Euro 2024

Euro 2024: Ex-England defender doubts whether Three Lions can win competition

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 June 2024

Former England defender Jamie Carragher doubts whether the Three Lions can win Euro 2024 due to their lacklustre performances this summer.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher has doubted whether the Three Lions can win Euro 2024 despite being regarded as pre-tournament favourites.

Gareth Southgate's side picked up five points from their three Group C matches to top the section, which is likely to see them face Netherlands in the round of 16 on Sunday evening.

England beat Serbia 1-0 in their competition opener but have since struggled to draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

Top spot in their section has seen them placed on the favourable side of the draw, though, with Portugal, France, Spain and Germany all on the opposite side.

Despite, in theory, having a more straightforward run to a possible final, Carragher has doubted whether the national side have the credentials to deliver a first-ever European Championship.

England manager Gareth Southgate pictured on June 16, 2024 © Reuters

England have faced heavy criticism at Euro 2024

"If the England players thought they received a backlash after the previous two games, they may need crash helmets for the next few days," he wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

"History tells us that to argue that England can recover to win the competition sounds like delusion. While a side are still in it, there is always a chance, but there is no precedent for any side starting so poorly, and looking so in need of mid-competition rethink and restructure, and going on to lift the trophy.

"England are in a rut, and the only conclusions to be drawn are obvious. If they continue to play like this, they will lose against the first team they meet with the quality attackers to punish them."

Carragher has also insisted that Southgate needs to make changes for the last-16 contest, with Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon all having positive impacts off the bench against Slovenia.

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring against Denmark on June 20, 2024 © Reuters

Mainoo, Palmer, Gordon all pushing for starts in round of 16

"Southgate has backed his senior players throughout his reign. He continued to do so with his Slovenia selection, drowning out the noise demanding wholesale changes. After analysing the game, he cannot resist that any longer," said Carragher.

"England need a radical solution, and that means leaving out big names because others deserve their chance to shine. The obvious inclusions for the round of 16 are Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon. Like Mainoo, Palmer impressed as a substitute against Slovenia, and the team are more balanced with Gordon's pace.

"Ripping up part of the team and starting again may be against Southgate's instincts. He has never had to do it before in tournament football. Now he goes into every game knowing it could be his last as the England manager.

"The alternative is more of the same, with players trying to paint a positive picture based on the fact England won the group and are unbeaten."

Having been placed on the favourable side of the draw, England are still considered by many to be favourites to win Euro 2024, and their potential route to the final of the competition has been mapped out here.