June 6th 2024.
Renowned football manager Jose Mourinho has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, naming four standout teams that he believes have a strong chance of claiming victory. Among these top contenders, Mourinho has included England, who are eagerly seeking their first major trophy win since their historic World Cup victory in 1966.
England's journey to the final of the previous Euros was a memorable one, but unfortunately ended in heartbreak with a penalty shootout loss to Italy at London's Wembley Stadium. Similarly, the team's progress in the last two World Cups also saw them reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals, only to come up short in the end.
With the announcement of Gareth Southgate's final 26-man Euros squad, which notably excluded players like Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish, England's odds as one of the top contenders have only increased. Mourinho, who is widely respected in the football world, sees this as a justified prediction, but also believes that Portugal, France, and Spain will provide tough competition for the trophy.
Speaking specifically about Portugal's chances, Mourinho expressed his confidence in the current squad, stating that they have the depth and quality to go all the way. He also highlighted the importance of self-belief and having a strong lineup, which he believes all four standout teams possess.
Mourinho also mentioned the impressive squad depth of Portugal, with two strong players in every position, making it a difficult task for the coach to select the starting lineup. As for potential surprises, Mourinho believes that teams like France and Germany, who have consistently performed well in past tournaments, will continue to do so. He also mentioned Spain as a strong contender, although he is not as certain about their chances.
As for England's squad selection, Mourinho acknowledged the relatively inexperienced players, with 12 of them making their first appearance in a major tournament. This includes names like Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton, and Cole Palmer, who have shown great promise in the Premier League in recent years.
With the Euros set to begin next Friday, the football world is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Hosts Germany will kick off the tournament against Scotland at the Allianz Arena, while England will start their campaign two days later against Serbia. It promises to be an intense and thrilling tournament, with these four standout teams leading the pack.
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