EUROS 2024

A sport that keeps on giving.Just when I thought I'd give up on football when icons, possibly GOATs of all times, elected to pitch camp in a place that is not Santorini or the islands of Bora Bora [every Brides corner of paradise],a jam packed calendar of football surfaces.Now Arsenal fans are still pulling thorns out their skin so it'd be unfair to poke fun at a wounded animal but boy did we draw unparalleled satisfaction from that ‘gangster finale’ last season.

Enough of my rumbling and let's delve right into it…It's the Euros for crying out loud.Here are my two cents on the tournament.  

England…If They Win,Let's Knight Them Already

Now if you are as young as I am, you'd probably know that Michael Jackson was as controversial as he was eminent.Fedora hats, leather jackets and sequina gloves enshrined by his provocative dance moves. 

With a bar that high,Southgate could never hits such heights,but could he?

You must be reading this, eyebrows furrowed, scratching your head even.What is this guy going on about? Bear with me…Out of 24 matches under good ol’ Southgate, England have won 7, drawn 7 and lost 10 against the top 10 ranked teams by FIFA.Don't get me wrong, the stats are pretty decent and 58 years starved of tournament success could do a number on you.Could be worse.Arsenal are a prime example.But it'll be intriguing to see how Southgate approaches this years edition.With Bukayo Saka still massaging his neck from that wicked yank courtesy of the crackerjack Chiellini, his squad has continued to yield some exciting young talent.Comes as no surprise to see just one of the 3 penalty takers who missed there spot kicks included in the squad. Rashford has endured a forgettable season while Sancho has experienced somewhat a renaissance away from home soil and it remains to be seen where his future lies next season.England surely cannot fathom otherwise.It has to come home.There's mouthwatering potential in the present squad but when have they never but still fall painfully short of expectation.Now here's where Southgate morphs into a Darth Vader, leaving tongues wagging as vigorously as the fans chant for goals;His selection criteria.Could give you a migraine.Your guess is as good as mine.Harry Maguire and the injured Luke Shaw had been included in the provisional squad.I have nothing against the duo who are both devoted servants when called upon but they are both far from fit and neither hit the field in the latter stages of the season.Southgate must have muttered under his breath upon the prospect of cutting his former Captain from the squad. I reckon it's time we gave the nod to the likes of Guehi an able deputy to Maguire and Konsa who can seamlessly slot in that left back position.Incidentally,all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.Ibiza have been forced to prematurely announce the signing of Jack Grealish on a two month contract after Southgate decided to send both him and Madders packing.Tough one for both.The red hot form of Phil Foden however,coupled with the meteoric rise of Cole Palmer, could help the team come up big and give opponents plenty to ponder about.Will that be enough though?The game against Iceland did very little to appease doubters.A surprise loss at home with countless chances going begging.Palmer especially culpable.A caveat days to the tournament? Even Harry Kane might be at a crossroads.How much hurt can that man possibly endure before achieving the holy grail of football?Wonder if Prince Harry imparting some wisdom will steady this ship. Keep your eyes peeled for that one.

Time To Shake The Blues!

Remember the ending from Toy Story 3 when Andy’s toys survive an incinerator only to be donated to that Bonnie girl from daycare with Andy transitioning to college?A bit sad huh?Well for Mbappe and Co. Woody’s reaction is all too familiar.Since the emotional rollercoaster spurred by arguably the greatest World Cup final in recent history, Deschamps team has been off colour and I dare say incognito in matches leading up to the tourney.

Suuuuuuuure!! they have Messi to blame for this but this is a team that has not beaten the Germans[who had been struggling but more on them later],in two encounters losing both and struggled to break down teams such as Greece and Ireland.Bar England, the talent is and has always been irrefutable.Sensational forwards from the likes of Dembele,Nkunku(not in squad),Marcus Thuram,Kolo Muani and in recent times Barcola to shrewd defenders Saliba,Konate,Kounde,you get the drill.This myriad of abilities may distract you from the fact that they've lost plenty of experience and leadership in the squad.Recalling Kante from his honeymoon in UAE should offer some desired intensity in the middle of the pack but with evergreen shotstopper Lloris retired from national duty,Pogba switching careers to build a fan base on TikTok and Giroud producing dazzling moments at his age,France need their transitioning team to produce once again in the grandest of stages.No one quite fancied them reaching the final of the 2022 world cup after losing to Tunisia and barely scrapping through Denmark but they've always dug deep to almost not win.With Deschamps genius,I don't expect anything less.

Ronaldo?No Ronaldo?...Martinez's Pickle

Yeah!.Yeah!...I'll probably get alot of stick for saying that but indulge me for a moment.Antman,yes him, not only has the ability to alter his size and shape and armed with a helmet that control ants and other insects [Something Ronaldo doesn't lack at all] but also possesses superhuman strength and durability.

Ronaldo,by design,has achieved all their is except for the one that got away!..But let's not dwell on that.So why would the most popular athlete on the planet start from the bench?

Simple answer:The team play slightly better without him.Martinez certainly did not sign up for this but is hard done by the decision he has to make.Upset the nation,risk the wrath of the President even or disrupt the system and own your style of play?One thing's for sure,it would be a major faux pas if it failed to work out.Suffice to say,the recent 9-0 demolition of Luxembourg where Ronaldo was suspended compounded by wins against Finland and Sweden showed that it is time to pass on the mantle to some hungry young guns.Goncalo Ramos has not shied away from picking his moment.While not Ronaldo,he boasts a decent record in the qualifiers leading up to the Euros this year with 3 goals in 5 matches and tucked away 3 goals in 4 games in the 2022 world cup.Lest we forget the undeniable yet underrated Diogo Jota who will be itching to hit former heights after a lengthy period away with injury. It also goes without saying that Ronaldo brings alot of identity to the team but it comes at a price.As is with Argentina and Messi,Roberto Martinez has had to tweak and adjust to a style of play that accomodates him.He is no longer as fast and potent but he still carries a threat of his own.Does it take away the briliance and inventiveness of players such as Leao and Jao Felix?To a greater extent. Can they go all the way?They've got an enviable midfield and possess goal attacking threat wherever you choose to look.Playing in-sync,they could turn heads this year.Using Ronaldo sparingly, trying to change games from the bench or even offering him a rare start in certain games would be wise.He's not too enthusiastic about being hurdled off [we've seen how that plays out].Martinez will have his hands full with that one but he was a sight for soar eyes when he took up a coaching role in the final against France 8 years ago.He could prove useful.Now,don't go casting stones and cursing my name.He is a necessary evil.

Germany will be Kroooooosing!!...

Point a gun to my head and ask me at the beginning of this year whether I had any ounce of belief that the once dreaded ‘Footbonaut’ of European football would make it past the group stage of this year's tournament and I'd call you a bluff.The only reason they were playing in the tournament is because they qualified as hosts,I’d typically clap back.The methodical decimation of a surprisingly subdued Brazilian team poised to win the World Cup in 2014,lingers fresh in our minds and Mario Gotze's goal dispeled any doubts of their pedigree in international football.

But since then, the cogs of this machine have alarmingly fell off.Just like France, they've become devoid of experience in the team.Apart from Manuel Neuer, then captain Philip Lahm,Jerome Boateng,Bastian Schweinsteiger,Mesut Ozil,Lukas Podolski,Andre Schurrle,Miroslav Klose, i could go on,have either retired from football or international duty.Toni Kroos did retire from duty in 2021 and it only exacerbated the already fragile dynamics of the team.

Since Joachim Low sniffed his last(few will get this) in 2021,German football has been chaotic to say the least. Hansi Flick was appointed after Low departed and he oversaw a forgettable period in an opening match-day loss to Japan in the World cup followed by 6 loses from 11 matches in 2023.

Whispers of a possible demise rang heavily in the football fraternity but under Julian Naggelsman who approached Kroos and brought him out of retirement, they've won 2 and drawn 1 of their games against top ranked opposition this year.The football is beautiful again and they appear like the cohesive unit they are renowned for.Hopefully he can rekindle the verve to catapult the team and fans to cheer “Deutschland vor, noch ein Tor! loosely translating to Germany ahead, one more goal!” 

What about The Old Guards?

There's always been a love hate kind of relationship with Croatia.Aaah shacks!..who am I kidding?..It's impossible not to love these guys.Can’t remember the last time they didn't pull an upset.Typical underdog behavior.But take nothing away from these sworn brothers.While sparing a moment for Harry Kane, Luka Modric has already endured a different kind of christening in several tournament editions.The Croatia captain has not slowed down either despite clocking a respectable 38 years old.They retain possibly the most experienced squad going into the tournament with the likes of Perisic,Kramaric,Kovacic and Vida feeling as fresh as daisies.Dont blink,these guys are made from different gravy.

Defending Champions Italy,on the other hand, lost their soft spoken tactician Roberto Mancini.Raked away by the allure of oil rich Saudi Arabia,they quickly turned to Luciano Spalleti. Fresh from ending Napoli's longest wait for a Scuddetto (Italian League Title) 33 years and quitting soon after,he was thrust into the limelight.Forced to make the jump with the Federation desperate to fill the role,the job well,has seen him grind some desired results.Impressive by all means.He's lost once and drawn 3 times in 10 games in charge since September last year.Something about Italian managers huh?..Achingly he will not be endowed with the briliance and leadership of Bonucci and Chiellini in his ranks.This is also dampened by the loss of Spinazzola to a long term injury, an absolutely menace in the last edition.It's not all doom and gloom, as he is buoyed by the emerging talents of Alessandro Buongiorno and Bastoni.It should calm some nerves at the heart of defence.The Italians have always sat pretty in midfield for aeons and if Chiesa can rediscover his scintillating form during the 2020 tourney, a semi final berth or final is not too far fetched.

The Red Devils are serial under achievers.Something Man United fans could do with.Belgium still display age in some areas of the field but the talent should make for an intriguing campaign.Jeremy Doku, who played a peripheral role last time out has morphed into one of the most lethal wingers in World football. Moreover, the Star of Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta soar ever higher and tricky forwards Johan Bakayoko and Lois Openda can only take this tournament by the scruff of its neck.With Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield expect some appetizing encounters. Oooh, then there’s Trossard!..Now that's just ridiculous with the season he just had.

Dark Horses…Anyone?

The Danes as it turns out don't beg in their culture and I see very little need to at the Euros either.They’ve been on a good run of form leading up to the Euros.A much more cohesive unit playing with synergy and verve that has lacked for the longest time.What do they call it again?..Hygge!..Yes!..Hojberg in particular appears a different player..Look away Tottenham fans, we are just as mystified.At this rate, only missing piece is to get Hojlund firing from all cylinders again and who knows how far they can go.

The Netherlands…a huge sigh too.I don't know about this pick.As a matter of fact I’m tempted to list the Belgians here instead but I find myself torn.First of all,Zirkzee is not included despite his stellar performances for champions league newbies Bologna.A shocking yet massive letdown by Koeman.I'm no coach but Weghorst and Gakpo just don't offer what he does.There, I said it.He's also quite flexible and offers that physicaloty upfront.I pray, Koeman doesn't rue the decision.But oh well.Maatsen who has been recalled after the injury to De Jong,has been decisive for Dortmund in that left back position and this is well earned. I do have ants in my pants for Xavi Simmons and Jeremy Frimpong though.Both will come under serious pressure to replicate performances after enjoying hugely successful seasons. That notwithstanding,judging by the recent showing where Van Dijk came off the bench in a 4-0 win against Canada,the Boys will be rearing to go and stakes couldn't be higher.

Lastly,here's where I strike a chord,i reckon;Austria! They've gone under the radar but they've been racking up results and its had to overlook them.Sadly for them it comes in an inopportune time where they find themselves embroiled in the toughest group of the competition. Bearing that in mind,my enthusiasm for them might not even cruise past the group stage,but i expect them to overstretch their outsider status.I doubt France and The Dutch will entertain the idea but anyone getting some Costa Rica vibes?I predict a huge upset in this group.

Young,Unfazed and Barcelona…Spain's DNA

At 16 years old Lamine Yamal has set Spain and Europe alight.The youngest La Liga goalscorer and assist maker in the competitions history in tandem with overhauling fellow team-mate Gavi, as the youngest debutant and goalscorer for the iconic Spain National Team.

With chance at hand,he represents one of 4 Barcelona players in the squad itching at a shot at glory.I dare say,if it weren't for injury and possibly inexperience,Barca would have more players in the final squad.Namely: Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsi. The latter ,a tad bit unfortunate as his stock has risen to coincide with the year of this tournament and while some could argue it came too soon, he had indeed toiled his way to earn a spot despite being just 17 years old.In contrast,Fermin Lopez has been low key repaying the faith bestowed to him by his former Coach Xavi.He is no slouch and just like Yamal ,Spain can certainly count on him to make a difference. Pedri has looked rejuvenated in recent months from injury and Del Fuente is in a puzzler ahead of selecting a formidable starting 11. Zubimendi has been monstrous for Sociedad this past season but no one in their right mind overlooks Rodri.An embarrassment of riches you say?Dani Carvajal and Laporte will be called upon to bring some grit and protection at the back for a team haunted by the ghosts of past success.Croatia will certainly have their say in the matter when they meet this Saturday in a palatable contest.They also anticipate to renew their rivalry with the Italians and should they weather that storm, they could potentially stare at another semi final or final berth.On paper,it appears a tall order but take away nothing from this crop of players. Iniesta had the world at his feet in 2010 and despite this not being prime La Masia, these young lads not only have Spanish but also Barca DNA and mettle to relive that iconic moment come July.