With England’s official squad being announced for Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate has received plaudits for selecting his final 26 players based on their performances last season for perhaps the first time in his tenure in charge of the Three Lions.
In years gone by, Southgate was guilty of overlooking players in good form, selecting a core group that had proved reliable in previous tournaments despite dropping off for their clubs. But with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford amongst the omissions from the side jetting off to Germany, England arrive as one of the favorites with Euro 2024 betting to try and lift the trophy.
Questions will still be asked as to whether Southgate is the right man for the job. With a poor record against the best international sides, how does he fare to some of the best managers at this summer’s tournament? Read on, as we look at some of the top coaches at Euro 2024.
1. Julian Nagelsmann – Germany
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is still only 36 years old but has established himself as one of the best tacticians in the world, and his appointment as Germany boss last year arrived on the back of an extremely harsh dismissal from Bayern Munich, having captured the Bundesliga in both full seasons in Bavaria.
That ruthlessness has transcended squad selection for this German side, with several experienced internationals missing this summer on home soil.
Indeed, the likes of Mats Hummels, Timo Werner, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka will all be watching from home to make way for a new generation of German talent. Their curtain-raiser against Scotland will be a great chance to see if that big gamble pays off.
2. Luciano Spalletti – Italy
While Italy might not have the same players that won Euro 2020 against England at Wembley a few years ago, and Euro betting offers are looking on the Azzurri less favourably, they still have a fighting chance thanks to manager Luciano Spalletti.
A stalwart of Italian football, Spalletti has done the rounds in Serie A, winning two consecutive Coppa Italia titles with Roma and ending Napoli’s 33-year wait for a league title, he took the Italian job after Roberto Mancini’s resignation last year.
Over the last few seasons, Spalletti has outclassed the likes of Oliver Glasner and Jürgen Klopp in the Champions League, and that experience to get over the line in big games will need to be instilled in an Italy side that faces a tough group of Spain, Croatia and Albania.
3. Didier Deschamps – France
France may have ended their last Euros campaign in disappointment, exiting at the round of 16, but they head to Germany as pre-tournament favourites, with manager Didier Deschamps in his 12th year in charge of Les Bleus.
In that time, he’s reached two World Cup finals, winning one in 2018, and while his side were beaten by Argentina on penalties in Qatar, there is confidence the manager can spearhead victory this time around.
Deschamps was France’s captain when they won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, so it’s no surprise that he has been able to get the best out of a talented group, with talisman Kylian Mbappe looking to win the trophy that will surely define his legacy as the best player of his generation.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.