Why you should be Positive about England

As Euro 2024 continues, one concerning factor is England and their lacklustre performances.

Although they are unbeaten in the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s side has struggled to put on good footballing displays.

The team’s balance as well as tactics have been called into question, with many calling for things to change if England wants to triumph.

But while the Three Lions’ journey has been anything but straightforward, there are compelling reasons for optimism.

From the depth of talent on the bench to the strategic advantages provided by recent results, England’s potential to make a significant impact remains strong.

We explore why you should be positive about England as Euro 2024 reaches its business end.

It cannot get Worse

Undoubtedly, England have started the Euros badly.

A narrow win against Serbia before two lacklustre draws against Denmark and Slovenia got England into the knockout stages.

Gareth Southgate’s side then survived a major scare against Slovakia to reach the quarter-finals.

Despite the rough start, England remain unbeaten in Germany.

The defending champions Italy were knocked out in the last 16. At least England avoided that fate.

The tournament had been lacking a feel-good factor for the Three Lions, but the jubilant celebrations following Jude Bellingham’s heroics could be the spark they need.

With another knockout match against Italy’s conquerers Switzerland, it’s time for England to step up.

Jude Bellingham

On paper, England has one of the strongest squads but many players have struggled to showcase the quality that they frequently showed for their clubs.

But one player who has stepped up in clutch moments is Jude Bellingham.

He saved England from an early exit and at his best, the 21-year-old can elevate their hopes of going the distance in the Euros.

Though he hasn’t fully replicated his Real Madrid form, Bellingham – who also scored the winner in their opener against Serbia – has the potential to be a game-changer.

He isn’t the only one with that potential. Harry Kane was the Bundesliga’s top scorer for Bayern Munich in 2023-24.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was one of England’s brightest sparks against Slovakia, boasting the best final-third passing accuracy in the game.

A Favourable Draw

Results from other matches have given England a potentially smoother path through the knockout stages.

They find themselves on the opposite side of the draw from heavyweights like Spain, Germany, Portugal and France.

This means England won’t face any of these formidable teams unless they reach the final.

Should England triumph over Switzerland, their next challenge in the semi-finals would be either Turkey or the Netherlands.

Had the outcomes of other matches been different, England might have faced a daunting semi-final against France.

Not the Only Poor Start

At Euro 2024, England has not dazzled but neither have many of the expected favourites.

Italy went out of the tournament with a whimper.

France, who finished second in their group, narrowly beat Belgium in the last 16 with just three goals, none of which came from open play.

To reach the quarter-final, Portugal needed a penalty shootout against Slovenia and the heroics of goalkeeper Diogo Costa after a goalless draw.

The Netherlands finished third in their group, while England at least managed to win theirs.

Few of the usual big hitters have found their form at the Euros, with only Spain impressing football fans so far.

However, the Netherlands showed flashes of brilliance against Romania in the last 16.

Could England be next to up their game and impress fans?

Super Subs

While the starting 11 has failed to impress, England’s substitutes have been more lively when they have come on.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney had a big hand in setting up Harry Kane’s extra-time winner against Slovakia.

But Southgate revealed that Toney was not happy with his limited opportunity to make an impact.

He said: “Ivan Toney was pretty disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go. I think we have made up now.

“But he has had a big impact in the second goal.”

“You put a sub on at that time then it is a last throw of the dice and he maybe does not even touch the ball, so I completely understand it.

“I do not like putting a player in that position but I just had a feeling he might be able to cause the bit of chaos that happened.”

England’s strength on the bench could be a crucial asset for the remainder of the tournament, provided Southgate makes full use of it.

Toney, Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon are all capable of changing the game when brought on.

This depth of talent is especially important in knockout matches, where the possibility of extra time looms large.

There are ample reasons to feel positive about England’s prospects in Euro 2024.

Despite a rocky start, the team’s depth, resilience and tactical flexibility have positioned them well for the knockout stages.

Some players are stepping up and the favourable draw provides a strategic advantage.

With a combination of emerging talent and experienced leadership, the Three Lions have all the ingredients needed to make a deep run in the tournament.

It is just a case of improving their performances, especially as the stakes get higher.