triumph for the Three Lions.
"We should certainly mark the occasion. We must mark it in some way but the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday," he said on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington.
Southgate's personal redemption?
Coach Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, could be on his way to become a national hero - just a few weeks after being booed and having plastic beer cups thrown at him by England fans following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group stage.
England have improved bit by bit throughout the tournament, but many doubts remain concerning the team who advanced after falling behind in all three knock-out stage games so far.
They are the first team in European Championship history to go behind in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals and still make the final, according to statisticians Opta.
While Kane doesn't appear to be 100% fit, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham seems completely overplayed.
"We're tired, but this is a last-minute boost for our country and our history," Bellingham said. On Sunday, he will be hoping to add another trophy to his collection, after winning La Liga and the Champions League with Madrid last season.
Spain could crown perfect Euros
However, the final opponent after a bumpy tournament, couldn't be more difficult for England.
Spain have been the best team of this Euros, winning all of their games so far and eliminating hosts Germany and pre-tournament favourites France.
They became the first team to win six matches at a single Euros edition and could claim their fourth trophy - a record-breaking achievement after triumphs in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
"I am very proud that the whole nation in Spain is celebrating us. We created this feeling of hope. People are dreaming and happy," coach Luis de La Fuente said.
He will hope that youngest Euros goalscorer Lamine Yamal and top talent Nico Williams can make some magic to get the job done.
"We are playing against the best team in the tournament and we have one day less to prepare. But we're still here and we're fighting," Southgate said of the opponents.
Dani Olmo, meanwhile, has insisted Spain will not focus on establishing a record run of seven successive wins as they attempt to deny England Euro 2024 glory.
"We are 90 minutes away from winning this three years after not reaching the final. We play to win. While we are winning, I really don’t care if I score or [goalkeeper] Unai Simon does. It’s all only about winning. Always," he said.
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