It is one of those even years that football fans love. The season never really ends because as soon as the European leagues are done and dusted, Euro 2024 will be on the doorstep. But who are the favourites for the tournament that begins in Munich on June 14?
England Aim To Break The Pain of Euro 2020
England lost to Italy in the final of the last edition in an agonising penalty shoot-out at Wembley. Since that moment, their maturity and quality has gone up a notch. This has been especially evident with the favourites remaining unbeaten in their qualifying group and only conceding four goals in eight matches.
Gareth Southgate now has Jude Bellingham, who looks like he has played top-level football for years. Bukayo Saka is now three years older and can take his electric pace and Arsenal form into the tournament.
Phil Foden and John Stones have developed so much under Pep Guardiola, while not even Vinicius Junior can beat Kyle Walker in a footrace. Harry Kane’s excellent Bundesliga form means England do have a serious chance. The Euro 2024 predictions are pointing to St George.
France Know the Pressure Points of a Big Tournament
Even when they were down and out in the World Cup final, France knew how to get back in the zone. Didier Deschamps has been manager for a dozen years, and that certainly counts in terms of continuity and belief. The 1984 and 2000 winners will know they have the ace in the pack with Kylian Mbappe, especially as he closes in on a dream move to Real Madrid.
There are stars everywhere but also hard workers. Aurelien Tchouameni, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann are household names. There is a great backbone to the defence with Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and William Saliba. It is hard to see beyond the French team when they get to the business end of things so often. In qualification, they only conceded three times but scored 29, the second most in any group.
Germany Hold Out Hope in Euro 2024 Based on Home Advantage
The hosts can never be ignored, especially when their name is Germany. They have been rotten at two consecutive World Cups and were embarrassed by England at Euro 2020. However, Julian Naglesmann has now freshened things up since the stale last days of Joachim Low.
After his second defeat as national coach, the former Bayern manager admitted, “The team has the ability to play beautiful football, but we have to be more dynamic when we win possession. We have a good team, but the moment we step into the opposition half, we are just individualists.”
There have been signs of something taking shape under the new man with victories over France and Holland. The rise of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen has presented Florian Wirtz in midfield alongside the brilliant Jamal Musiala. Captain Ilkay Gundogan, the old stalwart that Manchester City misses so much, is equally crucial.
Trade the lack of appetite in Qatar for the home crowds of Germany, and there might be a decent case for the hosts at Euro 2024. In addition, the returning Toni Kroos will be back for his swansong after announcing his retirement, his legacy sealed.
Spain and the Hunch that Might Replace Lack of Punch
Ever since the double of Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, Spain have struggled to compete for the top prizes. New boss Luis de la Fuente has, however, presided over an almost perfect qualification record of seven wins and a loss. Spain always have huge talent. Gavi and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal are the future, while Rodri and captain Alvaro Morata are the experienced heads.
They still lack that dynamic striker in the Fernando Torres mould, and the manager is easing down on expectations. “We have the raw materials to make a great team. What do we need? Time,” De la Fuente said to AFP before a friendly defeat to Colombia at West Ham’s London Stadium in March.
Spain do have a worrying group of deaths to test their mettle alongside Italy, Croatia, and Albania. It could go wrong without that goal threat.
Portugal Fly Through To Germany With Best Record
The most outstanding record in Euro 2024 qualifying came in the final Group J. Portugal scored 36 goals and conceded just two, although the opponents were not of the greatest quality bar Slovakia.
Roberto Martinez has won 11 of his 12 matches in charge so far, With the likes of Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the pitch, there is always a chance. Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are also well-heeled in dealing with big pressure. The 2016 winners may have an outside chance of getting something done.
Euro 2024 is an open book if England, a team whose last major trophy was 58 years ago, are supposed to be favourites. This could be a rollercoaster.
