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In a surprising twist, England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up match before Euro 2024. This game, held at Wembley Stadium, was expected to boost the Three Lions' confidence as they prepare for the major tournament in Germany. However, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, England fell short.
Southgate reflects on England
England manager Gareth Southgate expressed his thoughts on the game, acknowledging the team's lack of character but not overly concerned about their overall performance. He pointed out that it is not unusual for players to have an off day so close to starting a major tournament. Southgate believes that such experiences can be beneficial in the long run.
“It was obviously a disjointed and disappointing performance and we didn't show enough character but I think it's good for us before an international tournament,” Southgate said. “I think we've got to be better without the ball.”
Southgate highlighted the need for improvement in their defensive play. Despite having more attempts on goal than Iceland, England only managed one shot on target compared to Iceland's four. The lack of clinical finishing and defensive lapses were areas of concern.
Preparations for Euro 2024
With just nine days left before their opening game in Euro 2024, England's focus now shifts to fine-tuning their strategy and addressing the issues highlighted in the match against Iceland. Southgate mentioned the importance of having a full squad, which was not the case in the recent games. He has axed a few notable names from the England squad, such as Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire. This period will be crucial for assessing the team's balance and making necessary adjustments.
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Southgate, who has experience leading teams into major tournaments, understands the pressures and challenges of the final preparations. “I've been involved in a lot of last matches leading into a tournament. Inevitably, players have one eye on what's coming in terms of early challenges,” he noted. “No excuses for the result, but there are a lot of things we can put right quickly.”
Despite the disappointing result, Southgate remains optimistic about England's readiness for the competition. He believes the game against Iceland was a valuable learning experience and that the team will be prepared when the tournament ends.
“We'll be ready. Tonight hasn't gone as we would have hoped. I said to the players that not every day will go as you want, and tonight was one of those. But also, not everything will be wrong. We had enough chances really to win the game, but we conceded too many chances as well,” Southgate explained.
Looking ahead
England's journey in Euro 2024 will begin on June 16 with their opening match against Serbia at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Following this, they will face Denmark and Slovenia in the group stages. The team will aim to bounce back from their recent setback and perform strongly in these crucial games.
As the countdown to Euro 2024 continues, the Three Lions will use the remaining days to regroup, refine their tactics, and ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Despite the hiccup against Iceland, the squad still has confidence that it can achieve success in the tournament.
