Gareth Southgate’s England face the Netherlands for a place in the Euro 2024 final (Picture: Getty)
A ‘quietly confident’ Michael Owen has backed England to edge past the Netherlands and secure a spot in the Euro 2024 final.
Last time out, England produced an improved display versus Switzerland to advance to the semi-finals but Gareth Southgate’s men once again did it the hard way, coming from behind and progressing via a penalty shootout.
However, England impressed for long periods in Dusseldorf, with Southgate opting to switch to a back three, and there is a growing sense of optimism among fans, pundits and former players.
Up next for England – chasing a first major trophy in 58 years – is an all-important clash with Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side, who booked their place in the final four thanks to a 2-1 victory over Turkey previously.
The winning team on Wednesday night will face the victor of this evening’s heavyweight semi-final between an out-of-sorts France and Spain, arguably the standout team in this summer’s tournament.
Previewing the Three Lions’ contest with the Netherlands for CSGOLuck, ex-England striker Owen said: ‘We’ve played five games now, and we have been poor for four of them and alright for one.
‘It’s hard to see how we can play that many games, then all of a sudden have a total shift in performance. But the Netherlands again are another step up, although I wouldn’t consider them one of the three or four elite nations in the world.
The Three Lions advanced via a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland (Picture: Getty)
‘But they are in that group behind, so normally I would fancy us to go through against them but based on current form I’d say it’s a 50/50.
‘It’s very hard to back against England because you can’t help but look at the teams on paper and think we have better individual players, so it’s hard to go against us.
‘I’d say it could even be a 1-1 draw again with us going through on penalties, or us winning 2-1. I’d go for the latter. I am quietly confident we can go through.’
Potter has been out of a job since being dismissed by Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Southgate, who is out of contract with England later this year, has admitted that he will likely step aside should he fail to lead his side to glory this summer.
Owen believes Southgate will look to leave regardless of the outcome in Germany and feels ex-Brighton and Chelsea head coach Graham Potter could be the best fit to replace him in the hot seat.
‘I could imagine with Southgate that there will be a natural parting no matter what the result. If we win it, Southgate’s had a fair crack at it, he’s enjoyed it but he might even be ready for a change himself,’ the former Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid forward added.
‘The general feeling among fans in England has been that this is his last tournament.
Owen is ‘quietly confident’ England will book their place in the final (Picture: Getty)
‘A lot of people are frustrated with the cautious approach. I just think it may be an occasion whereby it’s best for everyone, he might want a break or have a crack at club management.
‘I would say if we win or not, Southgate will be looking at life after England.
‘There is not an outstanding candidate to take over if Southgate goes. I personally am of the opinion that we should stick to an English manager, that’s what international football is about. In fact I would almost go as far as to say there should be a rule change. You are playing for your country, the players are going to be from that country.
‘In club football you can have any player or coach from any country but I think when you’re playing for your country it should be Scottish managers, Scottish players and Scottish physios. That’s the point. Same with France. That’s the point of international football.
‘It’s not a rule but I would have that principle and would like England to have an English manager. I think possibly the one manager free and available is Graham Potter, who may take it. Apart from him, I think Steve Cooper is a good manager, Frank Lampard and Gerrard would have been tipped in the past but they probably need to do well in their current jobs to be back in the fold maybe.
‘Eddie Howe I really see as a top manager but he’s employed at the moment. As things stand, if Southgate were to leave tomorrow I’d probably say Potter.’
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