The Three Lions currently sit third favourite with the bookies to take out the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup behind Brazil and France.
England’s recent heartbreak at the Euros saw them knocked out in penalty shootout at the hands of the Italians who were relentless all tournament, and entered the tournament on a hot winning streak.
England were expected by many fans and pundits to at least reach the semi-finals with a young squad with an abundance of talent.
The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire shined as they helped England place second.
A question on the minds of many is how will they fare at Qatar in 2022?
The answer on paper is at least the qualifiers. No one doubts the English talent, and the domestic teams have dominated Europe for the last two years with both Champions League finals consisting of all English teams.
However as we know, on paper means nothing as we saw France ejected from the tournament in the round of 16. They initially sat as favourites to lift the trophy.
The scrutinising media of England, reputed to be the most relentless and unforgiving on earth, has often been to blame for the reason that the Three Lions have not been able to get it done on the big stage.
(Photo by Carl Recine – Pool/Getty Images)
Citizens believe the pressure placed on the squad come any major international tournament is simply too much to handle.
With the average age of the England squad sitting at 25 there is still plenty of room for growth and chances to lift a major international trophy.
The oldest member of the squad is Kyle Walker at 31, who happens to be the quickest. Some young guns such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka are some exciting prospects to watch for the future.
Gareth Southgate took a defensive approach all tournament, which proved to work, only conceding two goals all tournament.
While many questioned these tactics given the fire power of England’s attack Southgate benched for the majority of the tournament, it is hard to argue to a coach who lost the grand final on penalties.
Pundits predict Southgate’s job is safe for Qatar 2022, however some decisions made in the Euros didn’t sit well. Notably, choosing Bukayo Saka, a 19-year-old, to take a decisive penalty and lack of game time for Grealish.
The country reacted to the narrow loss poorly. The world has seen a dark side to the English fans, which we knew they had, but hoped it wouldn’t reveal its ugly head.
Vandalism, abuse, rioting and racial attacks were carried out right across the country and on social media. Disgusting behaviour just added to the reputation of a minority of English fans.
With the power of the current squad, despite England’s reputation to fall short on the big stage, I believe they are a good chance to progress well into the back end of the campaign.
One thing for sure is England have an up-and-coming team that will be exciting to watch.
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
Just look for U17 World Cup England vs Spain! Brilliant game! A Young Phil Foden is playing. He was voted player of the tournament.
Micko
Roar Rookie
What year was that?
Micko
Roar Rookie
Wow! Thanks Peter, I didn't know that. Will check that out. :thumbup:
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
England where ahead in the game and in the penalty shootout! They could have quite easily won the tournament had cooler heads prevailed! Penalties are a lottery nothing more! Just as often the better team over 90 mins loses the game in a penalty shootout! However, I reiterate my earlier point England are a coming force at International level and nothing is going to change that. For the record England don't need home advantage to win the World Cup. The under 17's won the World Cup in India beating Brazil along the way and Spain in the final and plenty of technique was on display. You should maybe check that game out on Youtube!
Micko
Roar Rookie
Peter…you NEED England to win tournaments!!! Italy aren’t amazing, but they just refused to lose (what are they up to, 20-30 games undefeated now?! :shocked:). To be fair though to England supporters, Southgate is a strange man for his decision on his penalty takers. Jordan Henderson (for one) is a calm, experienced player who I would’ve used. Anyway, the point is the Germans, Italian, French (and now Spanish) have ups and downs, but they quickly bounce back to win tournaments!
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
What are you going on about? Like I've just said Englands results at every level since St Georges Park was built are indisputable! Casual stereotypical remarks are neither intelligent nor will change that! Once again be happy and have a nice day!
Micko
Roar Rookie
This is the problem with you poms Peter. You crow about beating opponents that ultimately don't count for anything. You beat Germany 2-0 in this tournament...well done. :thumbup: But ultimately will that matter? The Germans are probably more likely to win Euro 2024 than England is, and I would rather have my money on them any day!
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
I thought football was a results business! Sorry must it be me?
Micko
Roar Rookie
Has only minor relevance Peter, YOUR blind spot is showing. Italy won Euro 2020 after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. :thumbup:
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
Sorry I forgot to mention that they've also beaten Belgium since the World Cup!
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
Sorry I can't help you with that massive blind spot! Englands international record at every level since St Georges Park was built speaks for itself! You have a nice day!
Micko
Roar Rookie
"...easily make the quarter finals"?! :shocked: I'll believe it when I see it Peter! :stoked:
Peter Dundon
Roar Rookie
England will easily make the quarter finals. England have beaten Croatia, Denmark and Spain since the World Cup and Germany in the Euros. In the last few years England have won the under 17 World Cup and the under 20 World Cup the Under 18 Euros and numerous international tournaments at youth level. The seniors record in the last 3 tournaments is 2 semi finals and 1 final. So I'm sorry but England are a coming force, so sorry to disappoint you!
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
All teams listed are capable of beating one another. Who would've predicted France's exist just now?
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
Australia definitely has favouritism towards England in major International tournaments. There is pressure on all teams at that level, the English media are reputably relentless and brutal however...
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
Agreed.
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
Great point. Spain are a force to be reckoned with. Their ball movement was silky and mesmerising. England are every chance.
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
I'd say the Euros as a whole are higher in quality to Copa America. Who's to say the Three Lions can't beat most of your listed teams? Granted their run in the Euros wasn't too difficult, it's hard to predict what happens on the big stage.
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
England are 3rd favourites with the bookies. While you may ask why rhetorically that's a fact. I agree with you that they are missing a strong midfielder to string all the attacking talent together. Can't say I'm convinced that those links are Rice, Kalvin Phillips or Henderson.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Italy, Argentina, Belgium, Brasil, Spain, France. Then it’s a toss up between Portugal, Columbia, Netherlands, Germany (that’s 10 teams), England…..England may not even make the quarter finals