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FLOS’ FIVE: UEFA Euro 2024

The UEFA European Championship (Euros) pits some of the world’s finest international football teams in a thrilling month-long high-stakes sporting drama. With the prestigious Henri Delaunay Cup at stake, reputations are on the line, and national pride hangs in the balance.

The 2024 edition of this captivating event, scheduled to be held between June 14 and July 14, will see 24 of Europe’s finest footballing nations converge in Germany for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. Many teams will be eyeing victory and the chance to lift the ultimate prize.

This competition has a history of allowing underdog dreams to flourish, as demonstrated by Greece’s remarkable triumph over host nation Portugal in 2004. Once again, fans can expect the unexpected as teams strive to etch their names in footballing history.

As the footballing world eagerly anticipates the tournament, FLOS turns its spotlight on the frontrunners and dark horses poised to make their mark on the tournament.

Favourites to win the UEFA Euro 2024:

England

Heading into a tournament, the English national team find themselves in a unique position: widely considered the frontrunner to claim the title, with few dissenting voices challenging their status as the team to beat.

Since their heart-wrenching defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, the finalists have arguably only grown stronger. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham has ascended to the ranks of the world’s best players, while Harry Kane continues to amass goals for both club and country, adding the European Goal Shoe in his first season at Bayern Munich to his list of individual achievements in the game. Additionally, the emergence of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, shining for Arsenal and Manchester City respectively, has added depth to their already formidable lineup.

England’s path to glory seems even clearer considering their flawless qualification campaign, including victories over defending champions Italy and a less-than-formidable Ukrainian side.

The quest for England’s first Euro title is further intensified by swirling rumours suggesting that manager Gareth Southgate may step down after the tournament. This, coupled with the potential departure of several seasoned players including Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire, who have long been stalwarts in the squad, adds a sense of urgency to the team’s mission. For many players, this tournament could represent their final opportunity to secure victory with the Three Lions, heightening the stakes even more.

France

France narrowly edged past England in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although many argued that the Three Lions were the superior team that night. This close contest might explain why England currently outranks France in our rankings. However, it would come as no surprise if Didier Deschamps’ side triumphed in the upcoming tournament.

The 2018 World Cup champions came agonisingly close to securing back-to-back titles in Qatar, falling just short in a penalty shootout to Argentina. Undeterred by this defeat, France breezed through qualifying stages, displaying the determination and skill indicative of a team poised to claim their first European title since 2000.

Les Bleus boasts a wealth of talent, including the electrifying Kylian Mbappe, the latest Galactico, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Moreover, Deschamps’ adeptness at navigating high-pressure situations on the grandest stages of football provides the French team with a distinct advantage.

Portugal

In terms of talent and squad depth, only a handful of nations can rival Portugal. Their team is brimming with stars in every position, making them strong contenders for Euro 2024.

Coach Roberto Martinez has seamlessly adapted to the qualities of the Portuguese team, fitting in like a duck to water. Portugal were the only team that had a 100% record in qualification for Euro 2024, they also ended qualification with the most goals (36) thus form and momentum is certainly on their side.
The 2016 champions also have the advantage of easing into the tournament with relatively comfortable group-phase fixtures that collectively features the lowest FIFA ranked group stage opponents, including Georgia- the only nation making their debut appearance in the tournament.

However, despite these strengths, the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side sits third in our rankings. This is largely due to their recent lacklustre performances in major tournaments, including their exit at the hands of Belgium in the round of 16 of Euro 2020.

Germany

Die Mannschaft may have their status as hosts to thank for their qualification to the showpiece event.
The three-time Euro winners endured a forgettable 2023, winning only three and drawing one of their 11 fixtures, following a shock group stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, with the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann as manager in September 2023, the ‘sinking ship’ seems to have stabilised. The former Bayern Munich manager is eager to prove himself on the high-stakes international stage. Despite Germany’s current state, it would be unwise to discount the serial winners, boasting an impressive five World Cups and three European Championship titles. Especially considering that they currently have some of the world’s finest youngsters including Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

If the March international window fixtures are any indication, the German side appears to be on the right path to deliver a spectacle at the Euro.

Spain

Spain enters the Euro tournament with a shadow of uncertainty looming, yet it would be shortsighted to
underestimate the prowess of La Roja.

The three-time European champions approach Euro 2024 with a blend of youth and experience, aiming to surpass their semi-final finish in the 2020 Euro. La Roja’s attack will be reliant on youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both coming off strong individual seasons, to breakthrough on the international stage.

The current UEFA Nations League champions have excelled since the appointment of Luis de la Fuente in January 2023, and are poised to make an impact at the tournament. However, their Achilles’ heel of converting chances, which has plagued them in recent tournaments, may surface once more. Nevertheless, disregarding the 2012 champions would be to the detriment of any opponent.

Euro 2024 Dark Horse

The expansion of the Euros to 24 teams in 2016 has opened the door for smaller nations to qualify for Europe’s premier international tournament. Iceland stunned England in the knockout stages of Euro 2016 with a squad that included semi-professional players. In the last edition, North Macedonia qualified and performed admirably in the group stages against teams like Ukraine and Austria.

This year, more underdogs are again aiming to make their mark. However, if there’s one team many speculate as having the potential to clinch the Euro title, it’s Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey. The Crescent-Stars enter the showpiece with a lineup spearheaded by some of European football’s most promising young talents, including Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Additionally, the midfield experience of Inter’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu and the defensive prowess of Merih Demiral paired with Çağlar Söyüncü could provide the impetus for Turkey to secure their maiden Euro tournament glory.

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