Pep Guardiola Called to Aid England’s Euro 2024 Campaign Ahead of Switzerland Showdown
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been proposed as the potential solution to England’s struggles at Euro 2024 ahead of their crucial quarter-final match against Switzerland.
Former Premier League star Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that Guardiola’s tactical expertise could unlock England’s potential. England, under Gareth Southgate, have looked lackluster at Euro 2024, facing Switzerland in the quarter-finals today (July 6). Despite being tournament favorites, England has not lived up to expectations in Germany.
Agbonlahor believes Guardiola’s experience in breaking down deep defenses could be the game-changer for England. The six-time Premier League-winning manager routinely faces teams that adopt defensive stances against his Manchester City side, a challenge similar to what England has faced.
“We’ve got some of the best players in the world, and we look clueless. We can’t get through a low block,” said Agbonlahor on talkSPORT. “As crazy as it sounds, I feel like [asking] can Pep Guardiola do a session with them to get through a low block, because that’s what Manchester City have to get through every week. And they do it with ease.”
While it remains unclear why Guardiola, a Catalan coach, would assist one of Spain’s potential opponents, England may soon be on the hunt for new coaching talent. Southgate is expected to step down after Euro 2024, despite leading England to a runner-up finish at Euro 2020.
Southgate’s side, which had an encouraging qualification campaign, has looked bereft of attacking ideas in possession during the tournament. An extra-time winner from Harry Kane secured England’s place in the last eight after Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute equalizer saved their hopes against Slovakia. The Slovaks were moments away from a clean-sheet win before England’s late heroics.
This sets a tense stage for their quarter-final clash with Switzerland, who have been impressive throughout their campaign. The Swiss recently defeated Italy 2-0, a team that denied England the European crown three years ago.
With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, England’s supporters and pundits alike are looking for solutions. Guardiola’s expertise might just be the key to turning their fortunes around at Euro 2024.
