England head to the Euro 2024 Championships in Germany after an unbeaten campaign in the group stage, the Three Lions shared a group with Italy, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta, despite being football betting favourites to qualify, doing so without losing a game is always a good confidence boost when heading into a major tournament.
Outright Winner - England
After topping the group, England have been put into Group C for Euro 2024 this summer, where they will meet Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia. It’s a group you’d expect Gareth Southgate’s men to navigate through without too many issues, given the talent he has at his disposal.
Many believe this could be Gareth Southgate’s last tournament as England manager if he doesn’t get them over the line and bring home their first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup win.
He led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final in London (played in 2021), but despite the game being played at Wembley Stadium and having the home advantage, it still wasn’t enough for Southgate’s men, coming up short on penalties to Italy. It was a game that England should have won in all honesty, a defensive approach didn’t help England and you feel that was a missed opportunity.
After that defeat in the Euro 2020 final, 18 months later in Qatar, England had a chance to show the world that they were capable of winning a major tournament, although that didn’t go to plan either.
After topping their 2022 World Cup group, England beat Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16, whilst Spain and Portugal had both been eliminated on the same side of the draw, many thought England had a real chance of making it to a World Cup semi-final and final, although they’d have to get a victory against France first.
Gareth Southgate’s side played well but once again came up short, Harry Kane blazed his penalty kick over the bar, resulting in France getting the win and progressing through, where they eventually ended up runners up to Argentina.
Predictions For England In Euro 2024
So, can England go one step closer in a European major tournament this time around? I believe they can and I’m not the only one, with the Three Lions currently joint favourite at 7/2 to win the tournament in the latest Euro 2024 sports betting odds.
The depth of talent that Gareth Southgate has to choose from is unbelievable and it’s hard to ignore England in this competition.
The England boss will make his decision on his final 23-man squad in June and at the time of writing, here’s a closer look at who is expected to be heading to the Euros.
Predicting The England Euro 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford – Never really in doubt, plays well for England and has been Southgate’s preferred choice for the majority of his time in charge.
Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone, neither keeper has had enough of an impact this season to challenge the number one spot, but with Nick Pope suffering a long-term shoulder injury, you’d think these two would be the backup choices.
Defenders:
Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and John Stones look certain to be on the plane along with Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to be playing in midfield.
Kieran Tripper can play left-back for England but also a great cover for Walker at right-back, Southgate will have to make a decision on Ben Chilwell or Joe Gomez, either should get the nod over Luke Shaw, who has missed the majority of Manchester United’s season with injury.
Levi Colwill, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa have all had a good season so far, after being called up to upcoming friendlies, there’s still a chance for one of those players.
Midfielders:
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are the two names you’d expect to be on the plane to Germany, I’d personally give Kobbie Mainoo a chance over Jordan Henderson but I think Southgate would prefer Henderson's experience around the dressing room.
Connor Gallagher, James Maddison and Cole Palmer are the likely candidates for that advanced role in midfield.
Forwards:
Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden will be the first names on Southgate’s list, it’ll be hard to ignore Ollie Watkins with the season he is having, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish haven’t had the greatest seasons but are expected to be in the squad, a decision might have to be made regarding Ivan Toney and Jarrod Bowen.
England Chances To Win Euro 2024
The Three Lions will kick off their Euro 2024 Championship against Serbia on Sunday 16th June at the Veltins Arena, before meeting Denmark on Thursday 20th June and then finishing their group stage campaign five days later on the 25th June against Slovenia.
Group C Betting - England
England always seem to fall short but with the squad they’ve got, I believe they are up there with the best in Europe and at 7/2 to win the lot, I think that’s a fair price.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
