It’s been a tense start to the 2024 Euros for England. Every two years, the World Cup and Euros seem to accomplish the impossible: bringing English football fans together to cheer on their unified side. Despite the fact that most fans have a hardcore love for their home team, the entire nation bands together as the Three Lions.
Vale fans, Arsenal fans, Wolverhampton fans—it doesn’t matter. This time around, fans across the UK are even more hell-bent on bringing the trophy home. First and foremost, there’s a drive to do right by the utter disappointment from the last Euros. On top of that, England has a star-studded lineup—one that seems incapable of losing.
At least, in theory.
As the elimination stage approaches, Euros 2024 betting lines are being updated constantly. It’s the perfect moment to see which teams are coming from behind and which might not live up to their ‘favourite’ label. Now that teams have had time to hit their stride, it’s sink or swim for the top teams in each group, along with a few lucky third-place sides.
England has a sure path out of Group C, but what comes next? And which players are performing at the top level now that the tournament is well underway? Let’s take a closer look.
Declan Rice
If anyone looks to be leading the charge toward a big win for England, it’s not captain Harry Kane or vice-captain Kyle Walker. Though both are putting on solid performances, Declan Rice seems to be pushing the charge in terms of team morale. He’s done with excuses and is hungry for that captain’s badge.
That maturity and mentality in the midfield have gone a long way in keeping the team level. Though the Three Lions’ start has been far from dominant, it hasn’t been disastrous, either. And it’s been Rice who toes the line in the centre of the field, creating plays, intercepting balls, and making long shots happen.
Jordan Pickford
Rice isn’t the only one who’s keeping their head on the pitch. Jordan Pickford has been leading from the goal line and, despite the fact that England is off to a slow start, Pickford has been awake and up for the charge. This time around, it seems like fans and pundits are more supportive of his long-ball game.
In the past, Pickford has been criticized for relying too heavily on playing the long ball—which players struggle to manage. This time around, however, his long balls are better chosen and more accurate, helping England produce some of its key chances in Group C.
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Harry Kane
Few have come under fire like Harry Kane since the start of the 2024 Euros—but is it fair? Those following the media coverage in England know that it’s usually overwhelming, over the top, and tends to tilt negative as soon as the team isn’t marking multi-goal wins. Kane, as the captain of the Three Lions, is first to face the firing squads.
But it still stands that Kane is the team’s top goal scorer. Along with Jude Bellingham, he’s the only player to have logged a goal this tournament. Though he looked to dip as the game went on, it was Kane’s goal in the 18th minute of the match against Denmark that ensured the team’s tie and, ultimately, their advance to the elimination stage.
Kyle Walker
Similar to Rice, Kyle Walker looks keen to toe the line for the Three Lions at this year’s Euros. Despite the ongoing waves of criticism, Walker looks to have a level head. While this might not equate to an unforgettable performance on the pitch, it’s worth noting that the English will desperately need this type of levelheadedness as they advance.
It’s worth pointing out that the lineup carries the pain of the last Euro’s outcome and a palpable fear of repeating that failure. While players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka find their pace, the vision and leadership of Walker and Rice can go a long way in getting the most out of other players.
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