58 years and counting...
The England Men’s football team has been waiting for another taste of international football glory since their historic 1966 World Cup win. But could Euro 2024 finally be the tournament where the Three Lions roar back to success? At The Flag Shop, we truly believe!! So let's explore five compelling reasons why this might just be England's time to shine on the European stage.
5 reasons that the drought may be about to end!
It’s easy to be cynical and deride the Three Lions chances of winning. They always let you down, they say. It never happens, we shouldn’t get our hopes up. And ‘they’ may well be right, but as Euro 2024 approaches, there is a genuine and hopefully not too misguided) hope that this success drought may finally come to an end. Despite not winning a major trophy for so long, many bookmakers have England as favourites to win it all, so we can’t be alone feeling optimistic! Let’s see why we are so confident…
1. We finally have the talent
After years of waiting and hoping, it seems like England may finally have the talent needed to make a serious impact at Euro 2024. The young players coming through the ranks are proving themselves on both domestic and international stages, that is hard to dispute.
With the likes of young superstars Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham leading the charge, there is a genuine sense of excitement surrounding the potential this squad possesses. Their performances this season have been seriously impressive, showing that they have what it takes to compete with Europe's best. Foden has been named Player of Year in England, with Bellingham winning the equivalent SPanish award after taking La Liga by storm in his first season!The depth in talent across all positions gives England an edge they may have maybe been missing in previous tournaments. With experienced heads like John Stones, Kyle walker and captain/goal machine Harry Kane guiding them along with emerging stars, this team looks to have a serious balance that could be key to success.Having talented individuals is one thing; however, getting them to gel as a cohesive unit is another challenge altogether. But with strong leadership from Gareth Southgate and a shared goal of bringing glory back home there's every reason for optimism among fans and players alike.
2. We’re getting closer every time
England's journey in the Euros has seen them come agonisingly close to glory in recent years. From a heartbreaking semi-final loss in 1996 to reaching the final in 2020, it's clear that the team is making strides towards success.The progression shown by England over the years is evident in their performances on the international stage. With a talented squad and growing confidence, there's a sense of belief that this could finally be their moment to shine at Euro 2024.As they continue to build on past successes and learn from setbacks, England is undoubtedly getting closer with each passing tournament - Just one more hurdle left!
3. The manager wants to go out with a bang
Gareth Southgate does divide opinion - The majority seem to view him as an affable, decent man and efficient organiser of teams, with the ability to create a clear bond with his players. Others grudgingly admit the above, but insist he does not have the tactical acumen or ‘killer instinct’ to get the job done.
Rumours have swirled that he may be approached to manage a top Premier League club, and if he fails to lead England to a Euros win the general consensus is that his time will be up in the role.
Either way, as Euro 2024 approaches, there’s a sense of determination in his demeanour that can't be ignored. He wants to finish the job and leave a legacy that will be remembered for years to come – what better way to do so than by leading England to glory?
4. The competition looks less strong than usual
As England gears up for Euro 2024, another factor that may boost their chances is the perceived strength of the competition. Looking at the landscape of European national football, some traditional powerhouses seem to be going through transitions or rebuilding phases. This could potentially create an opportunity for England to capitalise on.Teams like Germany, Holland, Italy and Spain, who have been dominant in previous tournaments, are showing signs of vulnerability. While there will always be surprises and underdogs ready to make a statement, dare we say it - the overall strength of the competition might not be as formidable as in years past.
Only 2018 World Cup winners France would seem to be arguably joint favourites with England and as talented as their squad undoubtedly is, you always feel they are a team that is maybe one poor result away from unravelling amid internal bickering.All of this could play into England's favour - With a talented squad and a focused manager leading the way, this could be their moment to shine on the continental stage. The path may look clearer than ever before, let’s be honest!
5. After the last few years, the nation is willing it!
Of course, it’s been an extremely testing period for many nations across the world, there’s no doubt about that. But following on from the pandemic, the recent cost of living crisis, an economy in recession amid a tumultuous political landscape has left the nation’s morale pretty low in some respects. So a very welcome tonic indeed (for English fans at least) would be a major long-awaited win for the Three Lions!
It’s not just about football, of course. We’ve seen past events that trigger a wave of collective excitement across society, with a palpable sense of unity and shared joy being generated. We’ve seen it with major royal events & commemorations, but nothing quite tops the sheer giddiness that accompanies a successful English run during a football tournament! Remember Euro ‘96 fever, when the whole country appeared to be waving St George’s flags and singing ‘It’s Coming Home’ for the whole of that hot summer? Or the crescendo of patriotic pride that swelled during both the World Cup 2018 & Euro 2021 runs?
Getting right into the spirit, neighbourhood pubs and community centres go above and beyond in showcasing flag decorations. Transforming into lively fan zones, every corner is filled with colourful flags, adding an exciting atmosphere to the games. From Euro 2024 flag packs that promote all competing nations to the iconic St. George's Cross England flag, you'll be immersed in this enchanting Euros world!
It's not just the matches themselves; it's more the sense of camaraderie and celebration that makes it truly unique. And we could all do with a bit of that right now!
Let's believe!
As we approach Euro 2024, the excitement is building. With a talented squad, closer finishes every time, a motivated manager, and seemingly weaker competition - all signs point to England potentially ending their long wait for success at the Euros. The nation's fervent support after tough years adds an extra layer of determination to the team So come on England!