As we delve into the recent shifts in English football’s European success, we must recognize the unpredictability of any competitive sport. While England’s performance this season may seem disappointing, it’s a reminder of the inherent risks and uncertainties involved. Speaking of risks, those interested in sports betting should always consider them carefully. For those who do, rg.org offers comprehensive resources on safe gambling, ensuring that bettors can responsibly engage with the sport they love and with the correct information.
In 2019 English teams took all four places in the finals of the two major European cups. Then, Liverpool beat Tottenham in the main match of the Champions League, and Chelsea took the Europa League by defeating Arsenal.
Five years later, England has not secured a place in the semi-finals of the UCL and UEL – and this is only the third such case in the 21st century. The only EPL representative in Europe was Aston Villa, still a contender for the third most important European Cup (the best comment in English social networks: “For Aston Villa – the first European semi-final in 40 years, for Unai Emery – an ordinary Thursday”). It is doubly frustrating for English fans that the finals of the two major European Cups will be held in London and Dublin this year.
The Reasons for the Failure are the Decline of the Grands
1) The sub-optimal composition of English European Cup participants and newcomers to the Champions League. The slumps of Chelsea and Tottenham last season left both top clubs without Europe, but Newcastle and Brighton got there. Arsenal and the Magpies played in the Champions League for the first time in many years – most of the players from both clubs had almost no experience in this tournament. And also somehow already forgotten, but in the Champions League, played a strange MU, experiencing this season another crisis.
2) Tough draw. Newcastle got into the Champions League group of death (it was clear then, and it is even more apparent now when PSG and Dortmund reached the semifinals). The Magpies would probably have gotten out of this group if not for the scandalous penalty in Paris in the 98th minute.
In the draw for the quarterfinals of the Champions League, City and Arsenal got perhaps the worst possible opponents. You can talk about Bayern’s slump all you want. Still, their players’ experience and quality have not gone anywhere, and their failures in the league have only added motivation in the Champions League. As for the Europa League, the tough West Ham were unlucky in falling to the incredible Bayer.
What’s Next?
Regarding distance, England is the best by a margin. Anyone who has ever worked with data knows that you have to look at the trend and be able to spot anomalies. In the last five years, we’ve seen two English Champions League finals, and of the ten finalists, six have represented the EPL). This is best illustrated by the UEFA rankings – despite this season, England’s gap to Spain and Italy is enormous: 104 points compared to 89 points.
The number of English grands. If you buy six lottery tickets and your friend buys two, it doesn’t mean you’ll win, but your chances are better. England has about as many top clubs as Spain, Germany, and France combined – the Super League has been around for a long time.