![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Gareth-Southgate.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Gareth-Southgate.jpg?width=600)
The countdown for Euro 2024 is back after three years. While the qualifiers are almost done and dusted, with just the playoff remaining, England will be ready to go for the hunt in Germany. There are quite a few quality teams in the tournament, like Portugal and France. But Gareth Southgate’s men should consider themselves fortunate, as indicated by a former Premier League winner.
The division of groups in international tournaments can be unfair at times. Usually divided into four per group, two top teams from each group will proceed to the round of 16. Additionally, four of the best third-placed teams will also join the other twelve. And the English side is expected to be one of them, says a former English player.
A soft group for England in the Euro claims a former English player
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Gareth Southgate’s team is once again expected to ease past the group stages in Germany next year. The team was successful in navigating a tough group in the last edition. And this year looks no different, according to Chris Sutton, the former Blackburn Rovers player. While analyzing the groups yesterday, Sutton said, “I don’t think Denmark are strong as they once were.” “Serbia is an interesting one.” “But you would think that you know it’s a pretty sort of soft group for England.”
🗣️ "A soft group for England".
Pundits have had their say on England's chances at Euro 2024.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/EAD4D4URdl
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 2, 2023
The 1966 World Cup winners are placed in Group C along with Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia. All the teams are considered a bit weaker than the England squad. The team led by Harry Kane has some marquee players such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bukayo Saka. The captain himself carries much weight on the team.
Denmark was England’s opponent in the last edition’s semifinal, where England won 2-1. Serbia also has high-quality players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Dusan Vlahovic who could offer a tough fight. Slovenia certainly dons the role of an underdog against England. Moreover, you expect England to run away with an easy win in a typical encounter.
Nevertheless, a comparatively easy group allows Gareth Southgate & Co to pursue their ambitions of winning a major honor since their last win at 1966.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A chance to break the jinx for Gareth Southgate
The English team will go into the tournament as one of the favorites. But will Southgate be able to complete the unfinished task? The last international trophy won by the team was in 1966 when the late Sir Bobby Charlton led them to a World Cup win.
READ MORE – “Said That Last Season”- Rio Ferdinand Snubs Manchester City’s Erling Haaland For Harry Kane
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The side came close to winning the last edition of the Euros but lost out on penalties against Italy. The Three Lions also missed a splendid chance to advance further in last year’s World Cup when Harry Kane missed a penalty against finalists France in the quarterfinal. However, this time, the fans expect them to stay composed till the end. Nevertheless, what do you make of the former Blackburn player’s proclamation about a relatively easy group for England in the upcoming international tournament? Let us know in the comments section below.
WATCH THIS STORY- American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams