A look at the early favourites to win Euro 2024

As the anticipation builds for Euro 2024 in Germany, football enthusiasts are already speculating about the potential favorites for the tournament.

Each national team brings a unique blend of experience, emerging talents, and tactical prowess, making the competition highly anticipated and open to surprises. The competition is one of the most open in recent memory, so it will be no surprise that sold-out Euro 2024 tickets will be in high demand next summer.

This article delves into the strengths and considerations surrounding six prominent contenders: Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and England.

Here’s a preview of the early Euro2024 favourites.

BELGIUM

Belgium’s 2022 World Cup campaign faced challenges, marked by controversies and Lukaku’s struggles. However, under new coach Domenico Tedesco, the team has rejuvenated, with Lukaku’s record-breaking 14 goals in qualifying.

As Kevin De Bruyne recovers from injury, his return might boost the squad placed in a favorable group at the finals. Despite recent quarter-final exits, the team, featuring both veterans and fresh talents, aims to overcome past disappointments, benefiting from a mix of experience and emerging talent such as Johan Bakayoko, Loïs Openda, Wout Faes, Jérémy Doku and Arthur Vermeeren add a fresh dimension.

The underdog status could work in the favor of The Red Devils as they strive for success as they strive for their first breakthrough in international tournaments.

ITALY

Italy secured their place at the Euros with a 0-0 draw against Ukraine, securing the necessary point to qualify as Group C runners-up. Despite controversy over a potential penalty in injury time, manager Luciano Spalletti focused on the qualification’s importance. Taking over after Roberto Mancini’s departure, Spalletti acknowledges the need for improvement, especially in finding a reliable goalscorer.

With key players like Nicolo Barella, Federico Chiesa, Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Ciro Immobile, and Davide Fratessi, Spalleti will hope to take inspiration from his Scudetto title success to lead Gil Azzurri into consecutive Euros triumph.

SPAIN

Luis de la Fuente deserves immense credit for guiding Spain through a successful qualifying campaign, overcoming initial skepticism about his top-level experience.

Following a setback against Scotland, Spain, under de la Fuente, won the Nations League and secured six consecutive victories in Group A, clinching qualification. Despite the glory days of Xavi and Iniesta feeling distant, new talents like Gavi, Pedri, and the pivotal Rodri are ushering in a new era for La Roja under de la Fuente’s coaching, succeeding Luis Enrique.

De la Fuente has successfully restored confidence, despite Spain facing a challenging draw with Italy and Croatia.

The season-ending injury to Gavi is a significant setback, but Spain boasts a promising young squad featuring stars like Pedri, Bryan Zaragoza, Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, the influential Rodri, and in-form captain, Alvaro Morata.

Despite challenges, La Roja approaches the tournament with an exciting mix of experience and emerging talent under De la Fuente’s guidance as they hope to secure consecutive International trophies after emerging victorious in the recently concluded Nations League.

PORTUGAL

Portugal, under Roberto Martinez’s management, is thriving after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo, undeterred by age, remains committed to leading Portugal at the Euros.

The team boast a mix of experienced players like Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, showcasing a formidable lineup. With a rejuvenated squad and talented individuals, A Seleção aim to make a strong impact at the upcoming tournament under Martinez’s guidance.

Portugal’s flawless qualification for Euro 2024, winning all 10 matches with an impressive goal tally, positions them as formidable contenders in Group F. The group appears slightly less competitive as Portugal are tipped to earn the top spot.

However, questions linger about the true strength of Portugal’s squad, given the perceived weakness of their qualifying group. Additionally, doubts persist about manager Roberto Martinez’s ability to deliver in major tournaments, following concerns raised during his tenure with Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation.’ The Euros will be a crucial test for Portugal and Martinez as they aim for success in Germany.

FRANCE

France currently holds the top spot as the highest-ranked European team globally, boasting a squad with a remarkable blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talents.

The depth of their player pool is highlighted by the likes of Olivier Giroud, goalkeeper Mike Maignan, the formidable defense including William Saliba, emerging talent Warren Zaire-Emery and Youssouf Fofana in midfield, the in-form Antoine Griezmann, and the electrifying Kylian Mbappe, considered the most formidable attacker in world football. While Greece disrupted their perfect qualifying record, France’s convincing victories against the Netherlands instill confidence as they head into the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

France, under the leadership of Didier Deschamps, has established itself as a football powerhouse, once holding the title of world champion. Despite falling short in the recent World Cup, Deschamps has fostered a winning culture and has an abundance of talent at his disposal. Kylian Mbappe leads the charge, supported by an eclectic cast that includes the evergreen Olivier Giroud.

A notable aspect of France’s recent success is their defensive solidity, a superpower that has contributed to victories in the Nations League and two World Cup final appearances. The team boasts an impressive array of defensive options, including Theo and Lucas Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Jean-Clair Todibo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Jules Kounde, and Dayot Upamecano. The depth in defensive talent is complemented by outstanding goalkeeping options, with Mike Maignan, Alphonse Areola, and Brice Samba providing strength between the posts.

France’s attacking prowess, spearheaded by players like Antoine Griezmann, provides a strong foundation for success in the upcoming Euros. Griezmann, transitioning from a striker to an attacking midfielder, has been a standout performer for France, showcasing a resurgence in form in the 20223/2024 season with both club and country. At 32 years old, Griezmann may have one last chance to make a significant impact in a major tournament.

In addition to their formidable squad, Les Bleus benefit from the guidance of coach Didier Deschamps, who has brought substantial success to the national team in his eleven-year tenure. With achievements like the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, Deschamps’ experience and the exceptional quality of the squad position France as clear favorites to win Euro 2024. Deschamps’ contract extends until 2026, providing him with the opportunity for further success if he can strike the right balance in the starting XI.

ENGLAND

England, currently favored to win the European Championship in Germany next year, seek to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy. Having reached the Euro 2020 final but losing to Italy, Gareth Southgate’s team is drawn into Group C alongside Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia.

Despite securing qualification with two games to spare, England’s recent performances against Malta and North Macedonia have raised some doubts. Manager Gareth Southgate has faced criticism for perceived conservatism, acknowledging that the team hasn’t been at its best in 2023. As they head into the Euros, England aims to capitalize on both talent and experience to secure victory.

The Three Lions overcame the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final exit, finishing atop Group C with an unbeaten record from eight qualifying games. Despite falling short in the 2022 World Cup, Gareth Southgate extended his contract, expressing confidence in delivering England’s first major title since 1966.

Southgate’s managerial style, characterized by loyalty to certain players, has faced scrutiny. Players like Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, consistent picks despite club-level inconsistencies, continue to feature. However, emerging talents like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, along with seasoned players like Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, add depth and competition as England gears up for victory at the European Championship in Germany.