Alan Shearer has tipped England to go all the way and win EURO 2024 – starting with an opening game win against Serbia.
The Three Lions begin their Euros campaign in Gelsinkirchen against a Serbia side which features the likes of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and ex-Ajax midfielder Dusan Tadic.
But former Newcastle forward Shearer is confident Southgate’s side will come out with a victory and is backing this group to end England’s long trophy drought.
“I think they’re ready, I know we’ve got issues defensively but no team is perfect and whichever country wins it, you are going to need a bit of luck,” he told Betfair.
“I think our time is now, this group of players are ready to go and get us a long-awaited trophy.
“England have far too much for Serbia in forward positions so I would say England to win by two or three.”
“Serbia have Mitrovic and Vlahovic up front. I think Mitrovic will definitely play, they will look to rain crosses in because that’s what he demands, and he gets all the goals for them.
“Opening games are never easy. A lot of the time they’re cagey affairs, but I would think England can score two or three and win.”
Shearer also praised Southgate for the job he has done since taking over as England boss in 2016 – with Euro 2024 potentially his last major tournament in charge of his country.
“When you look at where England were when he took over, they were nearly at rock bottom. If you remember that performance against Iceland, it was so bad,” he said.
“For him to take us the way he has done, a World Cup semi-final, a final of a European Championship, everyone looks at him and thinks this is England’s time.”
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