NEV: LIONS ARE READY TO INVOKE SPIRIT OF ’96 AGAIN
GARY NEVILLE thinks the Euros are just what the nation needs after the year from hell. The tournament comes as lockdowns are finally ending and Brits are ready to celebrate.
Many of the matches are set to be played on home soil and Neville is convinced that will give people a boost.
The former England ace said: “I’m looking forward to quite a few of the games being based in England.
“It’s first time since Euro ’96, of which I was a part. It is so special.
“The nation needs it. It’s been a tough 12 months, with Covid and lockdowns and people’s mental health.
“Now we’ve got this home tournament… we can have all these games – England playing in Wembley and a game against Scotland, which brings back the memories of Euro ’96.
“They are the things for me – getting the English crowd, the passion in the country.
“And particularly past June 21 when we should be able to have big crowds at Wembley Stadium and create an incredible atmosphere.” Neville, 46, thinks playing at home could even give England the ultimate boost – victory.
Asked who he thinks will win, he said: “I’m going to go with
England because of the home tournament aspect.
“I think we will go a step further than the last World Cup where we got to the semi-finals.
“And I just think the momentum is with us. I do think we need to get Harry Maguire fit, keep Harry Kane fit, and then ultimately have a little bit of good luck, and I think we can do it once and for all.
“Gareth Southgate is a brilliant manager for England. He knows how to get the best out of these players and he knows how to win.”
Neville (below) is also predicting success for Wales five years on from their appearance in the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
He said: “I think they will do well.they are a really talented young group. They have got match-winners in
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and pace in and around them.
“They have got a good system of play. I think Wales will do pretty well and get to the knockout phase, but I think then they’ll struggle to get past that.
“I think Scotland will demonstrate some great spirit but they will struggle in terms of quality, and I don’t think they’ll qualify for the knockout phase.”