3 Signs the Three Lions Could Take the 2024 Euros
Few fans would argue that England has been off to a roaring start at this year’s Euros. After stumbling through Group C, the Three Lions have qualified for the elimination stage. It’s a time for fans from around the country to come together, regardless of their home team.
That’s especially true considering the brutal results of the 2020 Euros competition. It was a time when football was meant to come home—which culminated in a finals appearance that ended in a disastrous penalty round. Millions of fans still feel that tension, even now that the group stages in this year’s competition are concluding.
The latest odds for the Euros are focused on the two main favorites heading into the tournament: England and France. But with England’s slow start in the group stage and with Kylian Mbappe’s injury, both teams have seen their odds lengthen in the outrights.
Germany, it seems, has the potential to upset in its home country—especially if Jamal Musiala continues to put on the show of a lifetime. Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal will be working overtime to claw their way to the semis and finals. But what about the Three Lions?
Though there’s been plenty of speculation, criticism, and negativity surrounding the team’s performance in Group C, there are still signs that the Three Lions are more than prepared for a finals appearance. Here are the top three signs that England could take this year’s Euros.
Key Players Are Braced for Pressure
The results of the 2020 Euros are still being felt by many English players, especially younger stars like Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. The shadow of those missed penalties looms large—and that type of daunting pressure can psyche players out. Tournaments only compound that kind of pressure.
However, England doesn’t look like it’s tilting toward a nervous breakdown. In fact, some of its top players have stepped up to defend the team in interviews with the press, provide insights into how the team is working, and otherwise support the team’s performance.
Declan Rice and Kyle Walker, specifically, look to be leading Gareth Southgate’s side by example—even if it’s Harry Kane wearing the captain’s badge. Going forward, this type of levelheadedness will be a key factor in the team’s success.
An Mbappe-less France Is More Manageable
A custom-made mask has been completed—meaning Kylan Mbappe, who suffered a broken nose in his game opener against Denmark, will likely return to the pitch soon. However, it’s unclear whether he’ll be at the top of his game when he does so.
From a fitness perspective, Mbappe doesn’t need a lot of recovery time—but a broken nose is tough to manage, especially on balls in the air. In other words, though Mbappe will likely start as a striker in the coming matches, he might not be quite as dangerous as he normally is.
If that’s the case, England has an even greater chance of taking down this year’s favorites and taking home a trophy. Though the team’s offense has been lackluster, it’s backline has been a lot stronger.
The Raw Talent Is Present
Lastly, and likely most importantly, England has the raw talent to take down any other Euro favorites—from France to Germany to Spain. Its roster is a bona fide dreamscape—one that just about any manager would sell their soul to take charge of. So what’s going on with Southgate’s team?
Some have argued that the English side might have too many star players. Rather than putting together a team that works well together on the field, Southgate has chosen to give playing time to his biggest stars. It’s not a case of functionality but reputation, in other words.
Regardless of whether Southgate has failed to cobble together a winning lineup, England has the raw power to be unstoppable. And Southgate still has time to figure out how to arrange his players to get the most out of each—though it’s steadily running out.
18+
GambleAware
Gamble responsibly.
