he 2024 European Football Championship is set to begin in ten cities across Germany, featuring 24 top national teams from Europe competing for the title.
France (World Rank: 2)
Key Players: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Los Angeles FC), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
France, also known as “Les Bleus,” is the highest-ranked team in this tournament. As World Cup runners-up, they are highly motivated to redeem themselves after a shocking exit in the last tournament’s round of 16 against Switzerland, where they lost in a penalty shootout due to Mbappé’s missed penalty. Their nearly perfect performance in the qualifiers, except for a 2-2 draw with Greece in the last match, shows their determination. France’s squad blends experienced veterans and promising young talents, such as the standout 18-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery. Despite the absence of defender Lucas Hernandez due to injury, France boasts a formidable lineup.
Spain (World Rank: 8)
Key Players: Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Rodri (Manchester City), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
Spain, also known as “La Roja,” is a formidable contender. Having won the European Championship three times, Spain’s recent performances have been impressive, including winning the UEFA Nations League by defeating Italy and Croatia in the knockout stages. Despite missing young Barcelona midfielder Gavi, Spain’s attack is strong with experienced striker Morata and young talents like Nico Williams and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Williams has been Spain’s top assister under coach Luis de la Fuente, and Yamal’s speed and skill have made him a standout player.
Croatia (World Rank: 10)
Key Players: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Led by the 38-year-old veteran Luka Modric, Croatia is one of the tournament’s dark horses. Modric, along with experienced players like Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, forms a golden triangle that could be a nightmare for opponents. Despite their aging stars, Croatia aims to reach the top of European football once again. They have consistently reached the World Cup semi-finals since 2016 but have been eliminated in the Euro quarter-finals twice. With a victory over Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, Croatia is determined to make a deep run in this tournament.
England (World Rank: 4)
Key Players: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The “Three Lions” of England are highly anticipated to perform well, with many fans hopeful that football is “coming home.” Despite a surprising 0-1 loss to Iceland, ranked 72nd in the world, just a week before the tournament, England remains a favorite among bookmakers. England’s squad is full of talent, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, midfielders Rice and Bellingham, and forwards like Kane and Ollie Watkins, who was named the Premier League’s best creator. With such a star-studded team, England aims to end their trophy drought.
Germany (World Rank: 16)
Key Players: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Toni Kroos (retiring), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Fans of the host nation, Germany, may have quietly acknowledged their decline. The “Die Mannschaft” has struggled since winning the 2014 World Cup, failing to progress past the group stage in the last two World Cups and being eliminated in the Euro round of 16. However, under coach Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has shown promise with an unbeaten streak, including a 2-0 win over France. Veteran Kroos has returned to the national team, and Neuer is set to start despite recent injuries. Germany is banking on their experienced players to make a strong showing.
Belgium (World Rank: 3)
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Romelu Lukaku (AS Roma), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht)
Known as the “Red Devils,” Belgium has yet to win a major tournament despite once being ranked as the world’s top team. The “Golden Generation” saw a disappointing exit in the 2022 World Cup group stage. However, Belgium’s new generation has shown potential, with an unbeaten record in post-World Cup matches and strong performances in the qualifiers. De Bruyne has returned from injury in top form, and Lukaku, who scored 21 goals for Roma, leads the scoring charts. This tournament may be Belgium’s last chance to capitalize on their talented squad.
Portugal (World Rank: 6)
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
This tournament is likely to be the last for the 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal had a perfect record in the qualifiers, with nearly half of their goals scored by Ronaldo and Fernandes. With strong offensive capabilities and solid defense, Portugal aims to replicate their 2016 Euro triumph. Despite two recent defeats against fellow Euro participants, Portugal’s strength suggests they should advance comfortably from Group F, which includes Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia.
Italy (World Rank: 9)
Key Players: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Defending champions Italy face challenges, with key defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci having retired. Injuries to Francesco Acerbi and young defender Giorgio Scalvini further strain Italy’s traditionally strong defense. Competing in the “Group of Death” alongside Spain, Croatia, and Albania, Italy’s hopes rest on the emerging talent of Mateo Retegui, an Argentine-born forward who has scored four goals in seven matches for Italy. Italy may advance as one of the best third-placed teams if they don’t secure a top-two finish in their group.
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