McAvennie: England's Euro 2024 Victory Hinges on Southgate's Tactics

As England gears up for the Euro 2024 tournament, former Scotland and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie believes the Three Lions have the potential to clinch the title, but he’s concerned about manager Gareth Southgate’s tactics.

In an exclusive interview with Football Insider, McAvennie praised England’s footballing prowess, highlighting that no other nation appears to be on the same level. England currently sits fourth in FIFA‘s rankings, trailing only Argentina, France, and Brazil.

England secured their spot in the Germany-based tournament with two games to spare following a convincing 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley in October. They are set to face Malta and North Macedonia during the current international break.

However, McAvennie expressed reservations about Southgate’s tactical choices, particularly referencing the Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy. In that match, he believes Southgate’s conservative approach hindered England’s chances of victory.

McAvennie emphasized the need for a more aggressive strategy, especially in critical moments. He suggested that Southgate should have introduced forward players to put pressure on the opponent’s defense and exploit their fatigue.

The former striker’s concern revolves around what he perceives as Southgate’s negative approach, even though England has consistently been seen as a strong contender in recent international tournaments.

While acknowledging that Scottish fans might not share his optimism for England’s chances, McAvennie believes this could be the year for the Three Lions to secure their first major tournament victory since the historic 1966 World Cup win.

In closing, McAvennie expressed his support for England’s quest for European glory, even though he hails from neighbouring Scotland, stating that if Scotland can’t win, he wouldn’t mind seeing England succeed in Euro 2024.