Squad Information and Statistics That Back Our EURO 2021 Winner Prediction
The current England squad, though not referred to as the Golden Generation as it was called during the barren spell between 2002-2014, is still one of the very best in terms of sheer quality and depth of options. It is also one of the youngest squads of the tournament, with an average age of below 25.
Gareth Southgate has outperformed several recent managers with this young squad, led by the talismanic Harry Kane, arguably England’s greatest striker of the modern era. England reached the semifinals of a World Cup after more than 20 years before succumbing to a very late defeat to eventual runners-up Croatia in extra time.
However, there was enough to see in the squad to suggest that the immediate future is very bright, and with plenty of world class players coming up the ranks, England have every chance to go all the way this time and secure their first ever European Championship.
Captain – Harry Kane
The English Captain has elevated his game to become one of the very best players in world football currently. He won the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with 6 goals, as he led with example, taking England to their first semifinal in 28 years.
Kane is coming off his best ever Premier League season, as he won the Golden Boot with 23 goals as well as the best playmaker award with 14 assists, a remarkable and unprecedented feat, which ensures that Kane is entering this tournament in the form of his life, and will again be looking to lead by example.
Defence
England have an abundance of top-quality Premier League defenders, with many of them failing to make the cut in an incredibly competitive squad. Harry Maguire, the Manchester United captin, is expected to be fit in time, and will be ably supported by John Stones and Tyrone Mings. England have selected 3 top quality right backs in Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, while Chilwell and Shaw complete the left flank of defence.
Midfield
England have a very young yet dynamic midfield, with very versatile players allowing Southgate to use various different systems and formations. 22-year-old Mason Mount is expected to be the first name on the team sheet after his starring role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph. He will be joined by his best mate Declan Rice who has had a brilliant season for West Ham. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will try to prove his fitness before the tournament begins too.
Attack
Attack is where England are really loaded with options. Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling provide 3 world class options at the left-wing position for England, while Jadon Sancho is expected to start at right wing, fighting for a place with fellow youngster Phil Foden. Harry Kane is the undisputed starter as the center forward, while Dominick Calwert Lewin is an able back up as a striker.
England’s Recent Performances In International Tournaments
England have always been regarded as among the favourites for every major international tournament they have been a part of, but have often failed to live up to the expectations. The Premier League being regarded as the best and most competitive domestic league in the world plays a big part in the hype surrounding the England National Team.
Southgate was recruited into the England team under unusual circumstances in 2016, replacing Sam Allardyce after a brief stint. The circumstances leading up to the appointment overshadowed the appointment, and there were few comments on how Southgate would perform, except than relying on his past work with the Young Lions.
Fast forward to the summer of 2018, however, and Southgate became a hero to England fans after leading the Three Lions to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years, giving fans of a particular generation their first experience of such a deep run.
England have had a poor record in the EURO Cup history though, and have never reached the final, with their best performance being a semifinal appearance at EURO 1996, where the current manager Gareth Southgate was the one who missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Since then, they have failed to get past the quarter final stage, and even failed to qualify for the 2008 EURO Tournament. However, during the qualifying phase of EURO 2021, England have won 7 of the 8 matches they played, while also reaching the European Nations’ League semifinal, highlighting their brilliant form of late.
England hadn’t reached the World Cup semifinal since the 1990 edition of the tournament. However, in 2018 they gave a real scare to every top team in the tournament. Aftet finishing as the runner-up in their group behind the dominant Belgium, England were paired with Colombia in a tough match up during the round of 16.
The Three Lions managed to scrape through after a dramatic penalty shootout, after the game had ended 1-1 after extra time. In the quarters England managed to easily dispose off Sweden 2-0, to reach their first semifinal in 28 years. They faced Croatia in the semi, in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, as Kieran Trippier gave them a dream start with a stunning free kick goal as they led at half time.
However, Croatia struck with 2 late late goals, including one deep into extra time, to break English hearts and end their campaign. England went on to lose the 3rd place match against Belgium after that as well.
Other Contenders to Win the EURO 2020
France – France is in imperious form ahead of the European Championships, having won eight and drawn one of its ten EURO Qualifiers en-route to the top of the standings. They were also dominant in the Nations League, and have only lost one of their past 18 matches, a meaningless friendly against Finland in which they fielded a poor team.
The defending World Cup champions are joint favourites with England to win this tournament, and boast of the best squad on paper in world football. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, they discovered the right formula, annihilating every single team they encountered their way to earning their second World Cup title.
Many of the stars from that campaign are still in the squad for Euro 2020, so the team has a lot of experience as well as a good balance of youngsters. The return of Karim Benzema has boosted the team’s chances even more, while N’golo Kante has got back to his very best and is regarded as the best midfielder in the world again.
Bet on France to win the Euro 2020 title @ 5.50
Germany – Germany, another incredibly packed squad consisting of versatile players all over the pitch, has been on a downward spiral since winning the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Joachim Low has struggled to keep the group at the same level as important players have retired over the years.
However, they still have a world-class group consisting of promising young players like Kai Havertz, who just scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the UCL Final against Manchester City. On the wings, they have Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry, with Thomas Muller in the centre. All three have been crucial to Bayern's recent success.
Versatile and dependable players like Goretzka and Kimmich bring a lot of balance to the team, while in-form Rudiger and legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will keep things tight at the back. Germany are 9.00 favourites to win this event.
Bet on Germany to win the Euro 2020 title @ 9.00
