England’s final warm-up match before Euro 2024 ended in disappointment as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley.
It has been nearly eight years since Iceland delivered one of the most humiliating defeats in England’s history, and Friday’s match did little to ease those memories. Instead, England struggled to find a breakthrough and conceded an early goal by former Fulham player Jon Thorsteinsson, which ultimately decided the game.
While this match was intended as a final tune-up before the tournament, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on England’s performance in Germany. Nevertheless, Gareth Southgate and his team will be eager to put this loss behind them and focus on the upcoming competition.
England’s final game before Euro 2024 ended in a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley.
The Three Lions were caught off guard by an early strike from the former Fulham player.
Grealish Controversy
The surprise surrounding Jack Grealish’s exclusion from the final Euro 2024 squad extended beyond the England camp, with several Premier League figures expressing their disbelief at Gareth Southgate’s decision.
According to Mail Sport, managers and other prominent individuals from the Premier League have reached out to the Manchester City star to convey their shock at his omission. Grealish’s exclusion from the squad traveling to Germany on Monday was the most talked-about within the team.
The 28-year-old’s absence sparked a petition on change.org calling for his reinstatement, which had gathered nearly 150 signatures as of Friday night.
Gareth Southgate’s decision to exclude Jack Grealish from the Euro 2024 squad has sparked widespread debate.
Guehi Attracts Interest from Top Clubs
Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace defender who is set to partner John Stones in central defense for England at Euro 2024, is attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester United as he enters the final two years of his contract.
Guehi has established himself as a key member of the England squad and is expected to start the tournament following Southgate’s decision to drop an injured Harry Maguire. The 23-year-old is focused on the upcoming competition and will address his future after the tournament.
Marc Guehi, a transfer target for multiple Premier League clubs, is expected to start for England at Euro 2024.
Unwanted Wembley Record
England have now conceded the opening goal in three consecutive games at Wembley for the first time since 1954, with Iceland’s early strike adding to their recent woes at the national stadium.
Youri Tielemans and Endrick had previously scored first for Belgium and Brazil, respectively, in their recent matches against England. This unwanted record will be a concern for Southgate as he prepares his team for the upcoming tournament.
Thorsteinsson’s early goal marked the third consecutive game in which England conceded first at Wembley.
Wharton’s Family Concerns
Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder who recently made his England debut, has been causing a stir among opposition managers. However, his family, particularly his grandmother, had their own concerns when he first moved to London.
Wharton’s father, John, revealed that his son’s grandmothers were initially worried about him moving to the capital, but he has since settled well and is even looking to buy a house there. Wharton’s inclusion in England’s 26-man Euros squad caps off an impressive breakthrough season for the young midfielder.
Adam Wharton’s father disclosed his grandmother’s initial worries about his move to Crystal Palace.
Transfer Talk in the England Camp
With the transfer window approaching, transfer gossip is inevitable, and it has been a topic of discussion within the England camp as well. Players have been openly discussing their future plans and potential moves with their teammates.
Southgate Matches Sir Bobby’s Record
The match against Iceland marked Gareth Southgate’s 95th game in charge of England, equaling Sir Bobby Robson’s record.
The match against Iceland was Gareth Southgate’s 95th game as England manager, drawing him level with Sir Bobby Robson. Only Sir Alf Ramsey (113) and Sir Walter Winterbottom (139) have managed more games for the national team.