Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling were incredible for England at Euro 2020, says Sourav Ganguly

Former India captain and president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, certainly knows something about being in the spotlight. Having led India to the biggest stage in the sport of cricket, Ganguly said he had always viewed opportunity as an opportunity, not pressure.

For Ganguly, representing your country at the highest level is a “god-sent gift”. And he can very well imagine what the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling will go through when they walk out, wearing the England shirt at Wembley on Sunday in the Euro 2020 final.

Speaking to India Today Consulting Editor, Sports, Boria Majumdar on Sports Today, Sourav Ganguly heaped rich praise on Kane and Sterling, saying the two forwards have been brilliant for Gareth Southgate’s men.

“Come Sunday, when England plays the Euro final, we can’t imagine how berserk the country will go. But imagine how blessed you are (as an athlete) to be in that position. Harry Kane or a Raheem Sterling or a Harry Maguire, especially those two – Kane and Sterling — they have been unbelievable in this tournament,” Ganguly said.

“Imagine when they walk out at Wembley on Sunday, wearing those England colours, the stadium will only be England fans, yes there will be some Italy fans of Italy… My brother is calling me up every day, asking if I can give him two tickets for the final and the country has gone berserk,” he added.

Kane started Euro 2020 on a wobbly note but the England captain has grown in confidence, having scored 4 goals, including the one against Denmark that sent them to their first major tournament final in 55 years. Sterling, on the other hand, has scored 3 and created umpteen chances with his pace and control inside the opposition’s attacking half.

It’s a god-sent opportunity: Ganguly
Meanwhile, Ganguly recalled his experience of watching the FIFA World Cup 2018 final and said athletes are privileged to be in the position of bringing national glory and it all boils down how desperate they are on the day of the big final.

“It’s that position to be in. Just feel how fortunate you are to be in that position,” he said.

“A World Cup final, Of course (I enjoyed being in that position). You might never get it again. I remember watching the World Cup final from Russia, it was unreal. But it’s unbelievable to watch a World Cup final or a Euro final.

“As an athlete, as a participant, it’s a god-sent opportunity for you. So just be there, train your best and give your best when you’re out there. It’s just that ticker inside when the whistle blows, or the fight starts or the first-ball is bowled, it’s just about how desperate you are,” Ganguly said.