England go into Euro 2024 with their best chance of winning a major tournament since the World Cup in 1966. The Three Lions fell just one game short in the last European Championship, as they were beaten in the final by Italy.
Gareth Southgate has selected a strong 26-man squad for the tournament in Germany, so there are high hopes across the nation that England can return with the trophy. Here is a look at some of the keys to success for the Three Lions at the summer competition.
Win a Penalty Shootout
If England are to get over the line in Euro 2024, the chances are they are going to need to win a penalty shootout. The Three Lions have had a lot of heartbreak in recent years in shootouts, most notably in 1996 in the semi-final against Germany and the final at the last Euro.
Southgate is sure to be spending hours with his team working on penalties ahead of the knockout stages of Euro 2024. However, one thing he cannot replicate is the pressure they will be under when they step up in a knockout contest.
Jordan Pickford has been included in @England‘s finalised squad for #EURO2024 – congratulations, JP! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/lN6Cuwu75i
— Everton (@Everton) June 6, 2024
England have won an important penalty shootout under Gareth Southgate. They defeated Colombia on penalties in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup. They will need goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to be at his best again in order to emerge victorious.
Inexperienced Defence Will Need to Step Up
If there is a weakness in Southgate’s talented England team, it is in their defensive. The England boss was unable to take Harry Maguire to Germany due to doubts over his fitness. Some of the players in his squad, including left back Luke Shaw, face a race to get fit in time for the crunch matches.
England are likely to rely on John Stones to hold the back line together. He has had a lot of success at club level for Manchester City. He must now show leadership for his country, as he is one of the most experienced players across their back line.
England Reliant on Kane’s Goals Again
No player in history has scored more goals for England than Harry Kane. Their record-breaker goes into this tournament on the back of an excellent season for Bayern Munich. In what was his first year in German football after moving from Tottenham last summer, he scored an impressive 44 goals.
Back on German soil ahead of a big summer 👊🏴#MiaSanMia #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/D4uB5P35WL
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) June 11, 2024
Kane will lead England’s attack in Germany, and it is his goals that England will rely upon again. Southgate will be praying that his captain does not pick up an injury at the tournament, or it will be a huge blow for the Three Lions.
The England number 9 is 11-2 in the Euros odds to be the top goalscorer at Euro 2024. Those looking to back the Bayern Munich star should consider the leading bonuses promotions available in the tournament. New customers with Spreadex and Betfair can pick up a free up to £40 for placing a £10 bet.
Southgate Has to Get It Right Tactically
This tournament may be Southgate’s last as leader of the national team. He has hinted that he may walk away should England not lift the trophy on the 14th of July in Berlin, so the stakes could not be higher.
Southgate was criticised for his lack of tactical moves against Italy in the final of Euro 2020. He must prove to his critics that he can get big decisions right, particularly when his team is trailing or at a deadlock in the latter stages of a knockout game.
The England boss has already made some big decisions ahead of this tournament, none more so than leaving out Jack Grealish from his squad. The omission of the Manchester City player came as a big surprise to many England fans.
With the squad he has available to him, lots of pundits are urging Southgate to be as combative as possible at the tournament. He is fortunate to have players on his bench who can tilt the balance of a game in his favour.
England have been placed in Group C alongside Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. They will be expected to sail through to the last 16 where things should get tougher for the Three Lions.
