'We could win it and we've been rubbish. I think they're crap' - Mick Channon thinks England can go all the way at Euro 2024

Classic-winning trainer Mick Channon is confident England can go all the way at Euro 2024 despite a number of below-par performances in the lead up to Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands.

Gareth Southgate’s side have managed only one victory in normal time – a 1-0 win against Serbia – with their other two wins coming in extra time and on penalties over Slovakia and Switzerland respectively.

Although the Three Lions have made it difficult for themselves, Channon, who netted 21 times in 46 games for England between 1972-77, feels they have the quality to lift the trophy on Sunday night.

"We could win it and we’ve been rubbish," said Channon, who registered Irish 1,000 Guineas glory with Samitar in 2012. "I think they’re crap. It’s been the most boring football I’ve ever seen, but I think they’ve got a great chance because we have exceptional individuals.

"It’s great fun regardless of how boring it is, but that’s sport and it’s the way we should look at it. We take it all far too seriously."

Spain and France meet in the first semi-final on Tuesday and although Channon has no preference on who he would like to face in the final if England were to win, he feels the game will be decided by spot kicks.

He added: "I think England will beat the Netherlands and then have every chance in the final.

"Spain are the best team, but France could beat them and I think if it does go to the final then it’ll go to penalties because nobody wants to get beat."

Mick Quinn: ex-Newcastle United striker hopes England can take off

Former Newcastle United striker Mick Quinn, who recorded four Listed winners as a trainer, has also been frustrated by England’s performances in the tournament, but believes it could be "written in the stars" for Southgate’s side to lift the European Championship.

"I don’t think they’ll have a better chance," said Quinn. "The country will get behind them and hopefully they’ll go on to win, but nobody is counting their chickens.

"Everyone is expecting them to take off, but Netherlands will give them a game because they’re quite open. I played against Gareth and I’ve interviewed him, and he’s always on the defensive side of things, so let's see what happens."

Quinn also voiced his concern about the tournament quality and, like Channon, feels Spain are the team to beat.

He said: "I don’t think it’s been a good tournament. The best team for me are Spain because they play attacking football. 

"I don’t know how England have got to the semi-final, but you’ve got to give them some credit for getting there. It tells me two things; that the tournament is crap and they’ve had a bit of luck along the way. I’ve been expecting each game to take off, but it hasn’t happened."

However, Dutch jockey Adrie de Vries is "hopeful" his country can continue their improvement and reach the final on Sunday.

The Royal Ascot-winning rider said: "We've had hints of good play, but I didn't enjoy our last game against Turkey. I know we won, but we'll have to improve to beat England. 

"We've had it quite easy to get to the final if we do get past England, but I'm very hopeful even though we might need a bit of luck."

The outcome of Wednesday's game will determine if the BHA race planning team need to make a change to the 2m5f handicap chase at Newton Abbot on Monday (4.15).

The contest has been named 'Well Done England Euro Champions 2024 Handicap Chase', but this will be amended if England lose to the Netherlands. 

Race names can be officially changed at any point before declarations closing, which in this case would be on Saturday morning. However, if England were to reach Sunday's final and lose, there would be no scope to change anything and the name of the race would remain the same.

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