Introduction
The Euro 2020 is currently underway, with 24 teams from across Europe battling it out to be crowned the champions. However, one team that is conspicuously missing from the competition is England. England is a traditional powerhouse in European football, having won the World Cup in 1966 and finishing as runners-up in the Euro 2020. So, why has the Three Lions not qualified for the tournament this time around? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind England’s absence from the Euro 2020.
Poor Performance in Qualifying
England’s failure to qualify for the Euro 2020 can be attributed primarily to their poor performance in the qualifiers. England was grouped with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Kosovo in the qualifying group, which looked relatively straightforward on paper. However, the team struggled to assert their dominance, losing to the Czech Republic and drawing with Bulgaria and Kosovo. Although they eventually qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their group, their performances were far from convincing.
Managerial Issues
Another reason for England’s absence from the Euro 2020 can be traced to managerial issues. Gareth Southgate, who has been at the helm of England’s national team since 2016, has had a mixed record in recent years. Although he led the team to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018, he has come under criticism for his cautious tactics and stodgy team selections. In the qualifying campaign, Southgate experimented with different formations and personnel, much to the frustration of the fans and experts. Ultimately, his tactics failed to produce the desired results, and England failed to build any momentum.
Injuries and Fatigue
As with any tournament, injuries and fatigue can have a significant impact on a team’s prospects. England has had its fair share of injury concerns, with some of its key players missing crucial matches. Harry Kane, England’s captain and leading goalscorer, missed a substantial part of the season with injury, which affected his form in the qualifiers. Marcus Rashford, another key attacking player, also missed a few games due to injury. Additionally, some of the players were showing signs of fatigue towards the end of the season, which affected their performances.
Competition from Other Teams
The Euro 2020 is arguably one of the most competitive tournaments in recent years, with several teams fancying their chances of lifting the trophy. England has been drawn in a tough group alongside Croatia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic, which means that they will have to be at their best to progress to the next round. With strong teams such as Belgium, France, Germany, and Portugal in the tournament, it is evident that the road to the final will not be easy for any team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why England is missing from the Euro 2020. Their poor performance in the qualifying campaign, combined with managerial issues, injuries and fatigue, and competition from other teams, have all played a part in their absence. However, it is vital to remember that football is a game of uncertainties and surprises, and anything can happen on the day. Some of the best moments in football have come from unexpected sources, so who knows, maybe England might make a comeback in the next tournament. Only time will tell.