'Why England can still win Euro 2024'

Gareth Southgate, England's manager, has faced heavy criticism lately, but it's not all doom and gloom for the Three Lions, reported by GOAL. Despite a rocky start to Euro 2024, there's still hope for a turnaround for England. Let's dive deep into how the Three Lions can bounce back and make a successful run in the tournament.

A throwback to past disappointments

England's current performance at Euro 2024 brings back memories of the early 2000s under Sven-Göran Eriksson, a period marked by high hopes but ultimate disappointment. The team has displayed some concerning traits in their opening matches, reminiscent of that era. Players are being played out of position, off-field issues are affecting the camp, and Southgate is under intense scrutiny from the media.

After a lackluster draw against Denmark and an unconvincing win over Serbia, the mood in England is tense. Criticism from former players like Gary Lineker, who called the team's performance against Denmark “sh*t,” has only added fuel to the fire. Captain Harry Kane responded, emphasizing the difficulty of playing for England in major tournaments and pointing out that past generations of players faced similar challenges.

Despite the negative atmosphere, England currently tops their group and is likely to advance to the knockout stages. This is a crucial point that seems to be overshadowed by the overall pessimism. Teams that perform well in tournaments often don't peak during the group stages. This isn't just a cliché; it's backed by evidence from recent international competitions.

Teams that struggled early but won

Take Argentina's 2022 World Cup campaign, for instance. Lionel Messi's side lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening match but went on to win the tournament. Similarly, France in 2018 started their World Cup journey with unremarkable group stage performances, yet they lifted the trophy.

Portugal's Euro 2016 campaign is another prime example. They drew all three of their group stage matches and finished third in their group, yet they still managed to win the tournament. These examples show that early struggles don't necessarily preclude tournament success. England can take heart from these patterns.

England's own experience at Euro 2020 supports this idea. They didn't dominate in the group stages but still made it to the final. After a goalless draw with Scotland, critics were harsh, but England bounced back with wins against the Czech Republic and Germany. Southgate made key tactical adjustments that helped the team improve as the tournament progressed, and this could be crucial for Euro 2024 glory.

Luke Shaw's return

On the defensive front, there is more good news. Luke Shaw, who has been recovering from injury, is now back in training with the team. While Kieran Trippier has done his best in an unfamiliar left-back role, Shaw's return will provide much-needed balance and width to the team. Southgate has acknowledged the importance of having his best left-back available, and Shaw's return could have a significant positive impact.

Stars ready to shine at Euro 2024

England's squad is packed with talent. Players like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane have the potential to turn things around. The team boasts the Premier League's Player of the Season, the European Golden Shoe winner, and several other top-level performers. It's unlikely that these stars will continue to underperform.

When England faces Slovenia on Tuesday, the team has a chance to demonstrate their true potential. If they can iron out the issues seen in their earlier matches, they have the talent and depth to go far in the tournament.

While the start of Euro 2024 has been rocky for England, it's important to remember that many successful teams have struggled early on. The return of key players like Luke Shaw and the immense talent within the squad offer hope. Southgate has shown in the past that he can make the necessary adjustments to guide England through tough times.

The Three Lions have the opportunity to prove their critics wrong and make a deep run in Euro 2024. With a bit of tactical tweaking and the right mindset, England can still achieve something special in this tournament. The journey is far from over, and the best may be yet to come.

-clutchpoints