Euro 2024 daily recap: Spain, Italy take early lead in Group of Death

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6/16/20242 min read

England's Prospects in Euro 2024

Key Stats

Euros Appearances: 10
Euro Titles: 0
Best Finish: Final (2020)
Euros Record: W15 D13 L10
Goals Scored: 51
Biggest Win: 4-0 vs. Ukraine (Euro 2020)
Player to Watch: Phil Foden
World Ranking: 4th
Team Nickname: The Three Lions

Group Fixtures

June 16: Serbia vs. England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)
June 20: Denmark vs. England (Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, 6pm local/16:00 GMT)
June 25: England vs. Slovenia (Cologne Stadium, Cologne, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)

Manager: Gareth Southgate

Since taking over in 2016, Gareth Southgate has transformed the team culture, focusing on collective strength rather than individual stardom. Despite his success in leading England to a World Cup semifinal in 2018 and a Euro final in 2020, Southgate faces immense pressure to deliver a major trophy. His tenure will be critically assessed based on the outcome of Euro 2024.

Squad Analysis

England's squad for Euro 2024 is one of the strongest on paper, featuring key players from top clubs:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins

Tactical Considerations

Phil Foden is expected to be a pivotal player. He has thrived in a central midfield role at Manchester City, but Southgate has traditionally deployed him on the wings. The manager's choice of formation and positioning for Foden will be crucial.

Challenges and Expectations

England's squad has immense talent, including top scorers like Harry Kane and emerging stars like Jude Bellingham. However, Southgate's conservative tactical approach has sometimes been criticized for holding back the team's potential. With high expectations and a strong squad, England is one of the favorites, but their performance on the field will ultimately determine their success.