Football’s finally coming home this summer… or at least it should be based on the predictions, so can Gareth Southgate and England deal with the pressure of expectations?
A quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup was a backwards step for the Three Lions who must overcome their tendency to shy away in the big games, especially with the old adversaries Italy, France and Germany set to stand in their way at Euro 2024.
They fly to Germany with injury issues at the back, wildcard picks in attack and a yet to be determined midfield partnership.
Yet, this is perhaps the best England squad of all-time, and if they can’t triumph, the FA must consider if Southgate really is the one…
Manager: Gareth Southgate
For all the incredible work he has done for his country, the outcome of Euro 2024 will define Southgate’s legacy. The 53-year-old has been in charge for eight years with this his fourth and most probably final tournament.
He’s unified a nation, popularised waistcoats, made fans dream again and got the Three Lions closer to winning a trophy than anyone else since Sir Alf Ramsey.
But now, it’s all or nothing. He has the arguably the best players, certainly the best attack, and – to the surprise of many – has picked form over old favourites with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson not on the plane.
Victory would cement his legendary status. Defeat means it’s 58 years of hurt and counting…
Style of play & starting XI
Southgate has often been maligned for ‘boring’ tactics, instead of showing off his players’ awesome offensive capabilities, though the methodical approach has worked so far and players won’t rigidly stick to their positions in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation.
Despite calls to start him to start centrally, Phil Foden will be deployed on the left-wing to accommodate Jude Bellingham at No.10, with Bukayo Saka on the right and captain Harry Kane leading the line in what is possibly the Three Lions’ scariest ever attack.
Declan Rice starting is a given, but his midfield partner remains a mystery. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher and the young guns Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton all offer something different, so it will depend on the opposition and form.
Defence is the weak point, with veteran Harry Maguire out while Luke Shaw, the only natural left-back, will be unfit to play until the second group game at the earliest. Kieran Trippier will take the latter’s place but the right-back has never looked comfortable out of position.
Though he lacks experience, Marc Guehi is more than capable of partnering John Stones at centre-back, while ever-presents Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford are thankfully available.
MVP: Jude Bellingham
While Kane, Saka, Foden and Rice can all be considered among the best players in the world, Bellingham has a claim to be considered THE best.
The midfielder scored 23 goals and made 13 assists in his debut season for Real Madrid, winning La Liga, the Champions League, the Golden Boy award, La Liga Player of the Season, Champions League Young Player of the Season, and he’s now one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or.
Most remarkably of all, he only turns 21 in a few weeks’ time.
One to watch: Marc Guehi
Remarkably, Crystal Palace are the most represented club in the squad, but of their four players only Guehi looks certain to start.
The 23-year-old is the natural choice to replace the injured Maguire despite only having 11 caps to his name, having put in quietly sensational performances at Selhurst Park since 2021, meaning the Three Lions are in safe hands.
The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with signing the Chelsea academy product, and a great tournament would undoubtedly see his value shoot through the roof.
Route to the final
Drawn in Group C, England begin their tournament against Serbia on 15 June before taking on Denmark and Slovenia.
If all goes as predicted, they’ll top the group and ease to the quarter-finals where they’ll face Italy in a rematch of the Euro 2020 final. Win that, co-favourites France likely await in the semis, before a potential final against hosts and the old enemy Germany.
Full squad
England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024:
England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
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