With the spotlight on the upcoming World Cup in the USA in 2026, attention now shifts towards the major international tournaments on the horizon, notably UEFA Euro 2024. Set to ignite the summer from June 14th to July 14th in Germany, this football extravaganza promises high stakes and thrilling matches across ten spectacular venues.
These are the top contenders who are gearing up to lift the coveted trophy, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses.
England
After a heart-wrenching near-miss at Euro 2020, where they lost to Italy in the nail-biting final, England’s squad is more determined than ever to clinch their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
There’s a palpable sense of belief that Euro 2024 might be the tournament where the Three Lions finally roar to victory, ending a decades-long drought on the international stage. With a squad that perfectly blends the zestful energy of youth with the sage wisdom of experience, England’s claim to the trophy looks stronger than ever.
At the forefront of this golden generation, Jude Bellingham, the young megastar, alongside the seasoned prowess of striker Harry Kane, showcases the formidable depth and talent within the team. Their impeccable run in the qualifiers, highlighted by twice outclassing Italy with a cumulative score of 5-2, exemplifies their readiness for the challenge ahead.
Drawn into Group C alongside Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia, the fixture to watch out for is undoubtedly the clash against Denmark on June 20th, which promises to be a crucial juncture in their quest.
Despite the shadow of a doubt that lingers until a major trophy is won, England stands as a deserving favourite, bolstered by half a decade among the world’s elite teams, making them a formidable contender for the Euro 2024 title.
France
France, led by the electrifying Kylian Mbappe, stands at the precipice of adding another glorious chapter to their already illustrious football history. Fresh off a World Cup runner-up finish in 2022 and basking in the glory of their 2018 triumph, the French team is in the midst of a golden era that shows no signs of waning.
Their road to UEFA Euro 2024 has been marked by a series of commanding performances, notably against formidable opponents like the Netherlands, whom they defeated twice with a resounding combined score of 6-1 during the qualifying stages. Such results underline the depth, quality, and tactical acumen this French side possesses.
Drawn into the challenging Group D alongside the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland, Les Bleus faces a daunting path ahead. Yet, their comprehensive squad depth and sheer talent make them more than capable of navigating this “group of depth” successfully.
Their campaign kicks off against Austria on June 17th, setting the stage for what could be one of the tournament’s most pivotal matches against the Netherlands on June 21st. France’s squad, brimming with world-class talents and led by the phenomenal Mbappe, has the ability and belief to overcome any obstacle in their path to European glory.
Germany
As hosts of UEFA Euro 2024, Germany is ambitiously looking to overturn their recent disappointing performances on the international stage. The memory of group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups still lingers, marking a period that has been uncharacteristic for a nation so rich in football history.
Not having reached the quarterfinals of a major tournament since Euro 2016, the German team is hungry for success and is set on using Euro 2024 as the turning point to herald a new era.
With the advantage of playing on home soil, Germany did not participate in the qualifying rounds. However, their recent friendlies have provided a glimmer of hope and showcased their potential to compete among Europe’s elite once again. Notably, their victories against football powerhouses France (2-0) and the Netherlands (2-1) have hinted at a returning form. Upcoming friendlies against Ukraine and Greece are eagerly anticipated as they will offer a final glimpse of the team’s preparations before the tournament kicks off.
Germany finds itself in Group A, alongside Switzerland, Hungary, and Scotland. This draw presents an opportunity for the team to gradually build their campaign and gather momentum without the immediate pressure of facing another top contender. The opening match against Scotland on June 14th is not just a tournament opener but a significant chance for Germany to set the tone for their Euro 2024 campaign, aiming not just to participate but to dominate and, eventually, to win.
Spain
Spain, often referred to as La Roja, enters UEFA Euro 2024 as a team with a rich history behind them, nostalgically looking back at the golden era of 2008-2012 when they were the unrivalled kings of international football. Despite a noticeable dip in their overwhelming dominance since those halcyon days, Spain remains a formidable force in the world of football, a testament to their consistent performances, even if recent years have seen them exit major tournaments on penalties.
Their path through the qualifiers for Euro 2024 was relatively smooth, albeit marred by a surprising 2-0 loss to Scotland, showcasing that while strong, they are not invincible. Positioned in Group B alongside heavyweights Croatia, Italy, and Albania, Spain finds themselves in what can arguably be termed the ‘Group of Death,’ a situation that underscores the necessity for a strong start, beginning with a critical opening match against Croatia on June 15th, followed by a high-stakes encounter with Italy on June 20th.
Given the group’s competitive nature, featuring three of the top nine teams based on outright winner odds for the tournament, Spain’s campaign at Euro 2024 is poised on a knife-edge. However, their blend of experienced campaigners and exciting new talents makes La Roja a team that, despite the challenges, possesses the quality and resilience to traverse this daunting path.
The Bottom Line
The stage is set for UEFA Euro 2024, promising a tournament of unparalleled excitement and unpredictability. England, France, Germany, and Spain, each boasting their unique strengths and historical pedigree, are poised to leave an indelible mark on the championship.
Yet, the true essence of the Euros lies in its capacity to surprise, where dark horses emerge and footballing giants can be humbled.
The Euro sportsbook odds are already favouring the likes of England and France to lift the trophy, but with so many talented teams in contention, anything can happen. As we eagerly await the kickoff on June 14th, one thing is for sure – Euro 2024 will be a spectacle like no other.
