The fear behind Champions League’s ‘turning point’ and football’s trepidation in 2024
There are some nerves at the top level of football as a new year starts and they aren’t all related to the usual concerns.
Many might say an “unusual concern” perfectly describes the prospect of England finally winning a tournament. Gareth Southgate’s side are seen as the likely Euro 2024 winners by the majority of the field, at least outside of France.
It’s a sense of expectation, rather than just optimism, that is new even for this manager’s time. That’s partly because England have something new in the team’s modern history in a player like Jude Bellingham.
He can crown himself as the best player in the world in 2024, while making England the best team in Europe. This might be his year. This might just be it.
Arsenal will feel similar about the chance to become, Aston Villa about the opportunity to return to the for the first time in 42 years.
