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On every international tournament, England fans always find a way to sing “it’s coming home”, when referring to the cup. However, no cup has come home since 1966, when England last won at home their first competition.
This year, the Three Lions are the favourites to win the 2024 Euro, according to popular opinion. Led by a prolific Harry Kane and a prominent Jude Bellingham, the England team is set to flip the scenario and enjoy a successful campaign in Germany.
Still, the team should not get flattered by this statistic. There are many internal and external factors that threaten an English win at the Euro, from the manager to the opposition.
Series of Disappointments
Since their 1966 World Cup win, England have been extremely unlucky in the game they call their own (hence the chant “it’s coming home”). Many talented players have played for this country, but all of them have failed to reach the final stages until recently.
In 2018, England was cruelly eliminated by Croatia in the semifinals of the World Cup after conceding in the extra time, despite opening the scoring by a wonder free kick from Kieran Trippier.
In 2020, the three lions experienced their biggest heartbreak. In what seemed like an almost perfect scenario at Wembley, England lost on a penalty shootout against Italy in the final of the Euro.
In 2022, they were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals after Harry Kane, one of the world’s best strikers, had missed from the penalty spot to give England the lead.
Even though the team seems cursed, England has asserted itself as one of the best teams in the world, capable of challenging their opponents for whatever’s up for grabs.
There is no doubt that England has one of the best teams in world football, but the real question remains whether they can fight until the end to finally stop their misfortune.
Hungry Lions
There will be no shortage of star players in this England team during this competition. This summer, the Three Lions will be led by the young prospect Jude Bellingham, who will be aiming to put the team on his shoulders and assert himself as a certain ballon d’or winner.
On the other hand, England will aim to gift Harry Kane his first title in his career. The Bayern Munich striker will therefore not be far from his new home in Germany, where he will try to redeem himself after the 2022 World Cup miss.
Additionally, this exciting English team will benefit from attacking options like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer who all had successful seasons with their respective clubs.
However, England’s defence may hinder their chances of winning the Euro this year. While goalkeeper Pickford remained reliable during previous campaigns, the backline may be concerning. There is a lack of left back options as Luke Shaw is not fit enough, and John Stones’ pairing in defense remains unclear.
The predicted lineup may feature Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Phil Foden. The team also possesses a decent depth, which may make the difference in many games.
As there is no doubt that this England team has enough talent to reach the final, there were concerns about who won’t be participating in the tournament.
Many absences by the likes of Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire may affect England’s style of play, as the team is used to playing with these players on the pitch.
Potential Last Chance
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, remains this team’s kryptonite, according to popular belief.
As a player, Southgate did not achieve much, as he missed a crucial penalty during a shootout in Euro 1996 against Germany. This time around, it looks like it is the perfect opportunity for him to redeem himself.
Southgate’s tactics as a manager are often questioned, as some say he was carrier by his time. However, there is clear evidence that he always managed to take England into deep knockout stages, a feat they couldn’t achieve prior to his arrival.
Before the start of the Euro, Southgate declared that this may be his last tournament with England if he couldn’t bring the cup home. The next step in his managerial career remains vague, making it imperative for him to win it this summer.
Arduous Redemption Road
In this edition of the 2024 Euro, England will be grouped with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. This group may not contain any favourites to win the tournament, but these teams will certainly give the Three Lions a hard time.
This England team will with no doubt display some entertaining football as it is armed with a great squad. However, the competition that stands against them this year may seem overwhelming.
On one hand, France will be looking to get the win after having lost the World Cup on penalties against Argentina. On the other hand, Germany may perform well due to their world class midfield and an obvious home advantage. Teams such as the star-studded Portugal, the defending champions Italy or even the young team of Spain might defy the odds and win the cup.
These teams are the least of England’s concern for now, as the Three Lions’ redemption story will begin on Sunday against Serbia, hoping that the cup will be “coming home” this time.
