The countdown to Euro 2024 is well and truly underway, and 24 nations will compete in Germany this summer for the honour of becoming European champions. This year’s competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle with several intriguing storylines in place as underdogs and perennial favourites prepare for battle. As usual, we’ve come up with a comprehensive preview of what you can expect from this summer’s tournament, as well as expert betting tips you can bet on to win big. Enjoy!
**Tournament Overview** Euro 2024 is set to kick off on June 14th in Germany, with the final game scheduled for July 13th. The tournament will feature 24 teams divided into six groups, with each group’s top two teams, along with the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stages. Scotland will kick things off against Germany in an exciting tournament opener. Steve Clarke’s team enjoyed a strong qualifying campaign and will face the hosts in Munich, along with Hungary and Switzerland in Group A. Tournament contenders, England landed a favorable draw and will face Denmark, a team they defeated in the Euro 2020 semi-finals, along with Serbia and Slovenia in Group C. Defending champions Italy are in a tough group, facing Spain, Croatia, and underdogs Albania. Italy will be looking to defend their title after a victorious run in 2020, when they defeated England in the final at Wembley Stadium. Hosts Germany are the most successful team in the competition’s history with three tournament victories alongside fellow contenders, Spain, who won the UEFA Nations League last year and are the only country to successfully defend a Euros title.
Here are the groups in full: - Group A: Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, Hungary - Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania - Group C: Slovenia, Serbia, Denmark, England - Group D: Netherlands, Austria, France, Poland - Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine - Group F: Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey, Georgia Now, let’s analyze the chances of some of the pre-tournament favorites
**England** England have consistently been considered among the favorites in recent major tournaments, and that will be the same this summer. Alongside teams like France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal, they possess the quality to go all the way. However, England’s history includes breezing through the group stages only to falter against top-tier opponents in knockout rounds. What could change this summer? This is probably the most talented group the Three Lions have had since the golden generation of the 2000s. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham will be supported by the talented trio of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice. Gareth Southgate’s job? To put the rest of the pieces together and ensure it clicks. Key players: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice Can England finally win their first international trophy since 1966? Take advantage of our bet of the day by backing the Three Lions to lift the trophy this summer.
**France** France are rightly considered to be the favorites to win EURO 2024. Why? They have one of the best international teams, boasting a perfect blend of youth and experience. A golden generation of players, strong competition across the team, continuity in an experienced coach who has been at the helm since 2012 and perhaps most importantly, they can call on Kylian Mbappe, who is arguably the best footballer in the world. This group of players will be desperate to put the World Cup final defeat against Argentina behind them and re-announce themselves as the best team in Europe (and the world) Key players: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni Can Kylian Mbappe lead France to glory this summer? Enjoy the best odds by backing France to win EURO 2024.
**Spain** Luis de la Fuente’s team full of great potential but unlike in their 2008-2012 peak, there aren’t many players in this Spain squad that can be considered world class. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is one of the few in the squad that qualifies as “world class”, standing head and shoulders above anyone else in his position. He will be crucial to their chances of going deep into the tournament. Barcelona’s trio of Pedri and Lamine Yamal will be crucial in the final third, but their lack of a clinical goalscorer might be a problem the further they progress in the tournament. As always, they have a clearly defined style of play, and they will dominate most games, but the likes of Alvaro Morata, and Dani Olmo must raise their levels in attack if Spain are to go all the way and win it. Key Players: Rodri, Pedri, Alvaro Morata Rodri has not lost a game (over 90 minutes) for club and country in more than a year. Can this unbelievable run continue? Take advantage of our free VIP tips today by backing Spain to win the Euros.
**Germany** As hosts, the Germans didn’t have to play any qualifiers, a situation that has starved them of the chance to play adequate competitive matches. Their games since the 2022 World Cup have all been friendlies, but even those yielded defeats against Poland, Colombia, Japan, Turkey, and Austria. Germany are probably one of the favourites because they’re hosting the tournament, as their form in the past 12 months (W4, L6, D2) has left fans with little confidence ahead of their opening game against Scotland. However, their last two matches have been victories over France and the Netherlands, which has led to renewed optimism that Germany can make a statement at EURO 2024. They will rely heavily on Toni Kroos; the elegant Real Madrid midfielder’s decision to come out of retirement has coincided with their recent good form and they’ll hope that Kroos, along with Jamal Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan and Florian Wirtz can give them what they need to win the EUROs on home soil. Key players: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos. The hosts will be extra motivated by the home fans and as such, are one of the favorites to win this tournament.
**Portugal** It’s been eight years since Portugal won their first major trophy, beating France after extra-time in the Euro 2016 final. Their title defence ended at the round of 16 in 2021, followed by disappointment at the 2022 World Cup. Now, they look stronger than ever, with a different mindset and have become even more versatile at the top end of the pitch. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was their best player during the qualifiers, and he will once again lead their charge at the Euros. Football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo is still around, and he remains a potent threat despite his declining influence. Portugal should progress as group winners, although both Turkey and Czech Republic will be competitive. Key players: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo. Can Cristiano do it at 39 years old? Enjoy our free VIP tips today by betting on Portugal to triumph in Germany.
**Italy** The defending champions have had a disappointing last two years, but they will hope to put things right when they put up a title defense this summer. The Azzurri stunned England at Wembley to win Euro 2020 and are targeting an even bigger upset in Germany this summer. Italy are still coming to terms with missing out on last year’s World Cup and there are serious questions about the strength of the current squad. There are no doubts over the quality of the coach, however. Luciano Spalletti replaced former boss Roberto Mancini, who quit his post a year ago. Spalletti masterminded Napoli’s stunning Serie A title triumph last season and, despite taking over just before the conclusion of the qualification campaign, he managed to get his country to Germany by pipping Ukraine to second spot behind England. As far as key players, Italy are not blessed with individual talent, but Federico Chiesa will be key to getting them the goals they need to successfully defend their EURO title. Key players: Federico Chiesa, Alessandro Bastoni, Gianluigi Donnarumma Italy may be going through a period of transition, but they are a formidable tournament team, and our football prediction is for the Azzurri to defend their crown.
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