Euro 2024 Draw: Can Gareth Southgate Break England’s Trophy Drought?

The anticipation is building as the draw for next summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany is just around the corner, set to take place at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie concert hall on Saturday evening. England, eager to end their longstanding trophy drought in major men’s tournaments, will soon discover their group stage opponents. But the question on every English football fan’s mind is, can Gareth Southgate lead the Three Lions to glory?

England’s path to the tournament has been relatively smooth, with an unbeaten qualifying campaign consisting of six wins and two draws. However, as history has shown, cruising through qualifiers is one thing, but clinching the silverware at the actual tournament is an entirely different challenge.

Manager Gareth Southgate is currently in the crucial phase of finalizing his squad and tactics for Euro 2024, and there are plenty of matters up for debate.

This marks Southgate’s fourth major tournament at the helm of the England national team, and there’s a sense that this might be his final shot at securing a major trophy for his country. The logic is simple: if England falls short once again, it may be time for a fresh approach. However, if they triumph, it could be the perfect moment for Southgate to bow out, with his contract expiring in December 2024.

While Southgate might consider a run at the 2026 World Cup if England achieves success at Euro 2024, managing a national team through four major tournaments spanning from his permanent appointment in November 2016 is a considerable achievement in itself.

Critics have pointed to missed opportunities in past tournaments, such as the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy, and a World Cup quarter-final defeat to France in Qatar. But it’s important to remember that Southgate inherited a turbulent situation after Sam Allardyce’s brief reign and has arguably the best big tournament record of any England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.

One recurring debate surrounding Southgate’s tactics is his perceived conservatism in critical moments. England boasts a wealth of attacking talent, from Harry Kane to Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, and the rising star Jude Bellingham. The question is, will Southgate adopt a more adventurous approach, especially when taking early leads in crucial matches?

The upcoming months will see Southgate tinkering with his formation and deciding how to deploy these resources effectively. The role of Declan Rice as a holding midfielder will be vital, and Southgate will need to decide whether to pair him with Kalvin Phillips or Jordan Henderson, or perhaps utilize Trent Alexander-Arnold in a more advanced position.

While the temptation to go all-out on the attack is strong, it’s essential to strike a balance, especially against quality opposition.

Southgate’s loyalty to certain players has been unwavering, even when their club form was in question. Players like Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips, and Jordan Henderson have faced criticism but remained fixtures in the England squad. Maguire’s resurgence at Manchester United has somewhat silenced the doubters, but Phillips may need to secure more playing time at Manchester City to maintain his spot. Henderson’s performance in the Saudi Pro League will also be closely monitored.

Another intriguing subplot is the situation of Raheem Sterling, who was once a mainstay in Southgate’s squad but has seen his role diminish. Despite improved form at Chelsea, Sterling faces stiff competition from the likes of Foden, Grealish, Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jarrod Bowen. Cole Palmer, Sterling’s new teammate at Stamford Bridge, is also emerging as a contender. While Southgate insists the door remains open, Sterling’s return to the squad is far from guaranteed.

As we approach 2024, several key figures in the England squad face a crucial period to secure their spots.

Every tournament has its ‘bolter,’ the player who surges into contention late in the race. While most of the Euro 2024 squad spots appear spoken for, there are rising talents who could catch Southgate’s eye. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has already made a mark with substitute appearances, while Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, Player of the Tournament in the 2023 European Under-21 Championship, is another to watch. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Brentford’s Ivan Toney could also make late pushes for inclusion.

So, can England win Euro 2024? The answer is a resounding yes. The talent, depth, and variety in the squad are undeniable. With world-class players like Kane and Bellingham leading the charge, England has the tools to compete with any team. A solid midfield base, thanks to Declan Rice, and a top-class goalkeeper in Jordan Pickford further bolster their chances.

However, the big question remains: will England finally piece together the puzzle and claim the title they’ve coveted for so long? The feeling of failure will be hard to disguise if this talented class of 2023-24 falls short once again in Germany.

As the draw unfolds, the excitement among fans is palpable, and the countdown to Euro 2024 is well and truly underway. England’s journey towards ending their trophy drought begins here.

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More about Euro 2024 England

• Euro 2024: England’s quest for glory
• Gareth Southgate’s managerial record
• Analysis of England’s squad for Euro 2024
• Debate on Southgate’s tactics
• Player profiles: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham
• Raheem Sterling’s current form
• Potential late additions to the England squad
• Strengths and weaknesses of England’s Euro 2024 team