As most people know at Your Lead Machine, we love our football and with the majority of the office supporting Manchester United or Southampton the office had a good end to the year!
But now it’s time for the Euros and the big question is can England win their first major trophy since 1966? In the office, the opinions are mixed, but firstly let’s look at the main teams that stand in England’s way.
Can you look past France? A side stacked full of talent led by the best player in the world Kylian Mbappe. A nation that just keeps churning out talent. The key youngster to watch will be PSG star Warren Zaire-Emery. As well as France, you have the small matter of CR7 playing in probably his final major tournament. The sheer aura of Cristiano will galvanise the Portuguese, but that’s not all they have. Bruno, Bernardo, Dias. Cancelo and Rafa Leao are just a few other stars that will take to the pitch for them.
What’s the one thing you never do in a major tournament?
You never write off Germany. A squad full of experience and youth led by Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan will be looking to win on home turf. German fans are notorious for creating incredible atmosphere and I’m sure it will be no different this time around. Toni Kroos will play in his last tournament but he just ages like fine wine. The side is balanced nicely and with home advantage could go all the way.
The Spanish created a legacy between 2008 and 2012 but are no longer feared in the same way they once were. They will heavily rely on Rodri and the midfield, but the question always lies with who is going to put the ball in the net. Could it be Stoke City flop but Real Madrid ‘legend’ Joselu?
Current holders Italy will provide a challenge for anyone, as normal they will have a very strong backline with PSG shot-stopper Donnarumma as the last line of defence. Another side to never write off in tournament football. Could this be the last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ that has achieved nothing to date? De Bruyne and Lukaku will be key, and the danger of Doku will provide teams with a challenge. Holland’s hopes will lie with their unbelievably strong defense. They have the likes of Van Dijk, Dumfries, Van de Ven, Ake, De Vrij, and De Ligt. But further up the pitch could have some challenges with putting the ball in the net. Simons and Gakpo could be key if they have any hope.
But could this be the year of the underdog and a repeat of Greece in 2004?
Well, it’s not going to be Greece as they didn’t qualify. But it could be Denmark. Having won the tournament once already in 1992, they will fancy themselves to get out of their group quite easily and potentially even surprise England. Eriksen, Hoijlund and Hojberg will hold the key. Or could it be Turkey? They topped their qualifier group and have a relatively open group that they will fancy getting out of.
Finally, England. What can we expect?
Well, Southgate has already provided some surprises leaving Grealish and Rashford out of his euros squad. Maguire has also been left out due to injury. The recent loss to Iceland could be the best thing to have happened to this England side as an awakening before the tournament starts. A lot lies with the fitness of Stones, if England can get a whole tournament out of him that would be massive. Going forward the talent is endless; Bellingham, Kane, Foden, Saka, Palmer, etc. Eze could be a star for England off the bench and United star Mainoo could bring great balance to the England side in bigger games.
International tournaments are always great to watch, and we are in for a great month of football ahead. Could England win it?
Here’s the team at YLM’s predictions for the winners and the golden boot!
Nav – England to win and Wirtz for the Golden Boot
Drew – France to win and Mbappe for the Golden Boot
Jade – England to win and Mbappe for the Golden Boot
Tom – England to win and Mbappe for the Golden Boot
Adam – England to win and Kane for the Golden Boot
Lucy – England to win and Kane for the Golden Boot
Grace – France to win and Kane for the Golden Boot
Bailey – Germany to win and Lukaku for the Golden Boot
Kaush – Portugal to win and Bruno Fernandes for Golden Boot
Who do you think is going to win it?
Kaush Patel
Director at Your Lead Machine
