IT would be impossible for me to talk about football without mentioning tomorrow's European Championship final between England and Spain.

I wrote a few weeks back that I was confident England would grow into the tournament, even though they started slowly in the group stages.

That is what they have done. Although the football has not been the most entertaining, we are into the final, which is all that matters.

Now we need to go one step further than we did three years ago against Italy. It's time for the men's team to match the success the Lionesses have had in recent years.

It's crazy that the player we are most worried about coming up against in Spain's team will have only turned 17 the day before the final.

Lamine Yamal, 17, has scored once and provided three assists at EURO 2024Lamine Yamal, 17, has scored once and provided three assists at EURO 2024 (Image: PA)

It's amazing that Lamine Yamal is performing at this level. He's already beaten some of Pele's records, which speaks volumes to what he is doing.

Overall, in my view, this has been a tournament where the defensive side of the game has been the reason why a team has progressed on many occasions.

That side of the game can't be underestimated. It's one thing playing attractive football but losing 3-0.

If you can win a game 1-0 by snatching a goal on the counter, that is what people will remember. I hope that we can do that tomorrow. I will be watching the final from behind enemy lines on a Spanish island. 

Away from international football. I'm pleased that Saints have acted quickly to reinforce Russell Martin's defence ahead of the new Premier League season.

So far, Charlie Taylor, Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards have all been signed. Taylor Harwood-Bellis has also made his loan move permanent.

It's no surprise that they have targeted defenders this summer. Keeping the ball out of the net was a problem at times in the Championship.

Southampton conceded 63 goals in the league last season, more than the two other prompted teams.

Southampton players dejected after 5-0 defeat at Leicester CitySouthampton players dejected after 5-0 defeat at Leicester City (Image: PA)

Regardless of how successful the campaign was last year, the numbers don't lie. If you are conceding that number of goals, you need to improve the defence.

Martin and the board would have been looking at tweaking things anyway. Strengthening a squad is a part of the improvement process.

You have got to bring players in, especially when you are stepping up to the Premier League, which is a brutal division.

We saw that last season when the three promoted teams went straight back down. There is always a balance between the business perspective and the emotional view.

In football, you always want to stand by the players who got you promoted in the first place, but in truth, improving the playing squad is crucial for any promoted side.

You have to look at what is best for the overall make-up of a squad who will be looking to avoid relegation this season.

I'm pleased to see a mixture of experienced players and high-potential players join so far. Selling players on for a profit is something that Saints have done well in the past.

In Edwards and Wood, we have signed two young defenders who could develop into important players and earn us more money down the line.

When signing a young player, there is always a risk. You have to do your due diligence, particularly if you are hoping for them to develop once they arrive.

I'm sure that Martin's relationship with Wood from Swansea will have played an important role in signing him.

Nathan Wood, 22, has joined from Swansea CityNathan Wood, 22, has joined from Swansea City (Image: Southampton FC)

Somebody like Adam Lallana will be invaluable for these young players because he can offer them a lot from his experiences as a player.

Although he might not be playing week in and week out, he has experienced what it is like to be in some of the best dressing rooms in the country. That's extremely valuable for any squad.

Despite the incoming defenders, it will be a blow if Kyle Walker-Peters leaves the club this summer. 

From the business angle, I can see why Southampton would be willing to let him go. He is in the final 12 months of his contract.

The club will want to avoid the same situation we saw last season with Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong, who have both left for free after playing an important role.

Kyle Walker-Peters played a key role as Saints won promotionKyle Walker-Peters played a key role as Saints won promotion (Image: PA)

The biggest positive with regard to Walker-Peters' potential exit is that Saints have seemingly already secured his replacement in Japanese international Yukinari Sugawara.

Having a replacement lined up before a player departs is the best position to be in. I think I speak for a lot of fans when I say that Walker-Peters will go with our best wishes should he leave this summer.

What he did in the Championship last season, when he could have left to return to the Premier League, was fantastic.