There is an undeniable irony in Gareth Southgate's situation going into Euro 2024, beginning with England's opening match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen.

Since taking over as England's manager in 2016, the 53-year-old has diligently aimed to revamp the team's sporting culture. Club loyalties have become less divisive, the pressure of wearing the national jersey has turned into an honor, and confusion has been replaced with a strong team identity.

Instead of the individualism that characterized England's “Golden Generation”, Southgate's strategy emphasizes the collective.

However, things have now come full circle. He has dismantled the star culture in England only to find himself under intense scrutiny.

Southgate’s tenure is a major storyline heading into the Euros. The tournament serves as a referendum on his near eight-year leadership, with many English fans poised to label it a failure if they do not bring home the trophy from Germany.

It is now or never for England

In many respects, Southgate has been a victim of his own success: He led England to a surprising World Cup semifinal in 2018; lost the final of the last Euros in 2021 on penalties; and narrowly missed knocking out the reigning champions France in the 2022 World Cup.

The Three Lions were ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings when he took over in 2016 – today, they are fourth. Since the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they have consistently remained in the top five.

England's sustained success over the past six years is often taken for granted. Many forget that prior to Southgate, England’s last semifinal appearance in a major tournament was at Euro 1996.

Ultimately, international football is a zero-sum game where success is measured in titles, making the upcoming Euros a crucial opportunity for Southgate's England.

This urgency is reflected in bold squad selections featuring unusual risks. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, a standout player for Manchester United this season, has been picked despite debuting for England only in March.

Regulars like Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Kalvin Phillips have not been selected.

Aside from rising expectations, Southgate faces criticism for perceived conservative strategies. With the attacking talent on hand, there is a belief among fans that Southgate’s cautious approach has hindered the team's progress.

What to do with Foden?

Southgate’s decisions will once again be tested, particularly concerning where he places breakout star Phil Foden.

The Manchester City player has excelled in the central midfield role assigned to him this season by Pep Guardiola. Foden’s 19 goals from that position propelled City to a fourth consecutive league title, earning him the English Premier League’s Player of the Season award.

However, Southgate has hesitated to play Foden in central midfield, often pairing Declan Rice with another defensive midfielder. Given recent injury issues with Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw – both of whom have been selected despite limited appearances since March – this seems unlikely to change.

On paper, England boasts one of the top squads in the tournament.

Alongside Foden, England’s attack includes Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Bundesliga top-scorer Harry Kane. Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, and Declan Rice were all shortlisted for Premier League Player of the Season, and Palmer’s 22 league goals were second only to Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot.

The Three Lions went unbeaten in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and have lost just one match – a friendly to Brazil – in 12 games since the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Their group at the Euros features no team in the top 20 world rankings, making it statistically probable that they will advance to the knockout stages.

England enters Euro 2024 as one of the favorites. The key question is whether their displays will justify their high expectations.

⚽ England’s final squad for Euro 2024 ⚽

Captain: Harry Kane

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Euro 2024 tournament page, with all the match buildup and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings and real-time match results & schedules.