Laura Woods’ BetMGM Blog: England Have Quality Needed to Win Euro 2024
Firstly, I’m delighted to be working with BetMGM. They are a really exciting and forward-thinking brand and I’m really looking forward to being involved with them as they progress. I feel like I’ve joined at a great time with so much brilliant sport on the horizon, starting with the Euros over the next month or so.
I’ll be sharing my views with BetMGM’s followers throughout the tournament and it promises to be a brilliant few weeks with so many sides, including England, having a great chance of winning it.
Working at the Euros is a Dream
I’m very lucky to be working with ITV at Euro 2024 this year – it really is my dream job. It wasn’t that long ago I was working at Euro 2016 for a company whose job it was to interview the fans because we didn’t have the rights to show the matches.
We didn’t have any pitchside access or anything like that, so it’s mad to think that I’m now presenting a European Championships for ITV. It’s a bit of a pinch-yourself moment but I’m incredibly excited and can’t wait to get going.
Southgate’s Squad Choices Not Expected
There’s no doubt this is one of the most talented England squads we’ve ever had and they have a real chance in the Euros. I was very excited and confident about our chances before Gareth Southgate made his squad choices, which I must admit weren’t what I was expecting.
I think the Harry Maguire omission is less surprising given his injury troubles but I was pretty shocked he didn’t pick James Maddison and Jack Grealish. I think I’d feel more confident with those players in the squad, even if they hadn’t been playing, just because they are the types of players you want in an England squad.
I’ve read that other teams are happy that Maddison and Grealish aren’t in the squad, so if the other sides are saying that then it does seem a real shame they haven’t been included. This is still an incredibly talented group, though, and one we need to get behind.
Three Lions Can Win It
I honestly do think Southgate’s side can win it. There is enough quality in the group and it’s just about harnessing that and believing in each other.
Germany would be the ones I’m most worried about given they’re playing on home soil. I remember when England hosted the Euros a few years ago, the whole country really got behind the team and it was almost like having a 12th man. I think they’ll really thrive off that and it makes them very dangerous.
France are clearly very strong but I just keep coming back to England – everything points to us going really, really deep this year.
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I think in previous tournaments there was that sense of trepidation about certain things but I really don’t think there is this time round. The disappointment of those near misses does count for something and motivation and a chance to prove people wrong goes an awfully long way, especially in those close matches at the business end.
It might come across that we’re being a bit arrogant but England need to back themselves. Every other country will be doing it and we should be no different.
I expect us to get to the final and I’m backing us to bring it home. Something feels different this time.
Bellingham the Definition of Old Head on Young Shoulders
We all know about Jude Bellingham’s quality on the pitch and of course he’s going to be crucial to how England do in Germany.
Having interviewed him a few times, what has struck me is how eloquent he is for someone who is only 20.
When you ask him a question, he really considers it before coming back with a response. He might only be 20 but everything just comes so naturally to him and nothing seems to phase him – it’s almost like he’s been here and done it all before.
He’s a really impressive individual and I can’t wait to see him lead England this summer.
Stage Set for Yamal to Show the World What He’s About
I always get asked for a player who is going to light up a major tournament and I fully expect Kylian Mbappe to put on a show again.
However, the one player I can’t wait to see is Spain’s Lamine Yamal. From what I’ve seen of him, he looks very special and I really hope he shows that over the next month or so.
There’s always one young star who makes a name for themselves at these tournaments and I expect it to be him. I think he’s that good and it’s quite remarkable he’s only 16.