Afraid of England

A ‘mini-vacation’ is coming to the Premier League, which will allow some respite from the grueling match schedule that awaits the English league until May 19. That break, which will give coaches and players some air to relieve the pressure, will not be possible, however, for all the big stars of the United Kingdom club. The international break for the national teams now forces them to make an extra effort, and, in the case of the English footballers, with an entire dependent nation behind them, to turn their eyes to watch out for the England will play friendlies at Wembley tomorrow against Brazil and on Tuesday against Belgium.

Never before has there been such a passionate atmosphere of support, because it seems unprecedented that the ‘three lions’ are real candidates to win the Euro-24 in Germany. After many years of failed expectations, with a special disappointment in the final defeat in London, due to penalties against Italy, at the Euro-21, the national team Gareth Southgate has taken another step and will be able to bring together the best generation of English football in its entire history for a great tournament. At the moment, England combine experience and youth, have a dream forward line and also have a luxurious bench to compete with and beat the best teams.

As if to copy the mentality developed by the English rugby team, with its motto ‘Us against the world’, its football namesake is preparing for Euro-2024 in Germany. the memory of the 1966 World Cup, the country’s last victory. The attack preparing Southgate It is the most competitive in Europe. You can align with Then, Bellingham, Kane and Fodenwith the Palmer, Watkins, Maddison, Toney and Rashford as alternatives, giving the ‘three lions’ a strength that inspires mutual respect.

Scorers of many styles

As England manager, Southgate has not come close to a major tournament capable of having the highest scorer in the Spanish League, Bellingham(with 16 goals), that of the German Bundesliga, Harry Kane, (31 goals) and second in the English Premier, Ollie Watkins (16), along with four others in six of the top 10 scorers: bowen (14), Then (13), Foden and Palmer (Eleven)). Added to them Ivan Toney got it back Southgateversatile forward of all styles to be able to propose different tactics, depending on the needs of the tournament.

The Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) of the Premier League and the control and monitoring program in the lower categories carried out by the English federation worked without another phase. England is developing a lot of young talent, more technically astute than in the past, containing Bellingham, Then, Foden, Rice and Palmer. Their only problem now is how to withstand the extreme pressure imposed by the push of an entire nation to face the final battles. Against Croatia, in 2018, and Italy, in 2021, England missed the advantageous situations, while missing the penalty of right He squandered a good chance against France, in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar. England have already shown a lot of competitiveness. They defeated Croatia, Germany and Denmark in the last Euro Cup, beat Senegal, the African champions, 3-0 in the World Cup, and they have beaten Italy twice in the qualifiers to reach Germany-2024. They are only behind France as the second best team in Europe, ahead of Portugal, Spain and others.

Southgatea coach questioned by many English sectors for his temptation to be cautious, and seems a possible successor to Ten Hags At Manchester United, he found himself facing his last chance to give England the title they had fought so hard for decades. He still needs to define his middle pair, where the emerging player now appears Branthwaitethe 21-year-old centre-back of Everton, who will make his debut, and improve the unity, with the leader ricebetween midfield and defense, which characterizes all European champions.

Ben White’s snub

The ‘desertion’ of the Arsenal full-back, Ben White, By refusing to join the national team, he added unexpected conflict to the atmosphere of the preparations for the friendlies. White He has not played for England again since leaving the Qatar camp by his own decision. The player remains silent, but it seems to be a disagreement Steve Holland, assistant Southgate, motivated the Arsenal defence, for feeling slighted. This is a small setback for Southgate, who wanted to build club spirit in ‘Pross’, bringing the same players together again and again. He is criticized for his lack of reaction to make tactical changes, but, in his favor, the Watford coach has the best winning percentage, after Sir Alf Ramsey.

Although the draw with Ukraine in September (1-1) caused some discomfort, the ‘three lions’ managed to secure their qualification for the final stage in Germany. There he must endure maximum pressure as a potential winner, which again gives him the status of his cast of stars. In Manchester United’s best days, Sir Alex Ferguson He said that “forwards win games, but defenses win titles.” And that is now the challenge of Southgateto find a true balance, amid a feverish climate around us, which can be seen this weekend at Wembley, and which has not been experienced in England for many years.