Jose Mourinho has identified England as a top contender for Euro 2024 glory.
The national team, known as the Three Lions, is on a quest to secure their first significant title since 1966, and Mourinho regards them as one of the elite quartet in the competition.
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The English squad’s journey to the previous Euros finale was commendable, only to face a gut-wrenching exit via penalties against Italy at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.
A familiar narrative of initial promise followed by ultimate heartache unfolded at the recent World Cups, with England making it to the semi-finals and quarter-finals, respectively, but failing to clinch the prize.
Gareth Southgate has announced his chosen 26 players for the Euros, with notable exclusions including Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
With the bookmakers favoring England as potential Euro 2024 champions, the esteemed Mourinho concurs, while also noting that Portugal, France, and Spain are likely to be formidable adversaries in the quest for the coveted trophy.
Discussing Portugal’s chances, Mourinho told GOAL: ‘I don’t want to be disrespectful about previous generations that we had, but in terms of squad depth and quality, we are probably now the best we have ever been and Portugal can go on to win it.
‘It’s about having confidence, self belief that they can beat anyone. I don’t want to say Portugal are the best team, but Spain, France, England, Germany are not better.
‘The best problem for a coach is having to choose who to play, because there are two great right-backs, two great left-backs, two great positional midfielders – and I say two only because there is a 23-man squad but there are more.
‘If there is a surprise, I will be surprised! France and Germany always do well, Portugal and England are better than ever. These four teams.
‘I’m not certain about Spain but the football they play and the players they have are of the highest quality. Italy or Belgium would be a surprise.’
England have selected a relatively inexperienced team for the Euros, with 12 of their 26 travellers featuring at a major tournament for the very first time.
That includes Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer, who was the Premier League young player of the season in 2023-24.
The Euros begin next Friday with Germany taking on Scotland at the Allianz Arena. England start their campaign two days later against Serbia.
