Having fallen just short in the final of Euro 2020, an England squad who are a little older and a little wiser will be hoping they can overcome that last hurdle this summer at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions head to the major tournament in Germany with a squad packed with superstars and, with what looks to be a favorable group, expectations are high for manager Gareth Southgate and his side on the continent.
Lessons Must Be Learned From Wembley Heartbreak
Southgate and his players might still be wondering about what might have been after their side suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020. England, who are +300 in the Euro 2024 betting to lift the trophy this summer, beat some stern competition on the way to the final of the last European Championship. Seeing off Germany, who are +500 with a bet on football games to win this year’s tournament, Ukraine and Denmark, England went head-to-head with Italy in the final. With home advantage at Wembley, the Three Lions were the favorites to claim a maiden European Championship title.
Things looked even better for the hosts when Manchester United defender Luke Shaw found the back of the net in just the second minute of the final. However, England failed to press home their early advantage and a 67th-minute goal from Leonardo Bonucci saw the scores level at the full-time whistle. After extra-time, the Three Lions missed three penalties in the shootout to see the Azzurri crowned European champions. It was a heartbreaking way to lose a final but England will have learned plenty from the experience.
Germany Provides A Chance For Redemption
The inquiry into what went wrong for England in that Euro 2020 final is long over and now this summer provides an opportunity for major silverware at Euro 2024. Southgate’s side has been drawn in a favorable group which includes Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia. Given the quality and the strength in depth in their squad, England will be firm favorites to finish top of Group C before heading into the knockout stages.
Southgate is blessed with some rising stars in his squad but he will look to his senior players to show their experience at Euro 2024. Skipper Harry Kane has enjoyed a strong individual season at Bayern Munich and will be the focal point of the Three Lions’ attack. John Stones continues to impress at Manchester City in defense, while Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has enjoyed an excellent first season with the Gunners. All three players featured at the last European Championship and can guide rising stars who are set for their very first major tournament this summer.
It will have taken some time to get over the hurt of that Euro 2020 final defeat but there is growing optimism about what lies ahead for this England squad this summer. With a good blend of fresher faces and experienced senior players, this could be the year the Three Lions end their wait for major silverware.
