Of all the groups that make up the 2024 European Champions, none are more highly anticipated than Group B, which has already been dubbed the ‘Group of Death.’ Whilst all the groups feature one or two strong sides, Group B is the only group in the tournament to feature three teams currently ranked in FIFA’s top 10 world rankings, in fact, the 8th, 9th, and 10th ranked teams respectively.
The three teams in question are fallen giants and 8th-ranked side Spain, who last won the tournament in 2012, they line up alongside their fellow Nations League finalists, and 10th-ranked side Croatia, with 9th-ranked defending champions Italy also competing in the group. Albania make up the fourth side in the group, but barring a minor miracle, they would be expected to finish rock bottom.
Things shape up to be a thrilling contest between three exciting sides, each with something to prove. So let’s take a look at the sides in more detail that make up this group:
Albania
One of the lowest-ranked sides in the tournament, Albania have a world ranking of #64, which, for context, puts them below the likes of Saudi Arabia, Panama, and Burkina Faso. They have only qualified for one European Championship in their history, in 2016, when they finished 3rd in a group with hosts France, Switzerland, and Romania. They are likely to fare worse this time around, and, if we’re being honest, a point in the group stages would be a big ask.
Croatia
Croatia have always been one of the sides to upset the apple cart, and, since 1996, Vatreni have resisted a trio of top 3 World Cup finishes, a UEFA Nations League runners-up spot, and two European Championship quarter-finals. Making the round of 16 in 2020, they will hope to better that finish this time around, but will face stiff competition from both Italy and Spain.
Italy
Defending champions Italy are a mystery wrapped up in an enigma, and continue to be the team that defies logic. Either wildly underachieving or unexpectedly overachieving, the Azzurri come into this tournament as defending champions but are far from favorites to retain their title. Indeed, bookies have them as sixth favourites for the championship, at 16/1. However, they have a squad packed with talent, and in Destiny Udogie they have one of the brightest young stars set to dominate Euro 2024.
Spain
Rounding off the group is 3-time champion Spain, who last clinched the title at Euro 2012, but finished in third place as recently as 2020. Buoyed by last year’s Nations League win under manager Luis de la Fuente, the team is packed full of exciting players, such as Kopa Trophy winner and 19-year-old sensation Gavi, who could become one of the youngest Ballon d’Or winners of all-time. Spain will be hoping to capture the form that saw them dominate as the best team in the world between 2008 and 2012.
Euro 2024 looks set to be one of the best tournaments in recent years, and Group B looks set to be one of the strongest and most highly contested in recent times. The Group of Death will throw up plenty of twists and turns, and at least one big scalp will be claimed in the process.
