As Euro 2024 approaches, all major contenders are grappling with flaws, adding unpredictability and excitement to the tournament.
Recent friendlies have shown England’s vulnerabilities, reminiscent of their struggles in past tournaments. A 1-0 loss to Iceland raised concerns, particularly with Harry Maguire’s injury leaving the defense weak and midfield issues evident. Gareth Southgate’s meticulous planning is being tested, especially with Luke Shaw’s fitness and the need for a dynamic presence alongside Declan Rice in midfield.
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Other top teams are also showing cracks. Italy, the defending champions, were unimpressive in recent games despite a strong qualifying performance. Germany, despite an upturn under Julian Nagelsmann, had a dismal 2023. France boasts the best squad but struggles with midfield balance and effectively integrating Kylian Mbappé.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma and Spain’s forward line concerns persist, while the Netherlands and Belgium face their own midfield and reliance issues.
The inherent imperfections in international squads make for an exciting spectacle. No team can simply buy a balanced squad, and limited preparation time means systems are less refined than in club football. These flaws ensure unpredictability, promising a thrilling Euro 2024.
