England will enter this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in unfamiliar territory, as many people’s favourites for success. This is the team that finished as runners-up Euro 2024, and is buoyed by one of the most exciting squads in world football.
There will be optimism, but it will be cautious, for England is a nation familiar with the agony of tournament football, and all too often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
The Manager
Gareth Southgate has come under much criticism as a manager for his playing style, but he has been the most successful England boss in major tournaments since Alf Ramsey.
His pragmatic style and approach have proved to be very successful for England, and are seemingly well-suited to navigating the rigours of tournament football. His affable demeanour and status as a former player have made him popular among the squad.
If this is to be, as expected, the former Middlesbrough manager’s final tournament in the dugout, he will be keen to go out with a bang. With a win percentage of 62.6% in his eight years in charge since 2016, Southgate ranks above beloved and iconic England managers of the past, such as Bobby Robson, Alf Ramsey, and Ron Greenwood.
The Players
England have one of the most exciting and hotly anticipated talent pools in the tournament. With star striker Harry Kane leading the line, there is additional experience with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, but it’s with the youngsters where things get exciting. Two names stand out right away – Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham.
Cole Palmer
Ex-Manchester City youngster Palmer has been pretty much the only positive thing of note in Chelsea’s terrible season so far, with 18 goal contributions in the league alone.
And with his breakout season coming just in time for this tournament, there is no question he will be one of the stand-out players to watch in Euro 2024. With an abundance of talent, and the ability to score and create, the 21-year-old adds another dimension to England’s play.
Jude Bellingham (Star Player)
Kane might be one of the most feared marksmen in Europe, Saka and Foden might be in red hot streaks, but there is no doubt who England’s star player is in Euro 2024. Jude Bellingham has that X-factor, that Midas touch that seems to turn everything to gold right now.
With 20 goals and 9 assists across all competitions this season for the Spanish giants, England fans will be hoping the former Birmingham City midfielder can take this form with him into the Euros. The one player who’s almost certain to turn Britain’s 6 Ballon d’Or winners list into 7.
For so many people, England represents years of underachievement, with the Golden Generation of yesteryear failing to deliver time and again.
However, this time around this is reason for cautious excitement, as the Three Lions boast one of their most exciting squads ever and one of the most feared in the tournament.
And, with expectations at an all-time high, and a talent pool to match, this could finally be the tournament where England win the Euros for the first time.
