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Week One
1. The Phoden Conundrum
England got off to a…lets say, a solid start with a hard fought 1-0 victory over the combative Serbians.
England completely dominating the first 30 minutes with Joe Bellingham scoring the only goal with a great header all round man of the match performance.
But from after the half hour mark they didn’t really do anything, with Serbia becoming increasingly dangerous.
The main concern was the poor game that Phil Phoden had. Player of the year in the EPL this season, he hasn’t managed to convert his club from for his country. Played on the left of a front three it doesn’t seem to be working for him or England. Personally I’d rather see him play as the number 10, drop Bellingham alongside Declan Rice instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and bring in Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eve on the left. Players who can beat a man or two and stretch the opposition defense.
2. Mbappe’s nose
Like England, France had a similarly frustrating game, although they also won 1-0. Unlike England though they suffered a couple of injuries to two of their biggest stars.
French fans are sweating on news from team France whether Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann will be available for their upcoming game abasing the Netherlands after two nasty head injuries sustained during their opening match against Austria. Rival fans will be hoping for a slower recovery.
3. How good are Germany?
Or rather how bad are Scotland? This was like watching a pub team against a Premier League team, such was the gulf in class. But more than anything that stood out was just how much quicker, fitter and generally more athletic the Germans looked.
The German team have a stacked squad and in Jamal Musiala they have one of the best young players in the world. We won’t see how good Germany really are until the group stages as group A is one of the easiest groups. Scotland really were terrible, maybe they’re buckling under the pressure of optimism.
4. The new dark horses are….
Romania! They’re giving us all 90’s nostalgia vibes in that famous yellow kit, banging in goals from outside the box and battering last weeks dark horse Ukraine.
Next stop is Belgium (the new England), who to be honest looked pretty crap losing 1-0 against Slovakia. Belgium have it all to do, Romania must be licking their lips.
5. Goal of the fist round
And probably the best game as well… Ada Guler with the sweetest of strikes for Turkey V Georgia, on the run, he made that look so easy. This tournament is already shaping up to be one for the wonder kids as the old guard start to make way for youth.
Arda Güler bends one into the net to give Turkey a 2-1 lead vs. Georgia | UEFA Euro 2024
6. Haircut of the tournament
This has been a disappointing tournament for haircuts so far. I like to keep a keen eye on these things! Some iconic moments in world football have been made more iconic by the simple fact of a bad or great haircut.
Step up Andrei Ratiu with a shocking blue barnet. He’s thrown the kitchen sink at this one. Part blue rinse, a 90’s step, sweep over fringe and some lightening bolts just to finish it off. Absolute belter.
7. Kit of the tournament
I don’t want to admit it but I’m all over the German kit, and more specifically the shorts. I’m just hoping they get to wear the black versions (pictured below) this tournament. Oh and the long sleeve jersey version that Kai Havertz wore. FIRE!
Special mention goes to the France away jersey. Combining some 80’s Platini pinstripe and oversized retro crest with some modern styling. Love it!
