Ledley King believes England’s shock defeat to Iceland is a ‘wake-up call’ for Gareth Southgate’s side… but still thinks the Three Lions are still the favourites to win Euro 2024
Ledley King believes England’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland on Friday is a reminder for the Three Lions to remain vigilant but is confident they can still go far at the European Championships this summer.
Wembley and England fans were stunned when Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first-half goal was enough to overturn Gareth Southgate’s in their final warm-up match before boarding the plane to Euro 2024.
The Three Lions – who are favorites to win the tournament – were booed off the pitch after the final whistle blew, putting a dampener on the mood ahead of a big summer.
King, who has worn the England jersey in two major international tournaments, believes the worrying result may not be a bad thing for Southgate’s side.
“Yesterday’s performance and result was disappointing but sometimes that can be a good thing going into a tournament,” King told Mail Sport.
Ledley King says England’s loss to Iceland is a ‘wake-up call’, but it could also be good
England’s loss to Iceland shocked fans, but King does not think it is cause for too much concern
The former England international spoke to Mail Sport during Paddy Power’s penalty shootout event
He continues: ‘It keeps everyone alert, it’s a bit of a wake-up call for everyone. It reminds us how hard it is to go on and win a game.
‘I won’t read too much into it, I think we have a very strong team and have a very good chance of doing well in the tournament.’
The former Tottenham captain spoke to Mail Sport on Paddy Power’s penalty shootout event at League One side Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road, where five players and their friends won a ticket to Euro 2024.
King knows the feeling of going to the European Championships, having been part of the squad in 2004 and ultimately appearing twice at the championships in Portugal.
And while the 43-year-old understands that the task ahead of the current England squad is a tough one, Friday’s defeat has not dented their chances of winning the tournament in Germany this summer.
‘Before the tournament I said we have as good a chance as I can remember. I still believe that we have the strongest squad and even the strongest eleven of all the teams.
‘There is a lot involved in winning the tournament, a bit of luck here and there and players remaining injury free.
“But I really believe we are one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to do it in Germany.”
43-year-old King (left) made two of his 21 Three Lions caps at Euro 2004 in Portugal
And former England striker James Beattie also shares King’s confidence in Southgate’s players.
When asked who he thinks will win the European Championships this summer, Beattie had an emphatic but simple answer. “England,” he said.
‘Like every English fan would want England to win the European Championship. It will be tough, but you have to live in hope.”