Southgate’s Goal Machine: England’s Best Chance for Euro 2024 Glory

Gareth Southgate can lay claim to being the most attacking England manager ever – and he has the goals to prove it. The key to Euro 2024 glory in the coming weeks will be to fully unleash what is arguably the most potent striking talent that England has ever sent into a tournament. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins, the firepower at Southgate’s disposal is immense.

Adding to this arsenal are Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, and Ivan Toney, making Southgate’s options truly explosive. And let’s not forget the passing brilliance of Trent Alexander-Arnold, often compared to Kevin De Bruyne.

Under Southgate’s eight-year reign, England hasn’t been shy about attacking. In his 95 matches, the team has produced 217 goals, averaging 2.28 goals per game. Only Sir Alf Ramsey’s England scored more, but not as prolifically. Fabio Capello’s team scored 89 goals in 42 matches, but Southgate’s record remains unmatched.

Critics argue that Southgate’s side, despite near misses like the World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia in 2018 and the penalty shootout defeat to Italy at the last Euros, is capable of even more. Two years ago, a late penalty miss by Kane prevented England from taking their World Cup quarter-final against France into extra time.

This generation has already achieved much, but to stand alongside Ramsey’s Boys of 1966, they must take that final step. Harry Kane, in particular, will need to be in top form for England to go deep into Euro 2024. Kane’s move to Bayern Munich didn’t bring the medals he craved, but he did claim the European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 Bundesliga goals and 44 goals in all competitions.

Other English players also shine in Europe’s top leagues. Palmer scored 22 times in his debut season at Chelsea, Foden netted 19 times to help his club win a fourth successive Premier League title, and Watkins matched that tally as Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League. Bellingham, with 23 goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, is already in the frame for the Ballon d’Or after winning both La Liga and the Champions League.

Defensively, Southgate faces challenges. Harry Maguire is missing, and Luke Shaw hasn’t played a competitive game for four months ahead of England’s opening group game against Serbia. John Stones is another concern, having been injured during friendlies in March.

With these defensive issues, Southgate may rely on veteran players like Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier. Joe Gomez, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, and Ezri Konsa offer versatility but lack extensive international experience. Declan Rice will be crucial in protecting England’s defense, potentially alongside Alexander-Arnold and Walker.

Southgate hasn’t played it safe with his squad selection. Teenager Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton have been called up, showcasing Southgate’s willingness to take risks.

Ultimately, Southgate will likely depend on his attacking stars to lead the Three Lions to glory. If his forwards can fire on all cylinders, England stands a strong chance of lifting the Euro 2024 trophy.