Check out the EURO 2024 teams who will line-up for the tournament.
With March’s play-off finalising the final three sides who have earned their entry to the Euros, the groups are now set, the scouting is underway, and the tension is mounting.
Group A
Germany and Scotland kick the 2024 Euros off, when they meet on June 14th in Munich. In their group, the duo have been paired with Hungary and Switzerland.
At first glance, should the Germans perform well in front of their own support, the other three could conceivably finish in any order, so well matched are they.
Scotland were brilliant in their qualification group, especially in beating Spain, and if they can reproduce that form, they will go close. The Hungarians and Swiss will be at their third Euros in a row and are hard to break down.
Key players: Jamal Musiala (Germany), John McGinn (Scotland)
Group B
This could turn out to be the ‘group of death’ with three times winners Spain, defending champions Italy, and Croatia, who have finished runners-up and third in the last two World Cups. Albania complete the group and were impressive in a qualifying campaign that sees them reach their second Euros in eight years.
Although this may not be a vintage Spanish squad, they should come out on top, especially with Italy lacking goals. Croatia’s contingent at almost veteran stage, and Albania will likely face the harsh realities of being rank outsiders.
Key players: Rodri (Spain), Luka Modric (Croatia)
Group C
England will be out for payback after losing the last final on penalties and have world-class players brimming with confidence. It looks a pretty straightforward group for Gareth Southgate’s men and it’ll be a shock if they don’t finish top.
Former winners Denmark qualified along with Slovenia in the same group, however both appear to lack real quality, save for Dane Christian Eriksen. Serbia lost twice to Hungary in qualifying yet have the prolific former Fulham marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Key players: Jude Bellingham (England), Christian Eriksen (Denmark), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia)
Group D
France come into the competition as second-favourites to England, though lost to hosts Germany in a warm-up match. In Kylian Mbappe, they possess one of the true world greats, as well as a host of other match-winners in their squad.
Euro 88 winners in Germany, the Netherlands, were in the same group as Les Bleus in qualification, losing 4-0 in Paris and 2-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Poland beat Wales in the playoffs and have goal machine Robert Lewandowski. Austria are lively outsiders and should not be discounted.
Key players: Kylian Mbappe (France), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Group E
Belgium’s last few tournaments could be deemed disappointments, such has been the fervour surrounding their so-called Golden Generation, which includes Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibault Courtois. At the end of the day, they have just a third-place in World Cup 2018 to show for all their talent.
They seem to have been handed a kind draw this time around though, with Ukraine, Romania and Slovakia, on paper, at least, not looking vastly threatening, though it never seems to turn out like that. Relative upsets could occur here and don’t be surprised if Belgium fluff their lines.
Key players: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Viktor Tyshankov (Ukraine)
Group F
Although Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer playing in Europe, he is still the record goalscorer in all international football. His country are amongst the favourites to go all the way in Germany, and should comfortably top this group.
Turkey won their qualifying group and look likely to follow the Portuguese into the knockout rounds, though debutants Georgia will look to talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to work his magic, while Czech Republic will hope to summon the spirit of 1976, when they won the title.
Key players: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
The EURO 2024 teams should produce some crackers for the knockouts, and should they overcome all the usual hazards along the way, and our prediction is for Germany-England final (of course!).
