July 9th 2024.
Gareth Southgate's England team is set to face the Netherlands in a highly anticipated match for a chance to play in the Euro 2024 final. The team is feeling confident, with former player Michael Owen expressing his support and predicting a close victory for the Three Lions.
In their previous game against Switzerland, England showed improvement and secured a spot in the semi-finals, but not without some struggle. After falling behind, they were able to come back and win in a penalty shootout. Despite this, there is a sense of optimism among fans, experts, and former players as the team heads into their next match.
Their opponents, the Netherlands, have also been performing well, with their coach Ronald Koeman leading them to a 2-1 victory over Turkey in the previous round. The winner of this match will go on to face either France or Spain in the final, making it a crucial game for England as they aim for their first major trophy in 58 years.
Looking ahead to the game, Owen shared his thoughts on the matchup, acknowledging that England has had some lackluster performances in the past, but still remaining hopeful for a win. He believes that the team has the advantage with their strong individual players, but also acknowledges that the Netherlands is a tough opponent and the game could go either way.
With the pressure on to bring home a victory, England's coach Gareth Southgate is facing speculation about his future. His contract with the team is set to end later this year, and he has hinted that he may step down if they do not win the tournament. Owen believes that regardless of the outcome, Southgate may be ready for a change and suggests that former Brighton and Chelsea coach Graham Potter could be a good fit for the job.
Owen also shares his personal opinion that the England manager should always be English, as it is a matter of national pride. He suggests that there should even be a rule in place to ensure this. In terms of potential candidates, he believes that Potter is the best option currently available, with other promising managers such as Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard needing to prove themselves further before being considered for the role.
The anticipation for the England-Netherlands match is high, with both teams determined to come out on top. Only time will tell if the Three Lions will emerge victorious and secure their spot in the final, but one thing is for sure - the support and confidence of the fans and former players like Owen will be behind them every step of the way.
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