Ok I'll take £1 on Scotland at 1000/1
All UK bookies have England odds on favourites to win the tournament out right.
I guess it just depends on money laid, but I'm sceptical given who they have in charge, don't want this conversation to be a pile on with Southgate, but he's far too 'safe' to be the man to lead to England to glory, so my question is, do France and Spain stand a better chance to win, being in Germany, does Tam Muller have his final swan song?
I think England have some of the best talent in the world in their XI, just not sure they will get it done.
Thoughts?
Not a bad selection.What makes you think the French are past their prime? Loads of players probably reaching their peak ages of 26-28 within their squad.
Forwards to choose from for example Mpabbe is 25, Thuram is 26, Dembele is 26, Mauani is 25 and Diaby is 24.
Probably not enough of them playing in the Premier League to be afforded the respect they deserve, that’s in spite of many of them having actually won these big tournaments.What makes you think the French are past their prime? Loads of players probably reaching their peak ages of 26-28 within their squad.
Forwards to choose from for example Mpabbe is 25, Thuram is 26, Dembele is 26, Mauani is 25 and Diaby is 24.
Saliba is 23, Camivinga is 21, Tchouameni is 24.Probably not enough of them playing in the Premier League to be afforded the respect they deserve, that’s in spite of many of them having actually won these big tournaments.
Always have to correct people?I guess you mean because of Southgate’s tactics, not despite of them?
No, very seldom do it in this context.Always have to correct people?
I agree that international football often comes down to fine margins some of which are outwith the manager's control. But I reckon the difference is that Southgate has benefited from far easier draws than his predecessors.Englands record under Southgate reads semi final, runner up, quarter final.
In that time Germany have had two group stage exits and a last 16,
Italy have one trophy plus two where they failed to qualify.
Netherland failed to qualify for one, a last 16, and a quarter final.
Portugal have two last 16s and a quarter final.
Spain have two last 16s and a semi.
Only France have a better record, who have had a really strong squad for a long time now. While I accept the argument that he hasn’t got his hands on silverwear, Southgates record stands up against most and certainly any historic England manager.
Success at tournament football requires a big slice of luck - fitness of players, luck of the draw, timing of form, matches hinging on one moment. He’s had that in some areas and not in others.
I don’t necessarily agree with the ‘handbrake’ off comments either. He bowed to that public pressure in the last two friendlies and you saw the results. They don’t have the defence to do that. He will need to go with two deep midfielders to protect the back 4 and that will affect what he can do at the top end. Put a peak Rio Ferdinand in that team and they would walk it!
I agree that international football often comes down to fine margins some of which are outwith the manager's control. But I reckon the difference is that Southgate has benefited from far easier draws than his predecessors.
In 2018 it was Colombia and Sweden, after a walkover group with Panama and Tunisia.
In 2020 it was Germany, Ukraine and Denmark.
In 2022 it was Senegal.
During those tournaments he has faced Belgium twice (lost both), Croatia (lost), Italy (lost), France (lost). Now we could make an argument about Germany in 2020 being a 'top side', but they were at a low ebb having been papped out in the group stages in 2018. But otherwise there isn't a single top side that Southgate has defeated in a major tournament.
They are always the favourites going into tournaments, I guess they reached the final of the last Euros so are in with a shout definitely.
All UK bookies have England odds on favourites to win the tournament out right.
I guess it just depends on money laid, but I'm sceptical given who they have in charge, don't want this conversation to be a pile on with Southgate, but he's far too 'safe' to be the man to lead to England to glory, so my question is, do France and Spain stand a better chance to win, being in Germany, does Tam Muller have his final swan song?
I think England have some of the best talent in the world in their XI, just not sure they will get it done.
Thoughts?
In answer to the question - Wouldn’t put England as favourites over France but very little in it.
It looks like, it should be a fantastic, open tournament some great players and all of the favourites have some weaknesses in defense.
No real value in outright winners at mo, Germany possibly best value, they have home advantage and with some fantastic in form young players - outwith options of sitting midfielders, Kimmich, Gundogan, there attacking midfield three, Jamal Musiala, Wirtz out left, and Sane on the right, with Fullkrug through the middle.
Havertz (still only 24 by the way) and likely to be on the bench?. Only slight issue is there manager appears to be undecided on best formation (like Southgate).
They are always the favourites going into tournaments, I guess they reached the final of the last Euros so are in with a shout definitely.
The opinion isnt wrong ,the words could have been phrased better, with the emphasis being put on Southgate,simply put England have players that can produce an attack minded game , but are playing a defensive tactic from a manager that's too inept to understand his teams strengths.No, very seldom do it in this context.
Don’t mind when it’s an opinion that’s wrong though
Sorry bud.The opinion isnt wrong ,the words could have been phrased better, with the emphasis being put on Southgate,simply put England have players that can produce an attack minded game , but are playing a defensive tactic from a manager that's too inept to understand his teams strengths.
For all their talent I think what they really lack is that midfielder that controls a game. Speeds it up when needed and slows it down when needed. It seems to be the type of player that we just don’t ever seem to produce in Britain. Players like your Rodri’s, Modric’s etc.In Bellingham, Kane and Foden, they have three truly top notch attacking players.
It's what is all around them that matters.
For all their talent I think what they really lack is that midfielder that controls a game. Speeds it up when needed and slows it down when needed. It seems to be the type of player that we just don’t ever seem to produce in Britain. Players like your Rodri’s, Modric’s etc.
They may well go on and win it but I certainly don’t get the if they don’t win it it will be a disaster thing at all. France are a very very good side, the Germans at home will be in chance, Portugal are littered with very talented players, Spain if someone comes into the tournament and can score the chances they will undoubtedly create as they control games will all be in with a chance.
Shoehorn Foden arguably the best player in Europe this seasonThey need a runner to play left side which is either Watkins, Gordon or rashford but he’ll try shoehorn Foden or palmer there I think.
France are the best team on paper.
The Germans will be strong as well, midfield of Kroos gundogan wirtz musiala and sane is as strong as any
As usual ?I can’t see by France. I expect Germany to have a good Euro’s as well even though their form has been dreadful,
England will bottle it as usual,
Shoehorn Foden arguably the best player in Europe this season
I think your post shows that the German team have really fallen since winning the wc.Can't see past the Germans at home
Very true, I was harsh.As usual ?
They were in the final and lost on penalties after getting to semi of the World Cup hardly bottling eh