Injury worries, absentees, age, a goalkeeper who, somehow, still does not convince everyone, a warm-up defeat to Iceland … this is the tournament when England’s defence is going to be found out. Or so many said.
That still might be the case - but as an opening retort to the critics and the doubters, the shut-out of Serbia in Gelsenkirchen was a decent effort.
And while the phenomenon that is Jude Bellingham was dominating the headlines, the foundation of England’s first Euro 2024 win was another solid defensive display.
That is despite Jordan Pickford and John Stones having turned 30 this year, that is despite Kieran Trippier being 33, that is despite Kyle Walker being the veteran of the squad at 34.
No wonder Walker, revelling in his role as England’s vice-captain, looked pleased, no wonder he was keen to highlight the qualities that have made this English team hard to beat on the most demanding stages.
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He said: “If you keep clean sheets in tournaments you have a very good chance of going on and winning it. We defended well against obviously a physical side
“In anything, in the Premier League season, the Champions League season, if you have a good foundation at the back, then you've got a good chance.”
And referring to the widespread concerns over Southgate’s options across the backline, Walker responded: “The media like to build up a storm and put thoughts in your head that probably shouldn't be there.
Kyle Walker impressed as England beat Serbia (UEFA via Getty Images)“All of these players are fantastic players. I have played against them numerous times in the Premier League and I know what they can do.
“Never mind who's here, who's not here - we use the players that we've got and we work to our strengths when other people can cover up other people's weaknesses, it is as simple as that.”
One of those players who is not here is Harry Maguire, a trusted lieutenant of Gareth Southgate's but, after Bellingham’s, one of the most eye-catching performances on Sunday night came from Marc Guehi, who did not have the smoothest of seasons with Crystal Palace.
Marc Guehi shone for England in their Euro 2024 opener vs Serbia (Getty Images)And Walker said: “Marc, from the moment he stepped into the camp, properly stepped into that role. Obviously, there's going to be pressure. Everyone feels pressure. I'm the oldest head in the camp and I still go out onto the pitch and still feel a bit anxious, feel a bit nervous, just because you want to do everyone proud.
“But Marc was fantastic. He didn't put a foot wrong and hopefully that has settled the nerves a little bit and we can form a good partnership along that back line.”
In 19 games at tournament finals under Southgate, England have conceded only 12 goals which is, indeed, the sort of statistic that often accompanies success.
England have been tight at the back at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate (Getty Images)But Walker knows England’s much-vaunted attacking talent will have to step up to the plate AND the odd spot of luck will have to favour Southgate’s men if they are to go all the way in Germany.
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Walker went on: “I've said it for Manchester City and I'll say it for England. You can have good players on the pitch and on paper we've probably got one of the best and that's not me being arrogant or anything, it's just the truth. But you do need a little bit of luck in tournament football.”
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