Smith fears for England's chances of Euro 2020 title: 'That hope left when we had the best team on paper years back'
PDCThursday, 10 June 2021 at 09:00
Ahead of the start of Euro 2020, which begins on June 11, Dartsnews looks ahead to this tournament with several darts players. In this article Michael Smith previews England's chances.
The Three Lions are assigned to a group with Croatia, Scotland and Czech Republic. A favourable draw for the group stage, but Smith doesn't seem to have much faith in a maiden Euro title.
Who would you start at right back, given that Southgate has picked a lot of them?
''Not to sure as it depends on what team we are playing. If it’s going to be a close game then Trippier.''
Do you feel more confident about England's chances of winning the tournament compared to the 2018 World Cup?
''As a Englishman I’m never confident of England’s chances. That hope left when when we had the best team on paper years back and it still was useless haha.''
Would you want to see Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson play even if they're not fully fit?
''Definitely not. Maguire maybe, he has played the full season. I don’t understand why Henderson was even selected after he’s been out for months and more people deserved that spot.''
Who will be the surprise star for England and why?
''I haven’t got a clue what goes through Southgate's head. The only surprise I’ve seen is Bellington being named in the squad.''
If you were the manager of the England national team, which players would you put in your starting eleven?
GK: Henderson
RB: Trippier
CB: Maguire
CB: Stones
LB: Shaw
Mid: Rice
Mid: Mount
Mid: Phillips
RW: Rashford
CF: Kane
LW: Foden
What outcome would you consider a success for England this summer?
''Only winning is good enough. Just like any sportsman, it’s never a good event unless you are the champion.''
What's your favourite England moment at a major tournament?
''My favourite moment was when I was in Las Vegas with a few friends, watching England versus Colombia and England finally winning a penalty shootout. Apart from that I’m not old enough to see England win the World Cup in 1966.''
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- Oh, dear... how will we cope now?MrYnyslas197122-11-2024
- They really are going through an insipid spell - at present.MrYnyslas197122-11-2024
- Well done Mike – good to move on and look to the future. With his talent, and increasing confidence on stage, he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the month ahead.
UndartedWaters22-11-2024 - It's called talent and good on him.medinabello21-11-2024
- There are 30 Players Championship rounds to play first throughout the year and you have to be in the top 64 to get to the finals. This is probably the hardest Major to win as its the top 128 players at each event or the top ranked Challenge Tour players if any tour card holders drop out.Mysstree20-11-2024