England are set to compete in the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany in June in a bid to end a 58-year run without a single major trophy. Incidentally, they came really close in the Euro 2020 (held in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions). However, they lost to Italy in a penalty shootout in the final.
Manager Gareth Southgate will hope his side can go the distance this time after a quarter-final exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He recently announced a 33-man provisional squad for England’s friendlies against Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina before the tournament. This squad will be reduced to 26 names before the commencement of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions have been drawn in Group C in the Euro 2024 alongside Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia. They will be the favorites to top the group despite some good competition.
England Euro 2024 fixtures:
Group Stage:
Serbia vs England: June 16, 08:00 pm GMT, Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen.
Denmark vs England: June 20, 04:00 pm GMT, Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt.
England vs Slovenia: June 25, 08:00 pm GMT, RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne.
If they get past the group stages, the Round of 16 is set to take place between June 29 and July 2. The quarter-finals are scheduled for July 5 and July 6. The semi-finals will be played on July 9 and 10. The final will be played on July 14 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Key Players for England to watch out for in Germany
Jude Bellingham
The 20-year-old midfielder has taken the world by storm since his move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer. He has scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists in 40 games across competitions for the Spanish giants this season, helping them win two trophies. He could also help them win the UEFA Champions League final against his former club, Dortmund, on June 1.
Bellingham was also one of England’s best performers in their quarter-final finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will look to make his mark at the Euro 2024.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden was named Premier League Player of the Season and has been in sensational form. He has recorded 27 goals and 11 assists in 52 games for Manchester City this season, helping them win the Premier League.
Foden has been excellent in the No. 10 role for City and will look to play a similar creative role for the Three Lionsine Euro 2024.
Kobbie Mainoo
Another interesting English player to watch out for at the Euro 24 is Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old midfielder only broke through Manchester United’s academy this year but was selected for England’s friendlies in March.
Southgate hasn’t picked Kalvin Phillips and Joror Henderson in his squad. Hence, he could use Mainoo as the deepest-lying midfielder alongside Declan Rice. If he does, it will be interesting to see how the youngster copes with the pressure and quality of the highest level.
Also Read:
- UEFA Euro 2024 Preview and Predictions | Group C
- Gareth Southgate reveals Phil Foden plan for Euro 2024
- Marcus Rashford sends message to England squad after EURO 2024 omission
- ‘People don’t want to hear it’ – England boss Gareth Southgate admits Declan Rice role is a problem area ahead of Euro 2024
- Why was Ben White snubbed from the England Euro 2024 squad?