June 7th 2024.
Unfortunately, England's Euro 2024 campaign will have to go on without the talented defender, Harry Maguire. According to Wayne Rooney, his absence will be a big loss for the team. Their final friendly before the tournament, against Iceland, ended in a 1-0 defeat at Wembley on Friday night. John Stones and Marc Guehi were the starting centre-backs, but Stones had to leave the game at halftime due to an ankle injury. This has added to the injury concerns of coach Gareth Southgate, as Luke Shaw is also uncertain for the opening game against Serbia on June 16th.
Maguire was recently dropped from the final 26-man squad due to a calf injury he sustained in April. Rooney believes that his absence was already felt in the team's loss to Iceland, as their defensive display seemed disjointed. In an interview with Channel 4, he expressed his hope that Stones' injury isn't serious. He also mentioned the importance of experience in the back line and the need for communication and organization.
Rooney acknowledged the team's attacking potential, but stressed the importance of a solid defense to support them. He believes that the loss to Iceland highlighted the value of Maguire to the squad. During the game, he and fellow pundit Joe Cole noticed a lack of cohesion and pressing from the team, which Southgate himself admitted to after the match. Rooney emphasized the importance of communication and organization in pressing and getting the timing right, which inexperienced players may struggle with.
However, he remains confident in England's chances at Euro 2024. He believes they have one of the best teams in the tournament, with talented players and strong firepower. His only concern is the defense, which he hopes will improve with experience and guidance from the coach. When asked if England can win the tournament, he replied with a resounding "absolutely."
As a former player, Rooney is excited about the team's potential and their ability to take on any opponent. He believes that if they can play to their strengths and remain patient, they have a great chance at winning the tournament. Despite his concerns about the defense, he trusts in the team's abilities and is looking forward to seeing them in action.
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