Introduction
With the start of every international football tournament, fans around the world get excited to see their favorite national teams in action against the best sides from across the continent. However, for Euros 2020, there was one big surprise – England, one of the most successful national teams in European football, was nowhere to be found on the pitch. So, why didn’t England participate in the European Championship this year?
The Reasons Behind England’s Absence
One of the major reasons for England’s absence from the Euros 2020 is the global COVID-19 pandemic. The world was struck by the pandemic in early 2020, leading to the cancellation of various sporting events globally, including Euro 2020. While many sporting events continued amid the pandemic, UEFA, the governing body of European football, decided to delay the Euro 2020 tournament for a year to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Additionally, amidst the pandemic, many of England’s key players faced injuries, which hampered their chances of making it to the tournament. With important players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire missing out due to injuries, England’s chances of qualifying for the Euro 2020 were significantly lower.
The Qualifying Journey and Results
Before the pandemic disrupted the footballing calendars, England had already played six games in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, out of which they won four, lost one, and drew one. During this period, the team showcased its potential with a 5-3 victory over Kosovo, 4-0 win over Bulgaria, and a 6-0 thrashing of Montenegro.
With the tournament delayed by a year because of the pandemic, the Three Lions found themselves with two more group matches to play against the Czech Republic and Kosovo. They managed to win both, ensuring qualification as group winners, and finishing with seven wins out of eight games played.
Impact of England’s Absence on the Tournament
England’s absence from the Euro 2020 was a huge loss for football fans worldwide as the nation has a rich footballing pedigree. It would have been intriguing to see how the Three Lions fared against the likes of France, Portugal, and Belgium, who were touted as favorites for the tournament. Also, with solid performances in recent years, England might have caused a few upsets, shaking up the tournament entirely.
Conclusion
The absence of England from the Euro 2020 tournament was a massive setback for the side and its fans. While the global pandemic was an unavoidable factor, the injury concerns of key players compounded England’s problems. Fans must now wait another four years for the Three Lions to have a crack at the coveted trophy.