ENGLAND fans have been left baffled after the Three Lions were confirmed as favourites to win Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s side endured an underwhelming group stage where they picked up just one win from three matches.
England also scored just two goals as their latest result ended in a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
And fans ripped into the team at full-time last night, with some even launching cups at Southgate from the stands.
But despite England’s measly three results, they remain top of the pile with the bookies.
The Three Lions went into the tournament as favourites.
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And they remain odds-on to win Euro 2024, with Ladbrokes pricing them at 4/1.
Hosts Germany are second-favourites to triumph, while Spain lead France and Portugal in third.
The rest of the pack sees Belgium, Italy and Holland in with decent shouts.
But fans have been left confused as to why England are clear favourites.
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One said: “Next joke.”
Another declared: “Bookies clearly aren’t watching.”
One noted: “It’s not coming home.”
Another added: “What a joke.”
Despite fans’ confusion, England have been made favourites as they have landed the favourable side of the knockout draw.
The Three Lions are on the opposite side to impressive quartet Germany, Spain, Portugal and France.
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It means they would only have to face one of those four if they go all the way and reach the final.
Instead, England have landed the side with Italy, Belgium and Holland.
And on paper, Southgate’s men will fancy their chances against all three.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “The draw has been kind to Southgate and co, and with the rest of the frontrunners in the top half of the bracket, England have now pulled away to head the betting to go one better than Euro 2020.”
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It now remains to be seen who England face in the last 16, with Holland looking the likely opponent after their shock third-place finish.
But certain results in Group F could end up seeing England face the third-place team from Group E instead, which could potentially be Belgium.
England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs Slovenia
ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.
England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.
Kieran Trippier – 6
The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.
Marc Guehi – 7
Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.
John Stones – 6
One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.
Kyle Walker – 5
Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Declan Rice – 7
Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.
Phil Foden – 7
Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.
Harry Kane – 6
Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7
Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.
Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7
Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6
Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.
Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6
Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
