England are considered one of the favorites to win Euro 2024, despite their recent loss to Iceland in their final match before the tournament. With a talented squad that includes the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane, England are hopeful of adding to their lone major tournament triumph in 1966.
However, they will face stiff competition from several strong teams. Germany, the hosts, boast a formidable attack led by Julian Nagelsmann and a talented midfield that includes the returning Toni Kroos. France, the reigning world champions, have a wealth of talent, including Kylian Mbappe, who is arguably the best player in the world. Spain impressed in their recent friendly against Northern Ireland, showcasing their attacking prowess with a 5-1 victory.
The defending champions, Italy, enter the tournament with less expectation, having lost key players from their 2021 squad. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and Belgium, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings, are also teams to watch. The Netherlands, Switzerland, Croatia, and Denmark round out the list of contenders, all capable of causing upsets.
England have a strong chance of lifting the trophy, but they will need to overcome some tough opposition along the way. With a mix of talented youngsters and experienced stars, the Three Lions will be aiming to bring the trophy home and end their long wait for a major tournament victory.
England will go into Euro 2024 as tournament favorites, but they face some challenging obstacles if they are to win their first major trophy since 1966.
England will be aiming to win their first major trophy since 1966 at Euro 2024.
The defeat to Iceland in their final pre-tournament game has left fans concerned.
Germany
Germany has endured a difficult time at major tournaments since their World Cup triumph in 2014, but they will be a force to be reckoned with on home soil this time around.
Julian Nagelsmann has a formidable forward line at his disposal, including the likes of Florian Wirtz, Ilkay Gundogan, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz. The return of Toni Kroos, who plans to retire from football after the tournament, adds further quality to their midfield. Joshua Kimmich provides invaluable experience, and if Nagelsmann needs to change things up, he can call upon Niclas Fullkrug, a traditional, powerful center-forward.
The omission of big names like Mats Hummels and Leon Goretzka raised some eyebrows, but Thomas Muller remains a key part of the squad. One of the surprise stars of the tournament could be Stuttgart left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt, who has impressed since converting from midfield. With the home crowd behind them, Germany could be a force to be reckoned with if they find their form early on.
Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany will be looking to impress on home soil.
Toni Kroos has returned to the Germany squad and will retire from football after the tournament.
France
France has an incredibly talented squad, and if major tournaments were decided solely on the depth of talent, they would be unstoppable. Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best player in the world and is the star of a team filled with quality in every area.
Didier Deschamps has surprised some with his squad selection, including N’Golo Kante, who spent last season in the Saudi Pro League. However, Deschamps trusts the 2018 World Cup winner to still perform at the highest level. Antoine Griezmann remains a key creative force, and Olivier Giroud continues to deliver when called upon to lead the line.
France’s biggest challenge may come from within. The choice of Mbappe as captain ahead of Griezmann was controversial, and the Real Madrid-bound forward attracts a lot of attention. How the team dynamic holds up if things don’t go their way on the pitch remains to be seen.
Kylian Mbappe, the star of the French team, will be looking to lead them to victory.
Spain
Spain showcased their attacking prowess in a recent friendly against Northern Ireland, winning 5-1. Their quality impressed Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, who admitted it was “way too high.” If Spain hit their stride, many opponents will be left feeling the same way.
Barcelona’s Pedri has had a difficult season but looked back to his best in midfield against Northern Ireland. His clubmate Lamine Yamal, who won’t turn 17 until the day before the final, could become a global superstar during the tournament. Alvaro Morata is a consistent goalscorer for Spain, averaging almost a goal every other game, and Manchester City’s Rodri is one of the best holding midfielders in the world.
However, Spain’s defense and goalkeeper are less convincing. While Nacho and Alex Grimaldo have impressed for their clubs, inconsistent performances from goalkeeper Unai Simon could be a chink in Spain’s armor, despite their powerful attack.
Spain’s attack impressed against Northern Ireland, scoring five goals.
Italy
It is rare for reigning champions to enter a major tournament with little expectation, but that is the case for Italy. Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, has since departed, and his replacement, Luciano Spalletti, has a tough task ahead in a group that includes Spain, Croatia, and Albania.
There have been injury concerns over star midfielder Nicolo Barella, but optimism is growing that he will be fit for their opening match against Albania. Arsenal’s Jorginho provides stability in midfield, while Gianluca Scamacca and Nicolo Fagioli add further options in attack. However, the retirement of defensive stalwarts Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini leaves a gap that may be difficult to fill.
While Italy has some talented players, a semifinal place would be an impressive achievement given the strength of their group and the loss of key players from their 2021 squad.
Italy’s 2021 success was built on the defensive partnership of Bonucci and Chiellini, who have both since retired.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium will both be looking to make an impact.
The best of the rest
It would be unwise to count out other potential winners besides the five teams mentioned above. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, has a supremely talented squad, and Belgium, despite their defensive frailties, boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Lois Openda.
The Netherlands have players who are in form, such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Memphis Depay, who has been a consistent performer for his country despite an inconsistent club career. Switzerland, Croatia, and Denmark also have a history of upsetting the established order at major tournaments, so they should not be underestimated.
England have a strong chance of lifting the trophy, but they will need to overcome some tough opposition. With a mix of talented youngsters and experienced stars, the Three Lions will be aiming to bring the trophy home and end their long wait for a major tournament victory.