Former England defender Rio Ferdinand believes the Three Lions have the ‘best chance’ of any team at Euro 2024 to reach the competition’s final.
Gareth Southgate’s side finished as Euro 2020 runners-up in their best-ever performance at the tournament – and fans now want them to take the next step.
England haven’t tasted major glory since 1966, though, when they won the World Cup on home soil and ending that barren run will not be an easy task at all.
The Three Lions topped their group at Euro 2024 and face a favourable match against Slovakia in the last 16 today (Sunday, June 30) – but the team have attracted plenty of criticism.
Many have been left frustrated at Southgate’s overall tactics as well as the draws against Denmark and Slovenia, matches in which England were the favourites.
Ferdinand, though, is adamant that England can go all the way this summer, especially after the Three Lions avoided the Netherlands in the last 16 and Switzerland surprisingly eliminated holders Italy on Saturday.
Italy’s exit means England will now face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals if they get past Slovakia as expected.
England’s possible route to the Euro 2024 final
Last 16 opponents: Slovakia
Quarter-final opponents: Switzerland
Semi-final opponents: The Netherlands, Austria, Turkey or Romania
Final opponents: France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Slovenia or Georgia
‘I have to say, if I was in the England squad now, and the draw came out like this, I wouldn’t be able to sleep with the excitement I’d have,’ Ferdinand told the BBC.
‘I’d be respecting all the other teams, yes. But to look at the other side of the draw and look at our side… Oh my.
‘We have got the chance – the best chance – to get to a final. What an opportunity.’
Should England beat Slovakia to set up a clash against Switzerland in the last eight, they face the daunting task of keeping midfielder Granit Xhaka quiet.
The former Arsenal star, who just helped Bayer Leverkusen to an Invincible Bundesliga title, has been in fine form for his country.
Xhaka, who has played every minute for Switzerland at Euro 2024, has incredibly only been dispossessed once and was the best player on the pitch against Italy.
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