Yes in most countries with Echo, you are in controlled airspace already, you just need positive ATC clearance to switch VFR/IFR (this gets confused with the need for ATC clerance to fly IFR in Golf uncontrolled airspace)
Most "IFR only" or "VFR only" pilots have no clue if they are in Golf vs Echo and what is the difference between the two, only those who mix VFR & IFR rules would know the difference...even more puzzling when you hear German or US pilot with 1000h IFR telling you one need ATC clerance to fly IFR in Golf or talk about how one can got caught "VFR in IMC" in Golf without ATC while being IR rated & equipped
whereas, all these concerns tend to make more sense in Echo
However, in most places where Alpha or Charlie TMA sits over Golf, you do get to hear "cleared to join" on entering controlled airspace by climb or "own separation/cancel" on leaving controlled airspace by descent, this is the case of Paris TMA or Madrid TMA (which are managed like London TMA as the ATC looking after it does not offer any form of FIS OCAS bellow)