Five reasons why England will not win EURO 2020

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Optimism is extremely high amongst England supporters with the Three Lions one of the favourites to win EURO 2020 and bring 55 years of hurt to an end. However, question marks inevitably still remain as to how Gareth Southgate’s side will find a way to blow it again and fail to triumph at a major international tournament, despite boasting such a rich array of talent within their squad. At TSZ, we detail the five key reasons why England will not win EURO 2020.

INJURIES

England head into EURO 2020 with major injury concerns over a number of key players. Defender Harry Maguire has been absent from training and is expected to miss their opening group game due to an ankle problem. Maguire has established himself as a mainstay in the centre of England’s defence and also provides a huge attacking threat from set pieces, having scored twice in his last six appearances. Another injury doubt is midfielder Jordan Henderson, although the Liverpool captain came off the bench for England in their final warm up friendly against Romania for his first taste of competitive action since February after having been side-lined due to a groin injury. Henderson has been unfairly maligned by England fans in the past, but there is no doubt that the Three Lions are a stronger team with him in it.

RECORD IN MAJOR TOURNAMENTS

Reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup was the first time England made it to the final four of a major tournament since EURO 1996. Since that memorable summer 25 years ago, England have failed to win a single knockout match in the European Championships, losing to Portugal at EURO 2004, Italy at EURO 2012 and Iceland at EURO 2016. The mentality of England to freeze when entering a major competition, particularly at the knockout stages simply cannot be ignored and whilst fans will be hoping that 2018 represents a turning point, the quality of opposition awaiting England come the business end of EURO 2020 compared to the most recent World Cup does not bode well for Southgate’s men.

STANDARD OF THEIR OPPONENTS

As mentioned above, a number of the countries set to do battle with England for European supremacy boasts world class players amongst all positions within their squad. 2018 World Cup champions France can call upon names such as Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann. EURO 2016 winners Portugal not only contain Cristiano Ronaldo, the joint all-time record goal scorer at the European Championships, but also Man Utd’s star midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix alongside Man City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva. Then you have Belgium, who have beaten England in three of their last four competitive fixtures including twice at the 2018 World Cup. All this without mentioning Italy and of course, England’s former nemesis Germany. The last time England beat a top tier nation in a major international tournament was Argentina all the way back in the group stages of the 2002 World Cup, which illustrates the task they have ahead of them to win EURO 2020.

WHAT IS THEIR STRONGEST TEAM?

Whilst England have arguably not had so many strong players to choose from in multiple positions for many years, this could lead to problems as manager Gareth Southgate potentially struggles to decide on his best starting XI as the tournament goes on. This of course could lead to dissent within the England fanbase as their preferred players are left out of the side in favour of Southgate’s choices. Raheem Sterling for example, as not enjoyed the best season individually for Man City. However, the attacking midfielder is a mainstay in the England side and will likely start ahead of the popular Jack Grealish, whilst Man City wonderkid and PFA Young Player of Year Phil Foden may also be left on the bench. Whilst Southgate enjoyed a settled team at the 2018 World Cup, he is likely to tinker more at EURO 2020 and this may not work in England’s favour.

MEDIA PRESSURE

Come major tournament time, the English media never fail to pile the pressure on a group of players that need supporting more than ever. Instead, they are forced to deal with scathing critiques should any England star put in a below par performance, only further diminishing the confidence of said player. Movements and comments of any squad players are monitored and at times it feels like the media want an excuse to find fault. To win EURO 2020, England need everybody behind them including all sections of the media. Unfortunately, with papers to sell and websites to view, this request is not expected to be fulfilled.

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