Three Shocking Results From Euro 2024 Warm-Up Friendlies
However, not all the results have gone according to plan. One team that had no such difficulties were recent World Cup finalists France.
Their preparations for the continental showdown couldn't have gone any better. They comprehensively dispatched Luxembourg by three goals to nil in Metz courtesy of goals from Randal Kolo Muani, Jonathan Clauss and captain Kylian Mbappe. While they have reached the last two World Cup finals back-to-back, Les Bleus haven't performed as well in the European Championships.
They last tasted glory at Euro 2000 when David Trezeguet's golden goal secured a 2-1 victory against Italy. Since then, they haven't managed to climb to the top step of the podium, most recently being dumped out in the Lst 16 by Switzerland. This year, they are amongst the favourites, with the latest online soccer lines and futures pricing them at +400.
The favourites however are Gareth Southgate's England. The bookies have made them the +300 frontrunner, despite not lifting a major trophy in 58 years. And their preparations couldn't have gone any worse, falling victim to an almighty shock at the hands of an all too familiar foe.
England 0-1 Iceland
For many English fans, the memory of their defeat to Iceland in Euro 2016 remains painfully vivid. Eight years ago, Roy Hodgson led England to perhaps the lowest point in their history, losing 2-1 to the Vkings in shocking fashion. This friendly match reawakened those ghosts as England fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Nordic nation once more, this time on home turf at Wembley.
Despite fielding a strong side, with all but Aaron Ramsdale, Marc Guehi, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon expected to start in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on June 16th, the Three Lions were once again unable to break down a disciplined Icelandic defence. This Icelandic team is a shadow of the one that reached the Euros eight years ago and the 2018 FFA World Cup, but they still have their resolute defence and capacity to counter-attack. That ability came to the fore through Jón Dagur Þorsteinsson's first-half strike, and the visitors never looked back.
For England, concerns have suddenly risen to the fore, primarily due to the lack of chances they created. But such a defeat couldn't have come at a better time, giving the Three Lions a walk-up call before the action gets underway properly. Whether they can heed the warning and bounce back remains to be seen.
Romania 0-0 Liechtenstein
On paper, this match should have been a comfortable victory for Romania. Their talented young squad reached the semifinals of the 2019 Under-21 European Championships, and many of them have made the step up to the first team. The likes of Ianis Hagi, George Pușcaș, and Florinel Coman all shone brightly in Italy five years ago, and they were once again impressive in Euro 2024 qualifying as the Romanians topped their group without losing a game,
Their clash then against a Liechtenstein side ranked significantly lower than them in the FIFA standings was expected to be a demolition job. However, what unfolded was anything but, with the underdogs providing a defensive masterclass. Their much lofter-ranked opponents dominated possession in the Cyprus-hosted future, but they were unable to break down a compact defence. Despite numerous attempts, Romania could not find a way past goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel, who delivered several crucial saves and even picked up a yellow card for time-wasting late on.
This goalless draw highlights potential issues for Romania as they prepare for Euro 2024. The inability to convert possession into goals against weaker opposition could be a significant concern heading into the tournament. They have been drawn into a favourable group alongside Slovakia and Ukraine, and they have a very real chance of reaching the knockout stages. With more displays like this, however, they may very well be on the first flight home.
Germany 0-0 Ukraine
Germany is hosting Euro 2024 and is one of the frontrunners for glory. Since reintroducing Toni Kroos to the fold - with the Real Madrid man retiring from all forms of football at the culmination of the tournament - Die Mannschaft have hit a purple patch culminating in back-to-back victories against France and the Netherlands. Many expected them to continue their impressive return to form, but they were unable to find a way past Ukraine in Nuremberg.
Julian Nagelsmann fielded a heavily rotated lineup, but stars such as captain Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Ilkay Gundogan all started. However, despite that attacking arsenal, they were unable to find a breakthrough. The hosts will raise the curtain against Scotland in Munich on June 14th, and the Tartan Army is expected to be similarly defensively resolute. The home faithful will be hoping that they aren't as goal-shy when their Euros campaign gets underway.