The draw for England in Euro 2024 has opened up in an incredibly favorable way. It would be a significant failure for England not to make it to the final now, given the advantageous draw. With Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France on the opposite side of the draw, England’s prayers have been answered. Their chances of going all the way are better than ever, and they shouldn’t underestimate their potential opponents in the next matches.
Slovakia, ranked No.45 in the world, will be England’s opponents in the last 16. While they are expected to be stubborn and play with a low defensive block, England should handle the match if they are serious about winning the tournament. The prospect of facing Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals is favorable for England. Both teams have struggled against England in recent matches, and Italy is not the force it once was.
This would be an ideal opportunity for England to make a statement. Despite their quality, England has been lacking a definitive style of play. The team needs to improve its ball movement, pressing intensity, and momentum to show their true colors in the knockout phase. There are also big decisions for coach Gareth Southgate to make, particularly regarding the performance of key players like Harry Kane.
As a proud Welshman, the author is invested in England’s fortunes due to the positive experiences he has had in English football. Despite the criticism, England has the chance to avoid top teams and go all the way to the final. However, if they fail to seize this opportunity, it will haunt them for a long time.