"I think some people are having a joke!" - Pundit says England will not win Euro 2024, questions Gareth Southgate's credentials

Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has laughed off suggestions that England are the favorites to win EURO 2024. The pundit does not think the Three Lions have the defense to go all the way and will suffer as the tournament goes on.

Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas stated that England would not win the ongoing European Championships. He believes the partnership of John Stones and Marc Guehi at the heart of England's defense is not strong enough. Gallas said (via GOAL):

"England are the favourites? (laughs) I think some people are having a joke! Come on. Do you seriously think England are going to win it? I have my doubts about the central defensive partnership of John Stones and Marc Guehi. I'm not sure if that is a partnership that will be strong enough to progress deep into the competition, and the back four doesn't look like it will be strong enough to become European champions."

Gallas also claimed that Gareth Southgate is not the best manager for England and they could have been more successful with a different head coach. He added:

"He (Southgate) has to prove that he can win. That is a big challenge for any manager, but maybe even bigger for the England manager because of the pressure that surrounds the job and the expectations of the team from the fans. Sadly, I don't think he is going to do it. I don't think the England squad is good enough to win the European Championships this year. Outside of England, everyone respects him for what he has done with England, but I don't think he's the best manager that England could appoint. I think there are more talented managers out there who could have lifted trophies with this England team."

"Left-back is a problem" - William Gallas points out key issue in England's back-line

Gallas also talked about England's problems at left-back, with Luke Shaw still recovering from a hamstring injury. Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier played at left-back in the Three Lions' opening fixture, but the side lacked balance without a left-footed player in the position.

Gallas added:

"Left-back is a problem. Luke Shaw is still injured, and we saw last night what happens when you play a right-footed player at left-back. It disrupts your balance on that side of the pitch. People say that he will be ready for the knock-out rounds, but it's a big gamble to expect a player that has been injured to be ready to play at this level. Against Serbia, England won, and they kept a clean sheet, but when you play against a stronger team, I think that the defence is going to be in trouble."

England started their EURO 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia. They will take on Denmark on Thursday in their second group game and then face Slovenia on Tuesday.