In his recent Sky Sports column, Paul Merson evaluates England’s prospects at Euro 2024, stressing that Gareth Southgate will have no excuses if he fails to clinch the trophy this summer, given the abundance of world-class talent at his disposal.
Southgate unveiled his final 26-player squad for Euro 2024 on Thursday, with notable exclusions such as Jack Grealish, James Maddison, and Harry Maguire, who will not be joining the squad traveling to Germany on Monday.
Among Southgate’s surprising selections are Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton, who made his debut in Monday’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Eberechi Eze. Despite his astonishment at some of the choices, Merson remains confident that Southgate will guide the Three Lions to victory in the Euros.
Continue reading for Merson’s insights on England’s squad, their chances of winning Euro 2024, the pressure on Southgate this summer, and potential breakout stars for the tournament.
Pressure on Southgate:
Reflecting on his lifetime of football fandom, Merson expresses confidence in England’s prospects, attributing it to the strength of the squad Southgate has assembled and the caliber of players he has at his disposal. Merson believes this is England’s best chance in a long time to secure a tournament victory, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment. He points out that while other footballing nations like Spain, Italy, and Germany lack an abundance of world-class talent, England boasts top-tier players in key positions. Merson insists that Southgate must deliver success in this tournament without focusing on future planning, emphasizing the urgency of bringing the trophy home.
Southgate’s Bold Choices:
Merson acknowledges Southgate’s bold decisions, particularly regarding the exclusion of Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish. Maguire, known for his consistency, was expected to be a mainstay in the squad, while Grealish’s absence comes as a surprise despite his limited appearances this season. Merson highlights Grealish’s reliability and the unique demands of tournament football, suggesting that unexpected twists are not uncommon in the sport.
Be the first to comment