Few players embody England’s modern tournament journey like Harry Maguire. The Manchester United defender, speaking exclusively to Mostbet, reflected on the Three Lions’ evolution from 2018 underdogs to 2024 favorites with palpable excitement. “Lifting the Euros would mean absolutely everything,” Maguire confessed, his voice tinged with determination. “We’ve been painfully close—now it’s about rewriting history.”
From Russia’s Surprise Package to Germany’s Contenders
Rewind to 2018: England arrived in Russia with zero expectations. Gareth Southgate’s squad, featuring a then-uncapped Maguire, was dubbed a “joyful experiment” by pundits. Fast-forward to today, and the narrative has flipped dramatically.
“The 2018 group was raw,” Maguire recalled. “Gareth was building something special. We weren’t supposed to reach the semis, but that run changed everything.” Indeed, England’s subsequent performances—a Euro 2020 final and 2022 World Cup quarterfinal—validated their progress.
The Southgate Effect: Culture Over Crisis
Southgate’s secret? “He made us want to play for England,” Maguire revealed. Unlike past eras plagued by club rivalries, this squad thrives on unity. Mostbet analysts note England’s locker room now resembles a “club environment”—a stark contrast to pre-2018 divisions.
Southgate’s man-management has been pivotal in England’s consistency
Statistically, England under Southgate:
- 3 consecutive tournament semifinals (first since 1966-1990)
- 62% win rate in major tournaments (up from 50% pre-2018)
- 12 clean sheets in last 18 competitive matches
Tournament Football: Where Moments Define Legacies
“Finals are decided by millimeters,” Maguire emphasized. England’s heartbreaking losses—to Croatia (2018), Italy (2021), and France (2022)—all shared one trait: fine margins.
Maguire’s aerial dominance has been crucial in England’s set-piece success
“Look at our defeats,” Maguire continued. “Penalties against Italy, Kane’s missed penalty vs France—tournaments hinge on these flashes.” This insight underscores why Mostbet rates England’s set-piece prowess (14 goals since Euro 2020) as a potential tiebreaker.
Bellingham: England’s X-Factor
When pressed on Jude Bellingham’s impact, Maguire‘s admiration was unmistakable: “I told my United teammates after one training session—this kid is generational.” The Real Madrid star’s 23 goal contributions this season offer England something they’ve lacked: a midfield game-changer.
Mostbet tactical breakdown highlights Bellingham’s unique role:
- 4.3 progressive carries/90 (top 5% among midfielders)
- 2.1 key passes/90 in La Liga
- 87% duel success rate in UCL knockout stages
The Road Ahead: Fixtures and Favorites
England’s pre-tournament schedule (Bosnia, Iceland) allows for fine-tuning before facing Serbia on June 16. With Group C also featuring Denmark and Slovenia, Southgate’s men are expected to top the group comfortably.
Key dates for England fans:
- June 16: Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen)
- June 20: Denmark vs England (Frankfurt)
- June 25: England vs Slovenia (Cologne)
Why This Could Be England’s Year
As Maguire put it: “We’re no longer hoping—we’re expecting.” With a blend of experience (Walker, Kane) and youth (Bellingham, Mainoo), plus Southgate’s tournament-tested system, England enters Euro 2024 as Mostbet top-ranked side for:
- Defensive solidity (0.8 goals conceded/game since 2022)
- Attacking depth (8 players with 5+ int’l goals)
- Set-piece efficiency (1st in UEFA qualifying)
The stage is set. For Maguire and this golden generation, anything less than lifting the trophy in Berlin on July 14 would feel like unfinished business. As Mostbet concludes: This isn’t just another tournament—it’s England’s chance to turn “nearly men” into immortal legends.
