SOUTHEND United skipper Nathan Ralph is looking forward to a double dose of football this weekend.

Ralph will be part of the Shrimpers squad starting their pre-season schedule with a friendly at Great Wakering Rovers tomorrow afternoon.

And the defender can also not wait to watch England in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

“I’m really looking forward to both games this weekend.” said Ralph.

“It’s been a while since we played and it will be a test for us.

“We need to get used to playing football again and getting that fitness back.

“Pre-season is pre-season but it will be enjoyable to be on the pitch again for a match and then I’m looking forward to the England game too.”

The Three Lions made their way through to Sunday’s showdown after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final, courtesy of a last-gasp winner from Ollie Watkins.

And Ralph felt the performance was England’s best of the summer so far.

“The last game was the best one in terms of our performance,” said Ralph.

“Hopefully we’re coming into a bit of form at a good time now.

“I’d probably I’d pick anyone apart from Spain to play in the final but it’s the final and you never know what can happen.

“We’re there for a reason and the boys deserve a lot of credit.”

But while England are preparing for the end of their campaign, the Shrimpers are building towards the start of theirs.

And Ralph is enjoying being back alongside his Blues team-mates.

“It’s been hard work but it’s been really enjoyable,” said Ralph.

“It feels like we’ve been away a while so coming back and seeing the boys has been really nice.

“Of course it’s been tough but we got the footballs out pretty much straight away and it’s nice to get a feel for it again.

“We’ve been been doing a few different things too.

“We did a run along the sea front, we’ve done a spin class and standard runs as well but the boys look sharp.”

This year’s pre-season can also be far more structured than last summer’s which was severely hindered by the club’s off-field issues.

And Ralph is pleased with how things are starting to take shape.

“It’s a longer pre-season this year so it’s nice to gradually ease into it a bit more,” said Ralph.

“Having some new faces come in has been good as well and it’s all really positive.

“We’re looking forward to the games coming now.”

Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 3pm at Burroughs Park.

Ticket prices have been set at £10 adults, £6 concessions, £12 for 12 to 16 year-olds and £1 for those under the age of 12.

Cash and card payments will be accepted at the turnstiles.