Newcastle and Arsenal stars are the reason England fans should be excited about Euro 2024

Hang out the bunting, get those flags ready, bang on Three Lions and get those fridges full of celebratory drinks - it’s time for another England bid for success at a major tournament.

Optimism and blind faith is what England supporters do better than most prior to any international tournament and, yes, there are some negative thoughts that will naturally creep in at the opening games of Euro 2024 edges ever closer. What about the defence? It’s always the defence and it now looks weaker for the absence of Harry Maguire. What about a left-back? What if Luke Shaw isn’t fully fit? These are valid questions that need answering and they will be over the coming days and weeks.

But it’s not my job to be negative. No, I’m here to infect your mind with reasons to be positive and to convince you England can finally end their long wait for success at at senior level in the men’s game by lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy next month. So, here are five reasons to be in a positive frame of mind as we await the start of Euro 2024!

Hey Jude!

We may as well start with the obvious! For possibly the first time in a long time, England have one of the world’s best midfielders in their ranks and he is heading into the tournament on the back of what can only be described as a sensational first season at Real Madrid. Many players shrink under the pressure of expectation at the Bernabeu - but not Jude Bellingham.

At the age of just 20, the former Birmingham City midfielder is already racking up a sizeable list of achievements that started with a German Cup win during his first season with German giants Borussia Dortmund. That pattern continued with his maiden campaign in Spain as Bellingham helped Real become La Liga champions and became a Champions League winner after helping his current employers beat his old club at Wembley recently. To suggest a player who will go down as a generational talent (yes I hate that phrase too!) is going into Euro 2024 with some serious momentum would be an understatement of epic proportions.

Absolutely Kane-ing it

He may not have won a major trophy during his first season with Bayern Munich - but there was little more Harry Kane could have done to help the Bundesliga giants to success across a number of competitions. After making a big money move to the Allianz Arena last summer, the Three Lions captain has hit a stunning run of form to firmly cement his reputation as one of world football’s most feared strikers.

Kane has plundered his way to 44 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Bayern and has shown his worth as a team player by providing 12 assists across a remarkable campaign. As with Bellingham, one of England’s key players has some momentum going into the Euros and seems to have shaken off the effects of a niggling injury over the last fortnight.

Rice, Rice baby

Don’t pretend you’re not rapping that line in your head right now! How can you not love Declan Rice? An all-round good guy, likeable, talented and quickly becoming a leader for club and country. The promise and ability he showed during his time at West Ham United and the early years of his introduction to life at a senior level with England have transferred neatly following his big money move to Arsenal last summer.

Quite simply, Rice is now essential to this England side and sure, he didn’t help the Gunners land a long-awaited Premier League title, but he did play a key role in their push for success and will head into the Euros on a high. One word of caution, it’s easy to box Rice as a holding midfielder because we English football supporters love to do that - but it is far easier to appreciate his talents when you realise the Arsenal man is so much more than that.

Young Guns

Maybe it’s the suggestion he is heading towards the end of his reign as England manager or perhaps realisation has set in - but Gareth Southgate has brought out of his more bold side as he prepares for what could be his final tournament as Three Lions boss. It would have been a predictable move to name the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison in his 26-man squad - but no, Gareth has handed opportunities to the likes of Anthony Gordon, Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo and their presence will bring a fresh feel about the England setup.

The intriguing aspect of the young trio is that they could all feasibly play a significant part in their bid for success in Germany and would more than merit a place in Southgate’s starting eleven. We could nitpick and suggest Gareth should have taken Jarrad Branthwaite or Jarell Quansah - but we are sure their time will come!

Phil-ing up with optimism

Just how good has Phil Foden been this season? No, really, just HOW GOOD!? Quite simply, the Manchester City star has eclipsed the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Erling Haaland and is rightly viewed as one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted and consistent players. Still only 24, Foden’s trophy haul already consists of six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, two Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and, of course, a Champions League Final win.

Yet there is still a feeling there is more to come at England level and there would be no better time than on the back of a stunning season at club level. After being named as Football Writers Association Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season, Foden’s confidence should be at an all-time high - and we should hope England will reap the benefits in Germany this summer.