“Euro 2024 was a failure” - England forward makes big admission on lacking ‘excitement’ as Three Lions prepare for new era without Gareth Southgate
England midfielder Anthony Gordon has said that the team's Euro 2024 campaign was a failure. Gareth Southgate's side lost 2-1 to Spain in the final, becoming the first side to lose consecutive European Championship finals, having lost to Italy on penalties at home three years ago.
The Three Lions laboured through the group stage before needing extra time to see off Slovakia in the Round of 16 and Switzerland on penalties. After beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the semis, they booked a final date with La Roja.
Following a goalless first half in Berlin, Nico Williams put Luis de la Fuente's side ahead two minutes into the second period. Although substitute Cole Palmer hauled the Three Lions back on level terms, parity was short-lived, as Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute winner sunk Southgate's side.
Gordon - who wasn't a part of Southgate's Euro 2024 squad - has said that the team lacked dynamism despite moments of brilliance from the likes of Jude Bellingham.
"We had good moments from really elite players, like H and Jude, which carried us through," Gordon said (as per Sportbible). "I think you could say we controlled the games, but I don’t think we were very dynamic.”
Bellingham's brilliant last-gasp equaliser forced extra time against Slovakia, but the Three Lions underwhelmed collectively as they fell short in a second straight major final.
Southgate announced his resignation after the tournament, with the Three Lions set to start life under interim boss Lee Carsley with a UEFA Nations League game with Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
England captain Harry Kane looking up to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration
England captain Harry Kane is apparently still smarting from the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain in July. Nevertheless, he's looking up to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration to keep playing for a while.
Kane, 31, endured an underwhelming campaign in Germany despite scoring thrice in seven games. He was subbed early n the final as his team dropped back-to-back Euro finals.
Ahead of the Three Lions beginning a new era under Carlsley, Kane hailed the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo:
"I think when you look at players like (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Luka) Modric and (Lionel) Messi, all these players who are playing in their mid to late 30s, that's the inspiration for me because it shows that you can really play at a high level for a long time.
"I want to play football for as long as possible and at the highest level for as long as possible. I use those players for motivation and inspiration to be able to do that. I feel I am in a really good place both mentally and physically to have another great season, hopefully that continues for many years to come."
On the cusp of 100 national team caps, Kane is England's all-time record goalscorer with 66 goals, with all but eight of them coming in competitive outings.