Patrice Evra has admitted that an “amazing” former Manchester United target could be the “key” to one team winning Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Host nation Germany will kick off Euro 2024 on Friday with their Group A opener against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Germany are among the favourites to come out on top at the UEFA competition alongside the likes of France, Portugal and England.
England fell short of the Henri Delaunay trophy in 2021 after the Three Lions suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Euro 2020 at Wembley.
Euro 2020 champions Italy will begin their title defence by facing Spain, Croatia and Albania in Group B with the hope of reaching the knockout stages.
Several Manchester United players have been called up to represent their respective countries at Euro 2024, including Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay.
Evra impressed by former Man Utd target
Speaking ahead of Euro 2024, Patrice Evra admitted that England must do everything in their power to ensure Jude Bellingham remains fit.
Jude Bellingham, who was heavily linked with Manchester United in the past, completed a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid last summer.
The 20-year-old Real Madrid star was in scintillating form for Los Blancos and established himself as a key first-team player under Carlo Ancelotti.
Bellingham, who Madrid signed for an initial £88.5m, scored an impressive 23 times in 42 appearances across all competition for Los Blancos last season.
The England and Madrid midfielder capped off a superb debut season at the Spanish side by lifting the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.
Speaking to The Times of India, Evra praised Bellingham’s season at Madrid and believes the Three Lions international needs to be managed well by the fitness team.
“What a fantastic season this young man has had with Real Madrid!” Evra said.
“England can be full of surprises. But some players had a long season and will be tired.
“So, it is on their fitness coach, the doctor, to manage them well and make sure they are like 100 per cent for the first game.”
Evra on Bellingham and England at Euros
England have been struggling with form in the build-up to Euro 2024, with the Three Lions managing only one win in their last five international matches.
Gareth Southgate, who has been heavily linked with United, is likely to take charge of England at his last major international tournament ahead of his contract expiring.
United legend Evra believes that the Three Lions have one of the best midfields at the tournament and Bellingham will be the key to England winning Euro 2024.
“The best thing about Jude is his personality,” he said.
“He had an amazing first season in Madrid. I think England will have one of the best midfields with Jude, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.
“How they’re going to handle pressure will decide how far England can go in the tournament.
“Playing for your club is completely different than playing for your national team.
“But Jude can be the key because when you come out from a season winning everything, you bring along that winning aura. You want to win more.
“He will have a major role, but don’t forget their captain, Harry Kane. He will also have to score a lot of goals.
“He joined Bayern Munich and they failed to win the league. I feel he will have a point to prove.”