Rio Ferdinand has insisted that England can reach the final of Euro 2024 this summer, despite Wayne Rooney raising concerns over his former Manchester United teammate’s bold prediction.
England comfortably punched their ticket to UEFA’s tournament in Germany with an impressive qualifying campaign, with the Three Lions finishing top of Group C.
The Three Lions won six and drew in two of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches, as Euro 2020 champions Italy finished six points behind England in Group C.
England have been placed in Group C for Euro 2024 and will face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia at the competition, which begins in June and ends in July.
Gareth Southgate’s men came within touching distance of major silverware in the Euro 2020 final, only to suffer defeat to Italy on penalties at Wembley.
The England boss is out of contract in December and Euro 2024 could potentially be Southgate’s final tournament in charge of the Three Lions.
Luke Shaw is currently a doubt for Euro 2024 after he sustained a leg injury, while Marcus Rashford is likely to secure a place in the England squad despite his form.
Manchester United teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, who has had a remarkable breakthrough season, could also earn his first England call-up from Southgate.
Ferdinand and Rooney on England at Euro 2024
Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott discussed on TNT Sports who should make Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
TNT Sports’ England XI had Jordan Pickford between the sticks, with a four-man backline of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manchester United duo Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.
Ahead of the backline is a three-man midfield of Phil Foden, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, with the latter having a remarkable debut season at Real Madrid.
England captain Harry Kane is leading the frontline with Bukayo Saka out on the right, while the left-sided position in the England attack was left vacant.
Rio Ferdinand insisted England would reach the final of Euro 2024 based on their current team, though Wayne Rooney raised his concerns about the midfield three.
“That team gets to the final,” said Ferdinand, as per The Daily Mail.
Responding to Ferdinand, Rooney said: “It depends who you are playing, I would be concerned with that midfield against a top team. It will be too open.
“It is a midfield that would scare any team in Europe, but Foden, Bellingham, they play with a freedom, you are leaving Declan Rice in midfield on his own.
“This is why Rio has done the TV for so long!”
Ferdinand and Rooney talk Rashford
Ferdinand admitted that he would take Rashford out on the left for England, despite the United star’s underwhelming season for the Red Devils so far.
Rooney agreed with his fellow United legend, but he added that Manchester City star Jack Grealish could also be in contention for starting ahead of Rashford.
“On the left, I would go Rashford,” Ferdinand said.
“He looks like he is coming to the home straight and the confidence will be there.”
Rooney added: “England are blessed in attack.
“We haven’t even mentioned Grealish. I would go [with] Marcus because he is a threat and plays a lot different for England. It suits him more.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/9hWoeGT