Five reasons why the 'old guard' are key to England's Euro 2020 hopes

The experienced figures are leading by example and have been crucial to the Three Lions' success so far.

After a slow yet steady start to Euro 2020, England are now one of the favourites to lift the title. After scampering through the group stages with narrow wins over Croatia and the Czech Republic, Gareth Southgate's men showed their class in the 2-0 victory over Germany.

The quarterfinal against Ukraine was particularly a statement win from Gareth Southgate and Co. as they blasted into the semi-finals. A lot of experienced players turned up big on the night, answering their critics with a sumptuous display. Here’s why these senior players will be key for England’s success at the Euros.

5. Play-to-win intent

The team faced a lot of criticism for their ‘unattractive’ brand of football throughout the group stage. However, barring the goalless draw with Scotland, they have won each game, albeit narrowly.

Southgate’s men might not be very enjoyable to watch, but they certainly know that the result is what matters. Here’s where experienced figures like Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and others come into play.

Each of them has shouldered the responsibility of instilling a winning intent in the squad, be it on or off the pitch. That trait has been passed on to the youngsters, which can invariably be witnessed on the pitch.

4. Team game

Even after years, there hasn’t been a convincing answer to – ‘Why England’s Golden Generation failed to win titles?’ Some pundits say it was down to a lack of bonding between the players due to their domestic rivalries.

In that aspect, the current batch of players has shown a great camaraderie amongst themselves. ‘Team mentality’ is what is driving The Three Lions forward and that’s just another excellent trait that the senior players have passed on. Against formidable oppositions, togetherness is of paramount importance for any team.

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

3. Adaptive style of play

Premier League clubs are known to have their distinguished styles of play. Players like John Stones, Raheem Sterling, Kane, Maguire, Henderson have all flourished under different managers over the years. However, with England, each of them has made a smooth transition. Much of the credit goes to Southgate too for identifying their individual capabilities.

Interestingly, in theory, this is another reason behind the Golden Generation’s failure. They could never adapt to the national team’s style of play and ended up paying a big price.

2. Abundance of leaders

The England squad is studded with brilliant captains. The likes of Henderson, Kane, Maguire and Sterling are natural leaders the Three Lions should be cherishing. So far at Euro 2020, they have all played their role perfectly both on and off the pitch.

When a team possesses such influential leaders, results are bound to go their way. The confidence that they instill among the young of players helps them bring out their best. This particular characteristic is what Southgate must be grateful for too.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

1. Goalscoring instincts

The win over Ukraine has reinstated the hopes of fans. It was a game in which the senior players and youngsters combined to unleash their true potential.

Interestingly, Kane, Maguire and Henderson all got onto the scoresheet on the night. It proves how each of them has shouldered the responsibility for the team and the way they are leading by example.

Them getting onto the scoresheet in a crucial game was perhaps the best way to silence the critics. Fans would be hoping the team continues with the same grit and finally bring home the much-awaited silverware.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.