The expectation levels have never been higher. And this summer it is with good reason because England go to the Euros with a star-studded squad ready to win the trophy. Gareth Southgate’s men go into the tournament on the back of a run of disappointing results with just one win in their last five games. Defeat to Iceland at Wembley in their final warm-up friendly was hardly the ideal send-off.
But Three Lions captain Harry Kane has urged the nation to judge the team on their tournament record – and that is why England fans should believe. England reached the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup, the final of the last Euros and the quarter-finals in Qatar 18 months ago. They have the players to take them even further because, in Jude Bellingham, they have arguably the best player in the world right now. Bellingham, 20, has been sensational for Real Madrid this season, helping them win the Champions League and La Liga in his first year in Spain. He now stands even taller in England’s line-up and brings a stature, class and quality which can deliver the first major trophy since 1966 for the senior men’s team.
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Phil Foden has been the stand-out player in the Premier League and was the driving force behind Manchester City’s fourth successive title. Kane has been the best striker in Europe and, despite Bayern Munich’s disappointing season, the England star has been prolific and proved he can deliver on the biggest stage. Declan Rice has also enjoyed a memorable first season at Arsenal after his £105m move from West Ham and England have quality all over the pitch.
England boss Southgate knows this could be his last chance with this group of players and, despite injuries, they have a 26-man squad to compete with the best. France, Germany and Portugal will all fancy their chances – but this can and should be England’s time. The sheer number of games this past season and England’s disappointing build-up means tournament fever has yet to grip the nation. But England can build that momentum by embracing the expectation levels on their shoulders because they will rarely have a better chance to win.