"They have the best midfield of all countries" - Erik ten Hag on why England are favorites for Euro 2024
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes England are the favorites to win Euro 2024. The Three Lions played their first match of the tournament on Sunday, June 16, against Serbia and bagged a 1-0 win at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
The Dutch manager opined that the Three Lions have the "best midfield of all countries" while also praising other aspects of their squad. Ten Hag said (via @TheEuropeanLad on X):
"England has a fantastic squad, they are favorites for a reason. They have the best midfield of all countries in the EURO'S. They got Harry Kane as their striker. On the wings they have incredible amount of quality."
The Three Lions' midfield includes Arsenal's Declan Rice, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Manchester City's Phil Foden, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, and Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer.
England also possess some of the best attacking talent in world football. Their forward line consists of the Gunners' Bukayo Saka, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Brentford's Ivan Toney, Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.
England were the runners-up at the UEFA European Championship in 2020, losing 3-2 on penalties against Italy. They have ended up in third place twice (1968 and 1996) but are yet to claim the title.
Erik ten Hag calls England midfielder 'fantastic' for his performance in Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
Erik ten Hag has praised Jude Bellingham for his performance in the Three Lions' opening match against Serbia in Euro 2024. The 20-year-old netted the only goal of the game as forward Bukayo Saka directed the ball to the byline after getting on the end of a Kyle Walker pass before sending a cross towards the penalty spot, which Bellingham headed home in the 13th minute.
Erik ten Hag said of the Real Madrid star (via @TheEuropeanLad on X):
"Jude Bellingham is fantastic. He is the drive of England. He attacks but never fails to defend as well."
The Three Lions are pitted against Denmark next in Euro 2024 on Thursday, June 20, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.