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In the first of two pre-Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies, England welcomes Bosnia-Herzegovina to Newcastle United's St James' Park on Monday evening. While the Three Lions are gearing up for another shot at international glory, their visitors will not be part of this year's continental festivities.
England's Quest for Glory
England enters this friendly with the weight of gargantuan expectations on their shoulders. Regarded as one of the favorites to lift the Euro 2024 trophy in Germany, Gareth Southgate's squad is determined to end 58 years of hurt on the men's side of the game. Their ambition is to emulate the success of the women's team, who conquered Europe at Euro 2022.
Two years ago, England's men faced heartache at Wembley, losing to Italy in a penalty shootout during the Euro 2020 final. This summer, they aim to right those wrongs and achieve the ultimate triumph. Navigating their Euro 2024 qualifying group without suffering a single defeat, England will face Serbia, Slovenia, and Euro 2020 semi-final foes Denmark in the group stage. Their campaign kicks off against Serbia on June 16.
Before they check into their German hotel, England's friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland (on June 7) provide an opportunity to build momentum. These matches also offer a chance to secure at least one win for the calendar year, following a lackluster performance in March's exhibition double-header. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil, courtesy of Real Madrid-bound teenager Endrick, was followed by a dramatic 2-2 draw with Belgium, rescued by Jude Bellingham's last-gasp intervention.
Gareth Southgate's future remains a hot topic, with rumors suggesting Manchester United's interest in luring him away from the national team. Despite his contract with the FA running until the end of the year, the governing body reportedly wishes to retain his services for the 2026 World Cup, especially if he can lead the team to glory this summer.
Bosnia-Herzegovina's Struggles
In contrast to England's smooth qualification, Bosnia-Herzegovina will not be at Euro 2024, having squandered their playoff opportunity after a disappointing qualification campaign. The Dragons finished second-from-bottom in Group J, securing only three wins in ten matches. Their playoff semi-final against Ukraine ended in heartbreak, with a late collapse resulting in a 2-1 defeat despite taking the lead through an own goal.
Bosnia's only major tournament appearance since the breakup of Yugoslavia was at the 2014 World Cup. They come to St James' Park on a dismal four-match losing streak and will face reigning European champions Italy on June 9 before focusing on their Nations League campaign in League A. Their last friendly away win dates back to June 2018, and they have failed to score in their last four friendlies, losing three consecutively.
Match Analysis
England enters this match as heavy favorites, boasting a squad brimming with talent and confidence. Southgate is likely to use this friendly to experiment with formations and tactics, ensuring his team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Key players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham will be crucial in breaking down a resilient Bosnian defense.
Bosnia, on the other hand, will view this match as an opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe's elite. With no major tournament to prepare for, they can play with freedom and without pressure. Players like Edin Džeko and Miralem Pjanić will be tasked with leading by example and providing a stern test for England's defense.
Key Players to Watch
England:
- Harry Kane: The prolific striker will be eager to add to his goal tally and lead by example.
- Bukayo Saka: The young winger has been in scintillating form and will look to terrorize the Bosnian defense.
- Jude Bellingham: Fresh from his heroic performance against Belgium, the midfield maestro will be pivotal in dictating play.
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
- Edin Džeko: The veteran forward remains a potent threat and will be key to any attacking success.
- Miralem Pjanić: The experienced midfielder will need to control the tempo and provide creativity in the middle of the park.
- Amar Dedić: A rising star, his energy and tenacity will be vital in both defense and attack.
Final Thoughts
This friendly serves as a crucial preparation for England as they fine-tune their tactics and build cohesion ahead of Euro 2024. For Bosnia-Herzegovina, it's a chance to regroup, experiment, and gain valuable experience against top-tier opposition. While the odds heavily favor England, the unpredictable nature of football ensures that anything can happen.
As the Three Lions aim to build momentum and confidence, fans will be hoping for a dominant performance that sets the tone for their European campaign. Meanwhile, Bosnia will look to defy the odds and pull off a memorable upset. Regardless of the result, this match promises to provide valuable insights and entertainment for football enthusiasts.
