Legends on Euro 2020 - Darren Anderton

Thu 10 June 2021, 19:29|Tottenham Hotspur

For our latest Euro 2020 preview, we have turned to Darren Anderton, who played every game as England reached the semi-finals of Euro 96.

The classy midfielder remains our record appearance maker in the Premier League - 299, although Hugo Lloris is now one behind - and played 357 times for us in all competitions, 1992-2004, winning the League Cup in 1999.

Capped 30 times by England, Darren was a key member of Terry Venables’ team that beat Scotland and took apart Holland in that memorable tournament on home soil, 25 years ago. He set up Paul Gascoigne’s iconic goal against Scotland on 15 June 1996.

Now 49, Darren later played for Birmingham City, Wolves and AFC Bournemouth and has now settled in the USA. He was an ambassador on our last tour of the States in 2018.

The tournament

Darren: “I think the French are going to be involved, aren’t they? They’ve got a bit of everything. Italy might surprise a few. They are a tournament team and not many people are talking about them. Portugal, they won it last time, Greece have won it, and it can be a strange tournament. You have to get on a run, get your best players playing well, simple as that. All these teams have match winners and sometimes I feel it’s all about that, but the teams that defend best win big games. Just look at Chelsea against Man City in the Champions League Final, that sums it up. It’s exciting. I think it’s all geared for England to have a fantastic tournament and I believe we can go all the way.”

England

Darren: “I fancy England to do really well. Defensively, I’m a little worried, but we’ve so much talent going forward. Harry, obviously, it would be no surprise if he ended up top goalscorer. For me, the one to watch is Phil Foden. He could take it by storm. He’s got it all. He’s the big one for me, if we can get him playing as he can. The squad has so much talent and are massive contenders, rightly up there as one of the favourites. Playing at home will help. I know there is a pressure which comes with that, but you have to deal with it. Gareth Southgate was part of Euro 96, so knows what that is all about, so that’s a positive.”