Yahoo Sports Former England forward says Three Lions have ‘massive chance’ at Euro 2024
Emile Heskey has said England have a ‘massive chance’ at Euro 2024 despite not ‘setting the world alight’ at the tournament so far.
England face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening, after a nervy extra-time win against Slovakia in the Round of 16.
Gareth Southgate’s side laboured through the group stage and required a last-gasp Jude Bellingham equaliser to force extra time against Slovakia, a side ranked just 45th in the world.
Having started the tournament as favourites, expectations have been reduced around England but Heskey – who scored seven goals in 62 caps for the Three Lions – believes a favourable draw gives Southgate’s side a ‘massive chance’ of reaching the final.
“England have performed as they have done in many games previous,” Heskey exclusively told The Football Faithful, at an event hosted by 888sport.
“They aren’t setting the world alight. They play a certain way and that isn’t going to change. They need to play more on the front foot, try and get more attacking players on the pitch as we have so much talent.
“We’re through to the quarter-finals and the route gives England a massive chance of getting to the final. We do need more balance on the left hand side so hopefully (Luke) Shaw can come in soon.”
Heskey was asked why he feels England have underperformed to date and believes the success of recent tournaments has increased the expectation around the side.
“The expectation is so high now. Semi-finals and a final in the last two tournaments, the expectation is for England to win well. With Foden, Kane, Bellingham and Saka, you have players who have had great domestic seasons, but it hasn’t fully clicked
“You have a brilliant moment from Bellingham (equaliser against Slovakia) and hopefully there’s more to come.”
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