England or Netherlands? Michael Owen picks his favorites to win Euro 2024 semi-final clash
Michael Owen has backed England to win their Euro 2024 semi-final clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday, July 10. The iconic former Premier League striker admitted that Gareth Southgate's side have been poor but backed them to reach the final.
The Three Lions booked a spot in the semi-finals after beating Switzerland on penalties last weekend. Gareth Southgate's side went 1-0 down in the 75th minute via a goal from Breel Embolo. However, Bukayo Saka quickly equalized five minutes later with an excellent finish.
The Arsenal winger converted his penalty in the shootout as well and his heroics helped England advance at the Euro 2024. While the Three Lions gear up to play the Netherlands this week, Owen has previewed the fixture.
The former Liverpool striker believes England will either win on penalties again or secure a 2-1 victory against the Dutch. He said (via Metro):
"We’ve played five games now, and we have been poor for four of them and alright for one. It’s hard to see how we can play that many games, then all of a sudden have a total shift in performance. But the Netherlands again are another step up, although I wouldn’t consider them one of the three or four elite nations in the world."
"But they are in that group behind, so normally I would fancy us to go through against them but based on current form I’d say it’s a 50/50. It’s very hard to back against England because you can’t help but look at the teams on paper and think we have better individual players, so it’s hard to go against us."
"I’d say it could even be a 1-1 draw again with us going through on penalties, or us winning 2-1. I’d go for the latter. I am quietly confident we can go through."
Southgate's side haven't displayed the best form at the Euro 2024 so far. They won just one game in the group stages and secured victories by fine margins in the elimination rounds.
"A lot of people are frustrated" - Michael Owen makes prediction about England boss Gareth Southgate's future after Euro 2024
Michael Owen believes England will part ways with Gareth Southgate after the Euro 2024. The pundit has predicted a change in management for the Three Lions regardless of the result of this tournament.
Southgate was appointed as their manager in 2016 but has failed to secure any silverware so far. England came closest to a trophy at the 2020 European Championships but ended the tournament as runners-up. They lost at Wembley in the final against Italy on penalties.
Southgate has received substantial criticism for the team's performances under his management. He has admitted that the Euro 2024 could be his last tournament if England don't win.
About his future after the conclusion of this edition, Owen said:
"I could imagine with Southgate that there will be a natural parting no matter what the result. If we win it, Southgate’s had a fair crack at it, he’s enjoyed it but he might even be ready for a change himself. The general feeling among fans in England has been that this is his last tournament."
If England beat the Netherlands, they will face either Spain or France in Euro 2024 final.