It’s an expectation which has been in place before virtually every major international tournament England have qualified for over the past two decades.
Can the ‘Three Lions’ bring the trophy home to the country where football began?
Certainly, they go into Euro 2024 with one of the best and most talented squads of all the 24 competing nations.
They also go into the tournament with a highly favourable draw.
Now I have already nailed my colours to the mast and am on record as tipping hosts Germany to be crowned European champions this summer and I will not sway from that – even though the Sbotop Euro 2024 betting odds make England and France favourites from Germany, Portugal and Spain.
Incidentally, reigning European champions Italy – who broke English hearts three years ago – are well adrift @ 17.00 when it comes to our tournament odds.
But why should we have faith in England – World Cup semi-finalists six years ago, defeated Euro 2020 finalists and quarter-finalists at the Qatar World Cup 18 months ago?
Well, in many ways, I have just answered my own question.
They have recent pedigree and, injuries permitting, have five guaranteed starters who have been in superb form for their respective clubs this term: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and captain Harry Kane.
So the talent is clearly there to match the demands of the footballing public.
My doubts about England though have not changed in the past decade.
Just think back to some of the sides of the past 30 plus years and the quality of centre-backs they possessed—I’m thinking Des Walker, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry (and there are others).
Quite frankly, with a notable nod to Manchester City captain Kyle Walker, none of the class of 2024 can live up to that pedigree.
Yes, John Stones and Harry Maguire are talented players, but Stones does most of his good work in front of a back three or four for his club, while Maguire is committed and always stands up to be counted but lacks a top-class partner.
In addition, Luke Shaw must be a major doubt after missing so much of the campaign for Manchester United through injury.
In a back five with Shaw on the left and potentially Kieran Trippier (himself just returning from injury) or Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, England would certainly have the stability of an extra centre back and would enhance their chances of glory.
Put it this way though: for all possible Euro 2024 highlights early on, England will not win the tournament by playing with a flat a back four – the personnel simply isn’t there for me and the defence will ultimately be their Achilles heel.
While some squad members are certs, there is still a degree of intrigue about the remaining sports.
With 26-man squads being allowed as opposed to the traditional 23, there is still real scope for some players to book a late seat on the plane to Germany.
Coming into form at the right time is important which could mean bad news for the likes of James Maddison, struggling at Spurs, but good news for a few Crystal Palace players who are finishing the campaign strongly.
The Eagles have strong cases for inclusion in a number of areas.
Granted, Euro 2024 may come too soon for midfielder Adam Wharton, who only earned his first England Under-21 cap in March, but the rapid trajectory of teenager Kobbie Mainoo may offer him some encouragement.
Wharton has made a fine start to his Palace career following a winter-window move from Blackburn Rovers in the New Year.
The 20 year-old has started all 14 Premier League games since a debut from the bench in February, and has impressed with his composure and technical ability on the ball.
Likewise, Marc Guehi who has made two substitute appearances this past week following three months out with a knee injury.
He has considerable capabilities and his performances alongside Joachim Andersen in the early stages of the season were outstanding and continued the strong partnership the pair have built.
What of Eberechi Eze though?
Eze will be eager to erase the disappointment of three years ago, when he ruptured an Achilles tendon in training on the day he was due to be named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad for the previous, pandemic-delayed Euros.
The now 25 year-old has developed significantly since then but other injuries have limited his availability this term, although he has still made 23 league starts, plus three appearances off the bench, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.
Perhaps ‘lady luck’ will shine more favourably on him this time.
He certainly deserves it.
Who makes your 26-man squad?
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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