Jose Mourinho has named England, Portugal and France as his favourites to win Euro 2024 - but has already counted the Three Lions out for one reason.
Gareth Southgate’s men head to Germany this summer as one of the most-fancied to claim the trophy. England reached the final in 2021 but were edged out by Italy at Wembley.
Ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho sees the Three Lions being one of the challengers once again but cannot see past his own country when it comes to the eventual winners. Asked for his prediction for this summer’s tournament, he replied: “For me, it’s one of the three strongest teams – Portugal, France and England.
“Surprises can happen, yes. But looking at the quality and quantity of players, I think Portugal has to go there to win.”
It is not the first time that Mourinho - currently unemployed after his sacking by Italian giants Roma - has offered his thoughts on England’s chances. He previously suggested that Jude Bellingham’s form could be key to any trophy-winning campaign in Germany.
Speaking in February, Mourinho said: “It is a very good generation. They got to the Euro [2020] final, they can do it [win Euro 2024]. The mentality of the guys who have gone abroad, [Jude] Bellingham for example, I believe there is something that separates him from the boys that were born in England, developed in England, and are playing in England. He can add something different, he is a kid of the world. He has a big, big personality."
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However, he still threw his backing behind 2016 champions Portugal. Mourinho added: “Southgate with Steve Holland, he was my assistant at Chelsea and what a person, they’ve done a beautiful job there, but it’s just missing that little bit. I cannot say I wish they do it because I think Portugal can do it and I wish Portugal do it.”
England will be aiming to prove Mourinho wrong as they look to get their Euros campaign off to the best possible start. The Three Lions have been drawn to face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage in Germany.
Before that, they face pre-tournament friendlies against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland. Elsewhere, Mourinho’s home nation Portugal have been drawn to face the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia.
Another of Mourinho’s favourites France also face a testing group. They have been drawn to take on Austria, the Netherlands and Poland.
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