Simon Dalton presents his prediction for Euro 2024.
The English golden generation is ready for triumph. This idea has been proved by the betting odds offered by the bookmakers prior to the start of the tournament. The Three Lions have been progressing, becoming the most dominating national side in the world.
England easily qualified for Euro 2024, although the group stage wasn’t supposed to be simple for them. England won 6 out of the 8 games they played (2 draws). The Three Lions topped the group, ahead of Italy and Ukraine. The offensive actions were the strongest side, with the English players scoring 22 goals in 8 games. This result is not a surprise as the squad contains Kane, Saka, Palmer, Foden and the others.
England had 3.23 xG in their friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (3:0) prior to Euro 2024. Alexander-Arnold was an attacking midfielder and scored the second goal, with Grealish and Kane either making an assist or scoring a goal starting as substitutes. The coach can change the attacking players and the opponents of the English side can hardly prepare for the game properly. The key players are very experienced as they participated in previous big tournaments.
The odds on England to reach the Round of 16 are too low, namely 1/5, despite playing against pretty strong Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage. These opponents seem to be convenient for England as the Three Lions can play the main role on the pitch, using all the players.
Throwing aside some childish arguments like the curse of Kane to take a trophy, England are an obvious favourite. This will be the key motivation for the Three Lions.
