The 2024 European Football Championship is set to kick off in Germany, featuring 24 of Europe’s top national teams vying for the title. Hereโs a look at the favorites to win:
France (World Rank: 2)
Key Players: Kylian Mbappรฉ (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Los Angeles FC), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
France, the highest-ranked team in the tournament, comes with a vengeance after their unexpected exit in the last Euros. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars like Warren Zaire-Emery, Franceโs squad looks formidable. They have shown impressive form in the qualifiers, only stumbling in a draw against Greece. This blend of experience and youth, combined with a nearly flawless qualification campaign, positions France as a strong contender.
Spain (World Rank: 8)
Key Players: Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Rodri (Manchester City), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
Spain’s rich history in the Euros and recent success in the UEFA Nations League make them a formidable force. Despite the absence of young midfielder Gavi, Spainโs attack is bolstered by experienced striker Morata and young talents like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Williams has been particularly impressive, becoming the top assister under coach Luis de la Fuente, while Yamalโs pace and skill make him a standout player.
Croatia (World Rank: 10)
Key Players: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Led by veteran Luka Modric, Croatiaโs golden generation is making one last push for European glory. Their experience, coupled with a strong performance in the UEFA Nations League, suggests they could be the tournamentโs dark horses. With Modric, Brozovic, and Kovacic forming a formidable midfield, Croatia aims to surpass their previous Euro quarter-final exits.
England (World Rank: 4)
Key Players: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
England, a perennial favorite, has high expectations as they aim to bring football “home.” Despite a surprising loss to Iceland in a pre-tournament friendly, Englandโs squad remains strong. With key players like Bellingham, Rice, and Kane leading the charge, England is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.
Germany (World Rank: 16)
Key Players: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Toni Kroos (retiring), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Host nation Germany is looking to regain its former glory. Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in recent matches. Veteran players like Kroos and Neuer bring experience, which could be crucial in navigating the tournament. Germanyโs blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents could make them a surprise package.
Belgium (World Rank: 3)
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Romelu Lukaku (AS Roma), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht)
Belgiumโs “Golden Generation” is making perhaps their final push for a major trophy. Despite past disappointments, their recent form has been promising. De Bruyne, back from injury, and Lukaku, who topped the qualifiers’ scoring charts, lead a team determined to make history.
Portugal (World Rank: 6)
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Cristiano Ronaldoโs likely last tournament with Portugal brings added motivation. Their perfect qualification record, bolstered by Ronaldo and Fernandes’ scoring prowess, makes them a formidable opponent. Portugalโs strong offense and solid defense position them as strong contenders to repeat their 2016 Euro success.
Italy (World Rank: 9)
Key Players: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Defending champions Italy face significant challenges with key defenders retired or injured. Competing in a tough group, Italyโs hopes rest on new talents like Mateo Retegui. Despite the obstacles, Italyโs resilient nature and tactical prowess could see them advance beyond the group stage.
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