Gareth Southgate must deliver Euro 2024 glory with the world-class talent in his England squad. This sentiment echoes through Paul Merson’s bold claim: “If we don’t win it now, we never will.” England’s squad, brimming with top-tier players, sets the stage for a tournament where failure isn’t an option.
Southgate announced his final 26-man squad for Euro 2024, surprising many by omitting big names like Jack Grealish, James Maddison, and Harry Maguire. Instead, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze make the cut, raising eyebrows but also hopes.
Merson, known for his forthright views, finds Southgate’s decisions bold but necessary. “This is the best opportunity England have had in such a long time,” he emphasizes. With stars like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice, Merson insists, “We have players who are the best in the world in their positions.”
The Squad Breakdown
England’s Euro 2024 lineup boasts strength across the board:
- Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
- Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
- Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).
- Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
High Stakes for Southgate
With such a talented squad, the pressure mounts on Southgate. “Football is all about timing,” Merson notes, pointing to the relative weakness of traditional powerhouses like Spain, Italy, and Germany. “This is the time for England to shine.”
Merson’s surprise at the exclusions of Maguire, Grealish, and Rashford highlights the weight of Southgate’s decisions. “They are big decisions, and now we’ll have to wait and see if they’re the right ones.”
In a year where expectations soar, Southgate’s choices will define his legacy. Bringing the Euro 2024 trophy home isn’t just a goal; it’s a mandate. England fans, pundits, and players all agree: now is the time for glory.
