Euro 2024: England calm amid criticism – Bowen
England’s experienced players from recent major tournaments are maintaining their composure amid a wave of criticism regarding their performances at Euro 2024, according to West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen.
Despite taking four points from their first two games against Serbia and Denmark, the Three Lions have not lived up to the high expectations as one of the pre-tournament favorites.
Gareth Southgate’s squad managed a 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday and struggled during the second half of their 1-0 win over Serbia.
However, England has a history of bouncing back after underwhelming second games in group stages.
For instance, they reached the final of Euro 2020 following a 0-0 draw with Scotland and progressed to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals despite a goalless draw with the United States.
England needs only a draw in their final Group C match against Slovenia to ensure progression, with a victory securing top spot in the group.
Bowen emphasized the importance of the experienced players in the squad in maintaining a calm atmosphere. “There are calm minds around the camp from players that have been here,” Bowen told reporters. “We’re calm and ready for the challenge on Tuesday.”
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Southgate acknowledged the need for improvement, noting that his players might be physically drained after a demanding club season.
Despite playing 50 games this season for club and country, Bowen, who has come on as a substitute in both games, feels fresh and ready to contribute.
Bowen believes England’s high standards, set by their success in recent tournaments, have made them victims of their own achievements. Despite the external criticism, Bowen insists the team remains positive and united.
“The mood is really high. We try not to get involved in the outside world because what we’ve got is a really tight group, a real togetherness,” he added. “We’re still top of the group and we’re still in control of our own destiny. We go into Tuesday’s game, win that and we’re going into the knockouts.”
The only absentee from England’s training on Saturday was Luke Shaw, who has not played since February due to a calf injury. Doubts over the Manchester United defender’s participation in the tournament persist, raising questions about Southgate’s decision to bring only one natural left-back in the 26-man squad.
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