May 21st 2024.
As Euro 2024 approaches, many are wondering if Jude Bellingham will be the key player for England. Jamie Carragher, a former England and Liverpool defender, has shared his predictions for the tournament and it doesn't look good for Gareth Southgate and his team.
Despite some injury concerns, Southgate has chosen his preliminary squad of 33 players and the Three Lions are still considered one of the top contenders. Along with France, Germany (as the hosts), Portugal, and Spain, England is expected to make a strong showing. However, history has taught us that anything can happen at a major tournament.
Carragher believes that England will top their group, which includes Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia, before defeating Austria in the round of 16. They will then face Hungary in the quarter-finals, but the real challenge will come in the semi-finals against France. This will be a rematch of the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, where England lost 2-1, with Harry Kane missing a crucial penalty.
Carragher doesn't see a way for England to beat France, citing the small details that can make all the difference in a game. He also mentions the potential of Bellingham, who will be two years older and playing for Real Madrid at the time of the tournament. On the other hand, France boasts the best forward in the world in Kylian Mbappe.
Carragher believes that if England and France were to field their best teams, it would be a close match. However, he points out that some of the players who can't even make it into the French team are still winning Champions Leagues and playing for top clubs. He mentions William Saliba as an example of a player who would be a "shoe-in" for the England team but rarely gets a chance with France.
With the depth of talent on the French team, Carragher predicts that they will make it to the final, along with hosts Germany. However, he ultimately sees France coming out on top due to their experience and the strength of their bench. He also believes that the home support will give Germany an advantage, but it wouldn't be the same if the tournament were held elsewhere.
Carragher's predictions have sparked some controversy, as he doesn't include Marcus Rashford in his 30-man squad for England. However, Rashford remains hopeful and has sent a message to Southgate after being left out. As the tournament draws closer, all eyes will be on Bellingham and whether or not he can make a difference for England. Can Germany triumph on home soil? Only time will tell.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
