source: unsplash
The 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship will be hosted by Germany from June 14
to July 14, 2024. With two months of preparations left, the 24 teams competing in six groups and
10 different venues are looking to book their spots to the knockout stage. With a mix of new
entrants and seasoned nations, the 2024 Euros will be a fun one. However, there already appear
to be favorites in each group even before the tournament starts.
Group A
Host nation Germany will face Switzerland, Hungary, and Scotland in Group A. Former Bayern
Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann hopes to lead the favored Die Mannschaft in getting the
championship.
Germany is seeking its fourth crown and finished Euro 2020 in the Round of 16.
However, Germany must also prepare for the likes of Switzerland and Scotland. The Swiss have
the likes of Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, and Xherdan Shaqiri at its disposal. Scottish stalwarts
such as John McGinn, Scott McTominay, and Andrew Robertson headline the team. Hungary
completes the team, whose best result in the Euros was a bronze medal in 1964.
Group B
Spain is also one of the leading teams, according to the latest
EURO 2024 odds. The Spaniards
are seeking for their fourth Euro, which they last won in 2012.
Led by Luka Modric, Mate Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic, Croatia have been excellent in
major tournaments recently, finishing 3rd in the 2022 World Cup. Moreover, Euro 2020
champions Italy are also in the group, aiming to defend their title. Albania is also in the group,
making just their second appearance in the Euros.
Group C
The Euro 2024 odds put England as the favorites to win this year’s edition, as they are mounting
to get the crown after a runner-up finish four years ago. With multiple stars in the squad,
manager Gareth Southgate is poised to make the chant 'It’s Coming Home' a reality.
However, the likes of Denmark and Serbia are also posing some serious challenges. The Danish
Dynamite still employ the likes of Christian Eriksen, Andreas Christensen, and Rasmus Højlund.
Meanwhile, the Serbian Eagles are back in the competition after 24 years, and the likes of
Aleksandar Mitrović, Dušan Tadić, and Filip Kostić will make the games in this group a fun one.
Slovenia is no slouch either, with Jan Oblak and Benjamin Šeško leading the team.
Group D
France and the Netherlands appear to be the guaranteed top two of the group. When the team
consists of Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, and Benjamin Pavard, Les Bleus should qualify in
Group D. Despite unusual results in recent games, the Flying Dutchmen should continue rising,
led by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Moreover,
Poland is entering its fifth straight Euro, and the team’s good run in the 2022 World
Cup shall also inspire Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zieliński, Wojciech Szczęsny, and company to
make a deep run. Marcel Sabitzer and Austria will also pose as threats to the stacked group.
Group E
Despite an unsuccessful finish in the Qatar World, the Belgian Red Devils are by far the favorites
in Group E just in time for the return of Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne.
On paper, Belgium are by far dominant against Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, so it seems that
these three teams will slug out to secure a place in the next round.
Group F
EURO 2024 appears to be the final dance of
Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal. With João Félix,
Bruno Fernandes, and Pepe as the supporting members, the Portuguese squad are favored to
finish on top of the group.
Despite this, they should not be complacent as Türkiye, Czechia, and Georgia are also capable of
pulling upsets. Hakan Çalhanoğlu stands out from the Turks, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is Georgia's
most important player, and Tomáš Souček wears the captain's armband for Czechia.
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Euro 2024