Julius OkorieAfter failing in their bid to bring the cup home, losing to Italy, in the finals of the last Euro Championship, Declan Rice has insisted that England can have “no excuses” at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions are searching for their first European Championship title.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGareth Southgate’s side are regarded as the favourites to win the competition alongside France, with Germany and Portugal also expected to be major challengers for the trophy.
England will open up their Group C campaign against Serbia on Sunday evening, before tackling Denmark and Slovenia in their final two group-stage fixtures in Germany.
Rice, off the back of an excellent first season at Arsenal, will be a vital player for his country this summer, and the ex-Chelsea youngster has talked-up his team’s chances of success.
READ ALSO Germany, Scotland set to file out as Euro 2024 kicks off.
“I think the team has got more experience. The squad level is stronger. [It used to be] Man United and Chelsea winning every season, whereas now you’ve got the Liverpools, the [Manchester] Citys, and the Arsenals. [That more of England’s players now know what it’s like to win] puts us in good stead,” he told the London Evening Standard.
“We know what we’ve got to do to win. We’ve got no excuses. The Euros are the last thing now that can really help me get over the hurt. Seeing Italy lift that cup in front of us last time: that feeling’s still in our belly. We want to get that now.
“Putting on that shirt before a major tournament again: that is such a good feeling. I feel like we’re ready. I’m ready.”
England finished as runners-up at Euro 2020, losing on penalties to Italy in the final of the competition, while they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup by France.
The Three Lions will enter their clash with Serbia off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley Stadium, and the national side have only managed one win in their last five matches in all competitions.
England’s attacking talent makes them serious contenders for the trophy, with Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in particular entering the competition off the back of excellent seasons.
The same can also be said for Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, while the additions of Crystal Palace duo, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton, and indeed Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, have given head coach, Southgate interesting options.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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