I was transported forward in time to the conclusion of the 2024 European Championships Final | OneFootball

When I switched on the television last night, I thought I had been transported forward in time to the conclusion of the 2024 European Championships Final on Sunday 14th July, and England had actually won the tournament.

Talk about going over the top after a penalty shoot-out victory at the quarter-final stage…

Gareth Southgate and Co endlessly milked it, whilst the hysterical media reaction and post-match conversations amongst pundits then made it all so much more embarrassing.

However, I’m not here to piddle on the chips of the fans of the national team.

After passionately supporting Newcastle United during the last six decades, ‘Ingurrlund’ is simply just not my thing.

I mentioned in my most recent article that I cannot wait for Anthony Gordon to return to Tyneside from the Euros.

It is obvious, Flash is now way down the pecking order to even get any chance to impress in Southgate’s team, and will not be able to create an impact at this tournament.

Of course, we also have Kieran Trippier on England duty and we also want him back fit and well.

It will be interesting to see how United reacts if a suitable offer comes in for Kieran this summer.

With Switzerland beaten, Fabian Schar will soon be returning. I am looking forward to seeing who we bring in as competition for Fab at RCB.

The more I read and learn about Ashworth’s successor as Sporting Director, Paul Mitchell, indicates that we have appointed an upgrade on what we had.

It is claimed Mitchell is set to be given a more hands-on role than his predecessor and will have closer relations with Eddie Howe. If the owners made mistakes in the appointment of Ashworth in 2022 and what his specific role was meant to be, let’s hope they have now learned from them.

Some reports are linking us with a move for Leeds United’s Dutch under-21 international Crysencio Summerville. This lad’s statistics last season were fantastic in the second tier. He is a goalscoring winger who can play left or right and apparently he wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

However, it is who United bring in as another centre-forward that captivates my thoughts and imagination the most.

As the days slowly tick by towards the beginning of the 2024/25 season, I’ll be keeping up to date with what’s going on at Wimbledon. England then have three Test matches against the West Indies in July to keep me going, and the Toon will host Girona and Brest in friendlies on the 9th and 10th of August.

Then the proper football begins on the opening day of the new EPL season on the 17th of August at St James’ Park, against the promoted Saints of Southampton.