England not looking like a favourite at Euro 2020

21/06/21 1999

On Tuesday night, England play their last group game of Euro 2020 against Czech Republic at Wembley. A draw would send both teams through, with the visitors topping the group. This is a scenario that not many imagined.

England headed into the summer’s big international tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, yet they may not even top their group.

Although finishing second place may prove an actual advantage, as they will likely end up with arguably an easier game in last-16, it was not supposed to be this way.

The Three Lions headed into Euro 2020 with a plethora of talented players, hence their status as one of the favourites to lift only their second ever major international trophy.

A solid 1-0 defeat of Croatia in their opening game was considered just the start. However, their performance in a lacklustre goalless draw against a stubborn Scotland last time out left more questions than answers.

The display saw an England team that lacked creativity and spark against their admittedly determined neighbours.

One of the main concerns was the fact that captain Harry Kane was almost anonymous in a game where his teammates created so little. After another stellar goalscoring season with Tottenham, the 27-year-old’s displays in the two group games so far are a worry.

Head coach Gareth Southgate’s safety-first approach will not change, although his starting line-up against Czech Republic may do. Something has to change.

England needs to produce a far improved display on Tuesday night to not only justify their status as one of the favourites to win the competition, but to gain some positive momentum ahead of the knockout stages.

England may yet step up their game at Euro 2020. However, the evidence so far during their group games suggest that the Three Lions will once again flatter to deceive at a major tournament.