Pickford: England Ready To Thrive Under Euro 2024 Favourites Pressure

Jordan Pickford has called on England to embrace the pressure of being one of the favourites to win Euro 2024. England reached the final of Euro 2020, losing on penalties to Italy, and also made it to the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the last two World Cups under Gareth Southgate.

According to the Opta supercomputer, England are slight favourites for Euro 2024, with a 19.9 per cent chance of lifting the trophy for the first time, narrowly ahead of France at 19.1 per cent. Pickford believes that despite the squad's youth, they can handle the expectations that come with being favourites.

"Apart from Russia in 2018 [World Cup], where there was no pressure on us, to be a top, elite team you have got to have pressure," Pickford said. "You have got to deal with it. To be one of the favourites, you have got to enjoy that pressure."

Pickford emphasised the importance of balancing experience and youth within the team. "I think we've got the right balance [between experience and youth]. With experience, we can help the younger lads who haven't had as many caps," he noted.

"Some of the lads who are newer have been to major tournaments at younger levels and you have got to go away from home for a while. Everyone has been through those experiences. The senior lads, we have got to help those younger lads if needs be, but they are top players; they don't need much help."

Defensive Concerns

The goalkeeper also addressed concerns about defensive changes in England's squad. Harry Maguire had to withdraw from the preliminary squad due to a calf injury sustained in April. Luke Shaw will not be fit to start the Euros, and John Stones missed training on Wednesday due to illness but returned on Thursday.

Despite these changes, Pickford remains confident. "It doesn't affect us. [There's] a lot of lads I've played with anyway. Anyone who's in the England squad is there for what they have done for their club," he said.

Confidence in Squad Depth

Pickford expressed confidence in whoever starts in front of him against Serbia. "It's easy [playing with younger defenders]. They're there because of talent. When they're talented, I can help them, guide them, because I can see the full pitch and just my communication is hopefully a key to help them."

"Everyone is fighting for a spot. Whoever plays, we are always ready and prepared. That's what the manager and the staff do. They get us ready and prepared for whoever it is."

Upcoming Matches

England's Euro 2024 campaign begins against Serbia on Sunday, with Denmark and Slovenia following in Group C.