How Far Can England go at Euro 2024

It’s now 58 years and counting since England won their one and only major international trophy, but there is a growing sense of belief that the drought could end this year.

Gareth Southgate has presided over three near-misses during his time as England head coach and he can make it fourth time lucky at Euro 2024.

England are rated 13/4 to be crowned European champions for the first time ahead of Kylian Mbappe’s France (7/2) and hosts Germany (6/1).

England Euro 2024 Predictions

Tip 1 - England to win the Euros @ 3/1

England head for Germany this summer with one of the best squads of players to pull on the shirt and they have to believe that this is their time.

Southgate, the man who has reintroduced a pride in playing for the Three Lions, has had three tilts at ending a barren run that dates back to 1966.

At the World Cup in Russia in 2018 they blew it against Croatia in a semi-final that was there for the taking. Three years later at the last Euros they went closer still, pipped by Italy on penalties in the final at Wembley.

And then in Qatar they reached the World Cup quarter-finals where they more than matched France but again luck was not on their side.

Critics will say a losing habit is hard to break and Southgate hasn’t earned the right for a fourth attempt at international glory. On the flip side, this is a group that appears to be getting better and stronger and if they perform properly could well be unstoppable.

What England have lacked come crunch time is that wiliness, that international nous required to come successfully through clutch moments.

If the assumption is that they have learned from past mistakes, then there isn’t a better equipped squad in Germany.

It’s the emergence of the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham behind irrepressible skipper Harry Kane that should fill England backers with hope.

Just as important has been the form of Declan Rice, running the show for Arsenal and on a different level mentally to where he was 18 months ago.

England’s defence gets its share of criticism, but some of it is unjust and Southgate has no problem fielding a world-class back four or five.

Tip 2 - England/Serbia Group C forecast

Southgate can have no complaints about the draw which should ensure his side can build up a head of steam.

Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia are their three opponents, all capable of making life tricky for any country, but all inferior to England.

The Danes and Slovenia qualified from the same section and finished on an identical 22 points while Serbia got through as runners-up behind Hungary in a soft group.

The Serb squad looks packed with quality and there were flashes at the last World Cup of potential. They asked plenty of questions against Brazil and led Cameroon and Switzerland without winning either.

They look progressive enough to be able to escort England into the last 16.