England’s Euro 2024 Squad: The Most Valuable in History
As the excitement for Euro 2024 builds, England’s national team is making headlines not just for their on-field prowess but also for their staggering financial value. According to recent research by OLBG in collaboration with Transfermarkt, Gareth Southgate’s squad is valued at a jaw-dropping £1.28 billion, making it the most expensive assembly of football talent in the tournament. This significant valuation has sparked discussions about the implications and expectations for the team in the upcoming championship.
| Country | Group | Squad Value (£) |
| England | C | 1,280,000,000 |
| France | D | 1,040,000,000 |
| Portugal | F | 890,000,000 |
| Spain | B | 814,200,000 |
| Germany | A | 718,000,000 |
| Netherlands | D | 637,530,000 |
| Italy | B | 594,940,000 |
| Belgium | E | 492,910,000 |
| Denmark | C | 350,390,000 |
| Ukraine | E | 319,610,000 |
| Croatia | B | 276,350,000 |
| Turkiye | F | 273,310,000 |
| Serbia | C | 264,290,000 |
| Switzerland | A | 237,390,000 |
| Austria | D | 199,860,000 |
| Poland | D | 177,340,000 |
| Scotland | A | 174,900,000 |
| Czech Republic | F | 156,770,000 |
| Hungary | A | 139,570,000 |
| Georgia | F | 135,850,000 |
| Slovakia | E | 131,890,000 |
| Slovenia | C | 119,410,000 |
| Albania | B | 94,110,000 |
| Romania | E | 77,670,000 |
England’s Financial Giants: Bellingham, Foden, and Saka
The top-tier valuation of the England squad is driven by several young and exceptionally talented players. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, alone, are worth a combined £278 million. Bellingham’s individual worth of £151.79 million places him as one of the highest-valued players in the tournament, equal to France’s Kylian Mbappe. Not far behind are Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, valued at £118.06 million and £101.2 million, respectively. These players not only highlight the financial muscle of the squad but also underline the young talent that Southgate has at his disposal.
OLBG’s spokesperson remarked, “Gareth Southgate has managed to assemble the most lucrative squad in Europe, despite a host of notable names such as Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford still left at home.” This statement emphasises the depth of talent in the England squad, as even without some star players, the team’s value remains unparalleled.
Comparing Squad Values: France and Portugal
While England tops the list with their £1.28 billion squad, France and Portugal follow closely with valuations of £1.04 billion and £890 million, respectively. France’s squad boasts talent like Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga, while Portugal’s strength lies in its robust mix of experienced and emerging stars. The financial disparity between these teams and others in the tournament is significant, showcasing the concentration of top talent in a few national squads.
An intriguing aspect highlighted by OLBG is, “Both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, valued at £151,790,000 apiece, are worth more than the squads of Hungary, Georgia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania and Romania.” This stark comparison sheds light on the varying financial capabilities and market values across different national teams, underscoring the dominance of top footballing nations.
Implications for Euro 2024
The valuation of England’s squad places immense pressure on the team to deliver. Historically, the most expensive squads have not always guaranteed success, as football’s unpredictability often leads to unexpected outcomes. OLBG’s spokesperson aptly noted, “Euro 2024 will certainly not be won just by glitz and glamour, despite a host of English names featuring in the Top 10 most valuable players in Germany. Yet the pressure will certainly be cranked up on the Three Lions to end a 58-year wait for international silverware.”
This sentiment reflects the cautious optimism surrounding the England team. While their financial worth and talent are indisputable, translating this into tournament success is the ultimate challenge. The 58-year drought since England’s last major international victory adds an additional layer of pressure and expectation from fans and pundits alike.
The Road Ahead for England
As England prepare for the group stages, their squad’s valuation will be a topic of interest and debate. They face Slovenia, whose entire squad is worth less than Bellingham alone, highlighting the disparity in resources. The real test, however, lies in their performance on the pitch. Southgate’s ability to harness this talent into a cohesive and winning unit will be crucial.
In conclusion, while England heads into Euro 2024 as the most valuable squad, the true measure of success will be in their ability to secure the championship. The financial figures are impressive, but as history has shown, it’s the performances that count. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Three Lions can finally roar to international glory.
