After the disappointment and difficulty of the last year, finally we have something to be excited about – Euro 2020 (or is it 2021?) is on the horizon! The tournament will be pan-hosted for the first time in its history – with no fewer than 11 cities staging the action.
National managers are still announcing their 26-man squads, and while Three Lions gaffer, Gareth Southgate has revealed his provisional team – all will be confirmed on Tuesday 1st June.
There’s no doubt that fans are on countdown for the opening game on June 11th. And for those checking the upcoming Euro 2021 odds for the outright winner, you’ll find the current reigning world champions France as the favourites – closely followed by England.
With the final being staged at Wembley, could it finally be that football’s coming home?
And with the announcement of the provisional 33-man squad earlier this week, the Three Lions must fancy their chances. 2020-21 Premier League Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, will of course, be at the forefront of the team selection. The Tottenham Hotspur frontman (23 goals) could be joined by Dominic Calvert-Lewin (16 goals), Ollie Watkins (14 goals) and Marcus Rashford (11 goals) – so certainly competition for places, and food for thought for the waistcoat-wearing boss.
Fans have renewed optimism, and in a recent survey commissioned by bookmakers, Paddy Power, it was revealed that Gareth Southgate is the most popular Three Lions gaffer of the last 20 years.
Topping the poll with 40% of the vote, it comes as no real surprise the waistcoat-wearing manager is so popular. With a win ratio of 61.5% to date, it’s about time England had some success on the international stage.
At the other end of the spectrum, Roy Hodgson, in charge when England crashed out at the round of 16 stage at Euro 2016 – at the hands of underdogs, Iceland – received 15% of the vote.
‘The Wally with the Brolly’, Steve McClaren, who was at the helm of the national side when they famously failed to qualify for Euro 2008, landed just 9% in the same survey. The results were pretty conclusive.
England were knocked out at the semi-final stage at the last major tournament – the 2018 World Cup – under Southgate’s tenure. A rematch against Croatia awaits. But can they go one better this time around on home soil?
