Gareth Southgate Acknowledges Potential Setback for England Ahead of Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has expressed concerns about England’s preparation for Euro 2024, as several key players may be unavailable due to the Champions League final taking place just two weeks before the Three Lions’ first match in Germany.
Missing Players Could Impact England’s Warm-up Friendlies
With the Champions League final scheduled shortly before England’s warm-up friendlies, it is possible that players could choose to skip these matches in order to focus on the final. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, and Manchester City’s English contingent are among those hoping to go all the way in the tournament.
If Pep Guardiola’s side reaches the final and aims to retain their title, players such as Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Phil Foden could potentially play at Wembley on June 1st. This leaves them with limited recovery time before England’s Euro 2024 campaign begins against Serbia on June 16th in Gelsenkirchen.
Pre-Euro Friendlies Organized by Southgate
Gareth Southgate has arranged two pre-Euro friendlies for the national team. The first match will take place at Newcastle’s St James’s Park on Monday, June 3rd, followed by another match at Wembley.
Possible Disruption Due to Absences
Given that England’s top players are representing European powerhouses, it is likely that some of them will be absent during these warm-up fixtures. This could potentially cause major disruption, as seen in the previous Euros when Chelsea defeated Manchester City in the Champions League final in 2021.
No Break for Players After Premier League Season
Gareth Southgate has confirmed that players will not have a break after the conclusion of the Premier League season on May 19th. He stated, “We had that, in the Euros, we had that, Chelsea-Man City last time around, so again we’re used to dealing with that. It’s important they get some sort of psychological break in between but, of course, the longer they play, the less you can give them is the reality.”
England’s Favorable Euro 2024 Draw
On Saturday, England was drawn into Group C of Euro 2024, alongside Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. This relatively comfortable draw provides a promising opportunity for the Three Lions in the tournament.