"They can still step on the gas in the knockout stages" – Albania legend Lorik Cana makes bold choice while predicting Euro 2024 winners
Albania legend Lorik Cana has backed Kylian Mbappe-led France to win the UEFA Euro 2024, insisting that Les Bleus are good enough to up the ante in the knockout stage.
France, who have won the Euros twice so far, surprisingly finished in second place in Group D of the Euro 2024. They ended up with five points from three matches, while Austria topped the group with six points.
During a recent chat with Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel Vibe with Five, Cana was asked to name his Euro 2024 favorites. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star replied:
"Before the competition, I would have said France, England, and Portugal. It's still very early [to predict a winner] at this stage, but I think France will still be there. Let's hope that Mbappe is a 100 per cent with a mask. He's a game changer, he has to be that for France. They can still step on the gas [in the knockout stages]."
Opining on England's chances of lifting the Euro trophy, Cana added:
"I wouldn't say the same thing for England. They're going to push more in a certain way, but I don't think they have as much gas [in them] as France. No disrespect to England, they have an amazing team."
France will take on Belgium at the last-16 stage on Monday (July 1).
Gary Lineker hints at what England must do to improve below-par outings at Euro 2024
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, England legend Gary Lineker asserted that The Three Lions must solve Phil Foden's positional problem to improve at the Euros. He said (h/t BBC):
"I still seriously worry about the tactical approach of the team. Phil Foden is one of the best number tens in world football. I think there is a lack of balance to the team and I find it really, really strange that he doesn't play somebody on the left side that plays on the left side.
Lineker, who represented Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, added:
"I saw a little bit of spark in the players [against Slovenia] that if they do get the right set-up and play high, aggressively and brave, then I think they could do really well. Do I think he [Gareth Southgate] will play that way? No, I don't sadly."
Foden, who guided his club to the Premier League title last season, has started all three of England's games at the Euro 2024 on the left flank. The 24-year-old is yet to either score a goal or contribute an assist.
England, on the other hand, will next face Slovakia in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday (June 30).