It’ll be here before you know it.
No sooner will the domestic season come to a close with the Champions League Final this weekend, then all eyes will be on Euro 2024.
As always, England will go into the tournament with public and media-driven expectation (some of it realistic) at fever-pitch levels.
That’s because at the last European Championships three years ago, the ‘Three Lions’ were a penalty shoot-out away from being crowned kings of Europe.
Was that their best chance of glory?
Probably yes, given they benefited from a largely favourable draw and most of their matches on home soil.
However, we should also remember that, at a time when a number of heavyweight nations have underachieved in major competitions in recent years – and my own reasons for that would make an article in itself – England have been remarkably consistent.
Their Euro 2020 progress (a tournament played in 2021) came either side of a fourth-place World Cup finish and a quarter-final berth 18 months ago in Qatar.
That said, their main weakness has been and remains their defence.
This SBOTOP observer feels the wealth of top talent England possesses in more advanced positions – all capable of delivering Euro 2024 highlights – risks being undermined by their lack of top-quality options at centre back.
Although a right-back primarily, Kyle Walker is needed to play in a back three to add stability to a back line that has good but not exceptional talent in Harry Maguire and John Stones.
Maguire and Stones are top professionals, of course, but possibly far better performers in a back five than a flat back four.
Add in the fact that Maguire may not be fully fit, and likewise Luke Shaw – along with Walker a truly top class full-back – those waiting in the wings are not, respectfully, of the same standard.
The fact Ben Chilwell is not in the squad means a big reliance on Kieran Trippier who has proved himself at international level on either flank.
So, who will make the full squad when it is whittled down?
Manager Gareth Southgate will have to cut at least seven players when he confirms his final squad of up to 26 players for the tournament in Germany, with a deadline of midnight on June 7.
Well, unless there are injuries over the next few weeks, I don’t expect Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones to make the cut.
He is one of an uncapped quintet – centre backs Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), midfielder Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and James Trafford (Burnley) are the others – who have made Southgate’s initial selection.
Toffees centre back Branthwaite, 21, was key in his side securing Premier League safety this season, while Liverpool centre-back Quansah, 21, and 23 year-old team-mate Jones helped the Red side of Merseyside finish third in the top flight.
Wharton, 20, impressed at Palace following his move from Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window and his team-mates Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson have also been included by Southgate.
Trafford, who did not play for relegated Burnley after being dropped in March, received his first England call-up in March after Sam Johnstone dropped out of the squad through injury, but has yet to play for the national team.
The seven to make way for me will be Jones, Trafford, Quansah, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, Brentford striker Ivan Toney and, in two calls which may surprise a few of you, James Maddison of Spurs and Man City’s Jack Grealish.
That is not a reflection on ability, more due to a squad top-heavy with attackers and light on central midfielders.
That will mean a rapid inclusion for Wharton, the heartbeat of a resurgent Eagles who finished the campaign with a flourish under Oliver Glasner.
Jones may have experienced more top flight football in recent seasons but Wharton is worth taking a chance given the impact he has had in recent months.
Likewise, as much as this Manchester United fan would like to see him get a well-earned rest, it is hard to see Southgate not opting for teenager Kobbie Mainoo.
The 19-year-old only made his first league start for the club in November but he has impressed ever since, both for club and country and in March, he looked immediately at home in an England shirt.
His skill, vision, and ability to contribute in possession could be the perfect complement to Rice in midfield and, if there were any thoughts Southgate may err on the side of caution due to his tender years, his man of the match display in Saturday’s FA Cup Final probably ended that.
So that’s my squad. What about yours?
Don’t forget to study our Euro 2024 betting odds.
The summer of international football is about to get real!
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