Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age after his recent exploits for Portugal, while it's all set to kick off at the 2024 Euros. Gary Lemke highlights a few talking points ahead of the weekend’s football.
‘FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME’ (AGAIN)
It’s all kicking off, literally, as they say, this weekend as England try to bring football home again. They’ve held great expectations for several decades, in fact since winning the World Cup in 1966. Several “golden generations” have gone to major tournaments like the Euros and World Cup, but haven’t quite got over the line.
The “Three Lions” song, with the infamous “Football’s Coming Home” lyrics was released ahead of the 1996 Euros, which England hosted. They won their group, knocked out Spain in the quarters after beating Spain 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw, but then themselves were knocked out on penalties (6-5) after a 1-1 draw with eventual champions Germany in the semis. This time, England are 7/2 favourites with Hollywoodbets to go all the way.
GROUP OF DEATH NOT TERMINAL
There are 24 teams split into six different groups for these Euros, which are being staged in Germany. Taking bias and sniggers out of the way, England deserve their place as favourites. Four years ago they lost 3-2 on penalties after holding Italy to 1-1 at the end of extra time. And all after Luke Shaw had given England a 2nd-minute lead.
The fact that Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was named Player of the Tournament tells a story of its own. This time round Italy are 14/1 to win, with England at 7/2, France 4/1 Germany 11/2, Portugal 7/1 and Spain 8/1. There’s always a “Group of Death ” at a big tournament, and this time it’s Group B where Spain, Croatia, Italy and Albaniaclasdh. Fortunately, four of the best third-placed teams will move into the knockout stage.
QUESTION: WHICH EPL CLUBS HAVE MOST REPS?
The English Premier League understandably has the most representatives at Euro 2024, but would you be able to correctly predict the top five clubs with the most players?
The players can’t be out on loan outside of the EPL. The answer is at the bottom of this blog. Full disclosure, I got the first four but not the fifth. Also, the only EPL club for 2024/25 that doesn’t have any representatives?
RONALDO THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
This is not re-igniting the GOAT debate, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace for Portugal in a 3-0 friendly win over Ireland created more history for one of the finest players the game has seen. He netted for a record 21 straight years for his national team, to become the most prolific men’s goalscorer in that context.
He also nudged his tally up to 130, the most of any man. In scoring for a 21st straight year he went past Brazil’s Martha, although Ronaldo will need to keep playing – and scoring in 2025 and 2026 – if he’s to join Christine Sinclair, who scored in 23 straight years for Canada before retiring last year.
TEN HAG LAWS DOWN THE LAW
Good news for Man United fans, or perhaps not. Because Erik ten Hag is a bit like Marmite, if social media is a barometer. Some fans love him, others find he’s not to their taste. However, after plenty of speculation, it seems he’s staying at Old Trafford.
And so too might be Benni McCarthy, who Ten Hag reportedly enjoys working with as forwards coach and who is also out of contract. Again, reportedly, which allows you to believe what you want to, Ten Hag will sign an extended deal only if a couple of conditions are met – one of them being that Jadon Sancho must apologise for his behaviour to the manager.
DORTMUND MANAGER SAYS AUF WIEDERSEHEN
While one big club manager stays, another one goes. Champions League finalists Dortmund have parted ways with Edin Terzic following a pre-final confrontation with German defender Mats Hummels. Their disagreement turned “violent” and Terzic asked to leave the club.
There was no kickback from Dortmund’s board. Hummels had publicly accused the manager’s tactics as being “so inferior, so submissive. It was barricading 11 men in the box”. Terzic had been head coach for two-and-a-half years … Hummels has been there for 14 seasons.
ANSWER: EPL CLUB WITH MOST EURO REPS
It won’t surprise you that Manchester City have the most players involved at Euro 2024, with 14. They are followed by Arsenal (11), Liverpool (9), Man United (8) and Brentford (7).
There are four Danes who play club football at Brentford. Brighton (6) are next with Chelsea and Crystal Palace on five. The only club for 2024/25 that doesn’t have anyone at Euro 2024 is newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
