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England wins its Euro 2024 group unconvincingly
England won their group at the 2024 UEFA European Championship with an unconvincing week and a half of play.
The #ThreeLions head into the #EURO2024 knockout stage as group winners pic.twitter.com/S8oMxjfuA7
— England (@England) June 25, 2024
Five points from three games was enough to keep the side atop Group C, which England were predicted to dominant.
Their lone win was a tight game against Serbia to kick-off the tournament, followed by a tentative 1-1 draw against Denmark. A 0-0 tie against Slovenia Tuesday evening wrapped up the group stage.
England’s group win speaks more to the inability of their opponent than proper superiority. Such performances put increased pressure on manager Gareth Southgate to get more out of the group in the knockout stages.
This England side has one of the world’s best strikers in Harry Kane, English Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden, Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or favorite Jude Bellingham complemented with an array of attacking talent.
To only manage two goals in three games demonstrates that Southgate isn’t getting the most out of his group.
3.39 - England's matches at #EURO2024 have produced the fewest expected goals (2.26 for, 1.13 against). Ennui. pic.twitter.com/JeuznVhT7D
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 25, 2024
Despite his success in the Premier League as a No. 10, Southgate played Foden on the left wing for the entire group stage.
He played Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield for the first two games, and when that experiment failed, he opted for a conservative replacement in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher instead of letting a more-than-capable Bellingham sit back while another attacking midfielder player helps the front three.
The Premier League Young Player of the Season Cole Palmer saw the pitch for the first time this tournament during the 71st minute of Tuesday’s game. Palmer finished second in the Premier League Golden Boot race this past season.
For a side that’s having trouble scoring goals to not go to a reliable goal scorer sooner is inexplicable.
Cole Palmer's game by numbers vs. Slovenia:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 25, 2024
100% pass accuracy
22 touches
3 dribbles
2 crosses
1 shot on target
England's brightest player in the final third. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/fedGU8SJVG
The cautious nature of a side with proven, world-class ability is disappointing for fans. They’re not being given the chance to see the best footballers at the tournament play exciting football.
"You've got to show a bit more effort than that"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 25, 2024
England fans react to the Three Lions' 0-0 draw with Slovenia pic.twitter.com/Q4IjTfx3PY
No matter who England draws for the Round of 16 game on Sunday, they’ll be expected to go through. They cannot, however, promise it’ll be in a way that maximizes their potential and intrigue.
More must-reads:
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Mets finally fix hole in outfield in trade with Orioles
Center field has been a glaring weakness in the New York Mets lineup this season. That is no longer the case after Thursday's trade. Anthony DiComo from MLB.com reported that the Mets have acquired outfielder Cedric Mullins from the Orioles. In exchange, pitching prospects Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez and Chandler Marsh are heading to Baltimore. Mullins gives the Mets another dynamic presence in the lineup. He had posted a .229/.305/.433 batting line in 355 plate appearances for the Orioles, hitting 15 homers and 19 doubles while stealing 14 bases. Mullins' overall numbers were torpedoed by a dreadful two month slump in April and May where he had a .169/.204/.338 batting line in 158 plate appearances. The Orioles receive a trio of intriguing pitching prospects highlighted by Nunez. The Mets' 14th-ranked prospect at the time of the trade, Nunez spent two seasons in the San Diego Padres' system as an infielder before going to Division II University of Tampa. A two-way player in 2024, he signed with the Mets as an undrafted free agent and has rapidly ascended through their system. Nunez has a solid arsenal highlighted by a plus sweeper and changeup, helping his cutter and mid-90s fastball play up. His command is a work in progress but he may have a future as a late-inning weapon in the Orioles bullpen. Gomez, the Mets' 30th-ranked prospect, has the type of velocity that few pitchers can match. His 80-grade fastball regularly sits in the triple digits and has been clocked as high as 104.5 mph. His plus slider can make opposing hitters look foolish, especially if they are gearing up for the fastball. Gomez has question marks — his command is questionable at best and he is coming off of a Tommy John surgery in 2023. Nonetheless, his pure stuff is the type that teams dream about. Marsh was unranked in the Mets system and is another relief prospect with a fastball/slider profile. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and he has a solid slider, however, both play down due to a lack of control.
Yankees continue to enhance bullpen with Jake Bird acquisition
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Yankees trading for Rockies' Jake Bird would be a mistake
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