England head to Euro 2024 as the bookies favourites – and Micah Richard’s believes Gareth Southgate’s side have every reason to feel confident.
Last time around, England lost in heartbreaking fashion at Wembley on penalties against Italy, following that up with a narrow quarter-final exit against France in the Qatar World Cup.
In what could be Southgate’s last major tournament as England coach, with his contract set to expire in December, the 53-year-old will hope to etch his name into the history books and lead England to their first men’s major tournament triumph in 58 years.
Ahead of the tournament, Richards speaks to Metro.co.uk to preview the action and his hopes for Southgate’s England side.
What are your expectations for England at this summer’s tournament?
I don’t want to sound cliché, but I think England can win it and the reason I’m saying that is the quality throughout the starting line-up.
We’ve got the best player in Germany in Harry Kane, one of the best players in Spain in Jude Bellingham – although he has slowed up over the last few months as he’s started a bit higher – and Phil Foden who has just lit up the Premier League alongside Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka who have been unbelievable.
Whereas, previously, you’ve looked at other teams and gone, “Oh they’ve got [Kylian] Mbappe or [Cristiano] Ronaldo”, now other teams are saying that about us. Because of that, we shouldn’t fear anyone.
I don’t remember a time when we’ve had so many players at the top of their game but who have also got that big-game experience. They’ve been to semis and finals; they know how to do it so I really do feel they can do it this time.
What was your reaction to the initial training squad and the omission of Marcus Rashford?
It’s a tough one. In a 26-man squad, I would have taken him – 100 per cent. If I need a moment of brilliance, he can be that game changer so I would have taken him.
But I can fully understand why Southgate hasn’t taken him – he hasn’t been good enough. If it was a 23-man squad, he wouldn’t stand a chance. He only had a small chance with a 26 but we can’t keep giving him a place because of what he did in the past.
Plenty of players in his position have been outstanding and he hasn’t so I’m not surprised he was left out. It’s a bold call from Southgate but if we’re going to win the tournament he’s going to have to make those kinds of bold decisions; whether it’s substitutions or the tactical set-up, this is what he has to do.
How do you think England will line up for the first game against Serbia?
Most of the team picks itself to be frank. I think John Stones and Harry Maguire have shown for England that they are the partnership at centre-back. If they are anything like fully fit, I would go with them.
In midfield, I would start Declan Rice and Bellingham alongside each other and Foden ahead. Definitely – no messing. The way top teams play they starve the opposition of the ball and Bellingham works his socks off.
If you watch Real this season, yes, he does play in a more advanced position but in the big games the amount of running he does, he can play alongside Rice in midfield.
It’s imperative that Foden plays as number ten. Pep Guardiola changed the way Manchester City plays to get him in that position ahead of Kevin De Bruyne – that would never have happened 18 months ago.
Right side, Saka, left side I’m going Palmer or Anthony Gordon – I think Gordon has been exceptional this season and he gives great balance to this team.
Outside of England, who is your player and country to watch out for?
Florian Wirtz – I love him as a player. He’s only 21 but what he’s been doing for Bayer Leverkusen is sensational and he could be a real threat for Germany, especially with that home-crowd advantage. It wouldn’t surprise me if Real Madrid came calling for me in the summer.
Jamal Musiala as well, he’s sensational. The way he dribbles past people is ridiculous. I’m looking at that Germany squad and some of their players and on their day, they could be a problem for anyone.
Could Southgate be a possibility for the Manchester United job after the Euros if Erik ten Hag is sacked?
It’s difficult to predict how he would project at a club. International football is so different. The Premier League is so intense; it’s demanding and constant scrutiny.
He’s dealt with that at times with England, so he knows how to handle the media but Manchester United is a different beast – it’s a juggernaut of a club and you have to deal with that 24/7.
He knows he can bring young players through, and he’s got a great track record and understanding of those already in the England set-up. It could be a good fit, but I don’t know if he’s what the fans would want or whether Gareth would want it. He might fancy a rest.
He’s done so much for England and brought so much joy to the fans, but he almost needs to wrap it off with a win at the Euros. If he does that, perhaps you get more of the fanbase on side and it really could be a match made in heaven.
It’s just whether Southgate would want that challenge so soon but it all hinges on the Euros whether a move like that would even be a possibility.
Coverage of UEFA Euro 24 will be available across BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, Radio, BBC Sounds and Online.
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