Euro 2024 team-by-team preview: Who shall be European champs?

Membership soccer? It is over. Put it out of your thoughts, a minimum of for the following six weeks. Summer season is worldwide soccer season, and that formally begins on Friday when Germany and Scotland kick off Euro 2024.

The seventeenth version of the European Championship will happen in 10 cities throughout Germany, from Hamburg within the north to Munich within the south, Düsseldorf within the west to Berlin within the east. Between June 14 and July 14, some of the atmospheric footballing nations in Europe will welcome the remainder of the continent to its symphonic stadiums.

There isn’t any scarcity of intrigue on the Euros. Will this be 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo‘s closing worldwide match? Will England carry their first main trophy because the 1966 World Cup? What can Georgia provide on their European Championship debut? Can Italy repeat as champions? What of different match favourites corresponding to France and Spain? Or the hosts?

To reply these questions, ESPN dissected all 24 groups who’ve freshly arrived in Germany, detailing which gamers you may’t afford to overlook, which burgeoning participant is getting ready to change into a family title, what’s going to maintain groups again from profitable and what every nation’s likelihood is on the Euros.

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Nickname: Kuqezinjtë (The Crimson and Blacks)
FIFA rank: 66
Euro 2024 group: Group B
Supervisor: Sylvinho
Document in previous 12 months: 7W-3D-2L
Group stage fixtures: Italy (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET); Croatia (June 19, 9 a.m. ET); Spain (June 24, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +50000

Cannot-miss star: Kristjan Asllani. There are a couple of acquainted names in right here. You will have Brentford‘s Thomas Strakosha in aim and Chelsea‘s Armando Broja up entrance. He has struggled for match time this season, so in case you’re in search of an in-form participant, then it is both Atalanta‘s Berat Djimsiti or Internazionale‘s Asllani. The latter was distinguished in Inter’s run to the Serie A title and is integral to Albania’s crew. “He is technical, younger and forging his path,” Sylvinho stated of his midfielder. “He has so much to study nonetheless, like several 21- or 22-year-old participant. He is actually robust when it comes to his technical capability and is blessed with a number of character. He is a high participant.”

Breakout candidate: Ernest Muçi. Asllani is Albania’s greatest younger participant, however this may very well be a match the place Muçi enhances his rising fame. He has impressed at Besiktas this season — having joined them within the winter switch window from Legia Warsaw — and though his match time was restricted within the qualifying course of, he may play himself into rivalry. He is a difficult attacking midfielder who also can play off the left.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re enormous underdogs, and so they have a brutal draw with Spain, Croatia and Italy becoming a member of them in Group B. Albania got here by a comparatively simple qualification group to get right here, however they’re rank outsiders to progress by the group, not to mention make a dent within the match. Sylvinho and his assistants have introduced some attacking nous to the group, nevertheless it’s absolutely an excessive amount of to anticipate them to progress by this brutal pool.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Sylvinho, the ex-Arsenal, Manchester Metropolis and Barcelona defender, is the brains behind their Euros marketing campaign, alongside former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta and his Brazilian teammate Doriva. So there is a South American really feel to this group. They’ve been moulded to be resilient, but additionally with added glimpses of aptitude, so anticipate them to string collectively some fantastic play. That is their second main match, having performed within the 2016 Euros, the place they managed to get a historic win over Romania, however it should take a monumental effort to muster one other victory this time round. — Tom Hamilton

Nickname: Das Group (The Group)
FIFA rank: 25
Euro 2024 group: Group D
Supervisor: Ralf Rangnick
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-3D-1L
Group stage fixtures: France (Monday, 3 p.m. ET); Poland (June 21, midday ET); Netherlands (June 25, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +6600

Cannot-miss star: Marcel Sabitzer. Sabitzer wasn’t needed by Bayern Munich or Manchester United final summer season, however he discovered a house at Borussia Dortmund and helped them defy the chances to achieve the UEFA Champions League closing. He was excellent within the knockout rounds, significantly towards Paris Saint-Germain, and he shall be a key participant for Austria in Germany.

Breakout candidate: Leopold Querfeld. David Alaba hasn’t performed for Actual Madrid since December and missed out on a spot in Rangnick’s provisional 29-man squad. His absence may imply 20-year-old Querfeld is picked to start out in defence. Querfeld has been a daily for Fast Vienna for the previous two seasons and made his worldwide debut towards Slovakia in March.

Why they will not win all of it: Austria are in good type, beating Germany 2-0 in November and thrashing Turkey 6-1 in March, however their greatest downside at Euro 2024 is the power of their group. In Group D with France, Netherlands and Poland, they face an uphill battle to earn a spot within the high two or end with a document adequate to safe a spot within the knockouts as among the finest third-placed groups.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Austria got here by a troublesome qualifying group with Belgium and Sweden, and their reward was a good harder Euros group. Barring a few shock outcomes towards France and Netherlands, they are going to be trying to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of many best-performing third-place groups. Ending third in Group D would imply enjoying one of many group winners within the final 16 with England, Spain and Belgium all potential opponents. Austria reached the spherical of 16 in 2021 earlier than they had been knocked out by Italy, and their troublesome draw in all probability means they’re in search of an analogous efficiency this time round. — Rob Dawson

Belgium

Nickname: De Rode Duivels (The Crimson Devils)
FIFA rank: 3
Euro 2024 group: Group E
Supervisor: Domenico Tedesco
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-4D-0L
Group stage fixtures: Slovakia (Monday, midday ET); Romania (June 22, 3 p.m. ET); Ukraine (June 26, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +1500

Cannot-miss star: Kevin De Bruyne. Euro 2024 is more likely to be De Bruyne’s final probability of worldwide success after so many close to misses with a bunch of gamers billed as Belgium’s golden technology. The Manchester Metropolis midfielder shall be 33 on the finish of June, and accidents have hampered his previous two seasons on the Etihad, but when he’s match and contemporary, De Bruyne’s dominance of midfield, his passing vary and goal-scoring capability imply he’s nonetheless their major man.

Breakout candidate: Jérémy Doku. The Manchester Metropolis winger was a standout performer for Pep Guardiola’s crew in his first season on the membership and his substitute efficiency within the FA Cup closing towards Manchester United, when he scored a late aim in a 2-1 defeat, virtually turned the tide again in Metropolis’s favour. Doku has tempo, trickery and a mind for aim, so he could be a huge participant at Euro 2024.

Why they will not win all of it: Too many gamers whose greatest days are behind them, mixed with the scars of failing to ship in so many tournaments, recommend that Belgium will fall quick once more in the event that they attain the latter phases of Euro 2024. Make no mistake, Tedesco has an abundance of expertise at his disposal, however whether or not the likes of De Bruyne, Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel can put all of the previous disappointments behind them and at last ship in Germany stays to be seen.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Belgium are in a bunch that they need to win comfortably alongside Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania in Group E. In the event that they high that part, a probable second-round tie towards the Netherlands, Poland or Austria awaits. Belgium, who’re unbeaten since shedding to Morocco at Qatar 2022, ought to anticipate to achieve the quarterfinals a minimum of. Doku, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere ended the season in type for his or her golf equipment, however De Bruyne and Lukaku had been much less convincing, so there are huge doubts over the crew heading into the match. — Mark Ogden

Croatia

Nickname: Vatreni (Blazers)
FIFA rank: 10
Euro 2024 group: Group B
Supervisor: Zlatko Dalić
Document in previous 12 months: 9W-0D-3L
Group stage fixtures: Spain (Saturday, midday ET); Albania (June 19, 9 a.m. ET); Italy (June 24, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +3000

Cannot-miss star: Luka Modric. The 38-year-old is in his eighth main competitors with Croatia and involves the Euros contemporary from serving to Actual Madrid to one more European crown. He’s nonetheless one of many world’s greatest midfielders, and regardless of turning 39 in September, he’ll be on the forefront of Croatia’s journey in Germany. “So long as Luka is right here, we’ll name it ‘the golden technology,'” Dalić stated. “He is an exemplary particular person: the best Croatian soccer participant ever. He is an embodiment of a real athlete, a real soccer participant.”

Breakout candidate: Lovro Majer. This crew is constructed across the family names that took them to the World Cup closing in 2018, however they’ve this younger core coming by with Josko Gvardiol on the forefront. It is a straightforward out choosing him because the breakthrough candidate — regardless of being simply 22 years outdated — given he is among the finest defenders in world soccer, so how about VfL Wolfsburg‘s Majer? There are youthful gamers to control, corresponding to midfielder Luka Sucic, nevertheless it’s Majer who’s more likely to get extra sport time and is a cultured attacking midfielder who can someday step into Modric’s enormous footwear.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re in a brutal group, with Italy and Spain of their means. They’ve by no means gained a knockout match within the Euros. There are additionally a few choice queries, and it stays to be seen who they go together with up entrance. Gone are the times the place Mario Mandžukić cemented himself as their standout striker, so it will be a mixture of both Ante Budimir or Andrej Kramaric. Kramaric has been shoehorned in as striker prior to now, regardless of preferring to play off the flanks, whereas Bruno Petkovic has additionally been performed out of place. Then there are questions over Ivan Perisic‘s health, with the mainstay having suffered an ACL tear earlier within the season. He is regained some match sharpness at Hajduk Break up, nevertheless it’s hardly excellent build-up.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: In the event that they get by their group, then they’ll make a run. There is a feeling of this being the “Final Dance” for this group with Perisic and Modric within the twilight of their careers, however they’ve such a secure core, with Modric alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield, Gvardiol and Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo on the again, and Dominik Livakovic in aim. All this below the steerage of Dalić, who’s been there since 2017 and is aware of the crew inside out. So they might go deep within the Euros, nevertheless it’ll want them to get previous Italy and/or Spain. “We’ll take it step-by-step,” Dalić stated. “Our first aim is to cross the group phases, after which we’ll do our greatest, slowly however absolutely, to attempt to obtain high outcomes.” — Hamilton

Nickname: Národní tým (Nationwide crew)
FIFA rank: 36
Euro 2024 group: Group F
Supervisor: Ivan Hašek
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-3D-1L
Group stage fixtures: Portugal (Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET); Georgia (June 22, 9 a.m. ET); Turkey (June 26, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +20000

Cannot-miss star: Patrik Schick. The Bayer Leverkusen ahead, 28, was joint-top scorer at Euro 2020 with 5 targets (matching Cristiano Ronaldo) in Czechia’s run to the quarterfinals. He has struggled with accidents for the previous two years, present process groin surgical procedure, however returned to bag seven targets in 20 appearances on the way in which to Leverkusen’s record-breaking unbeaten Bundesliga title.

Breakout candidate: Martin Vitík. The 21-year-old Sparta Prague centre-back is extremely rated and has been linked with an imminent swap to one among Europe’s Huge 5 leagues. His membership captain and extra skilled defensive companion Ladislav Krejcí, 25, is one other one to observe and is reportedly in talks with Girona over a transfer this summer season.

Why they will not win all of it: Hašek was solely appointed in January — after predecessor Jaroslav Šilhavý give up over criticism of the crew’s play in qualifying — so hasn’t had a lot time to implement his concepts. Hašek, who performed for Czechoslovakia on the 1990 World Cup and is a former president of the Czechia FA, has spent a lot of his teaching profession in membership soccer within the Center East. The crew will look to prioritise solidity over aptitude, and shall be overreliant on Schick’s targets.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: With Portugal anticipated to dominate Group F, and Georgia making their debut at a serious match, it is more likely to be a straight combat between Czechia and Turkey to complete second. That may very well be decided when the pair go head-to-head within the final group sport on June 26. Reaching the spherical of 16 can be a hit; matching their quarterfinal end at Euro 2020 can be punching above their weight. — Alex Kirkland

Nickname: De Rød-Hvide (The Crimson and Whites)
FIFA rank: 21
Euro 2024 group: Group C
Supervisor: Kasper Hjulmand
Document in previous 12 months: 9W-2D-1L
Group stage fixtures: Slovenia (Sunday, midday ET); England (June 20, midday ET); Serbia (June 25, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +4000

Cannot-miss star: Morten Hjulmand. The Sporting CP midfielder performed a key position for his membership on their method to profitable the Portuguese title and his box-to-box power shall be essential for Denmark if they’re to progress from their group. At 24, Hjulmand may use Euro 2024 as a platform for a transfer to Europe’s Huge 5 leagues.

Breakout candidate: Rasmus Hojlund. The Manchester United ahead would possibly already be a family title following his first season at Outdated Trafford after a £72m switch from Atalanta final July, however Euro 2024 shall be his first main match since making his Denmark debut in September 2022. Højlund has already scored seven targets in 14 worldwide appearances, so if he can preserve that scoring ratio, he could have an enormous match.

Why they will not win all of it: Denmark’s second on the large stage has handed, having reached a excessive water mark with their run to the semifinals of Euro 2020. This time round, the important thing figures of that match — Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer, Thomas Delaney, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg — stay concerned, whereas Christian Eriksen has reestablished himself within the crew after recovering from the cardiac arrest he suffered throughout Euro 2020. Denmark are a strong crew, however they lack the standard to go deep within the competitors.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: England look to be the clear favorite to qualify as winners of Group C, so the scramble for second place amongst Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia is the primary precedence for the Danes. Runners-up in Group C are more likely to face a conflict towards Germany, the host nation, in Dortmund within the second spherical, so it could be a shock if Denmark had been in a position to transcend the spherical of 16. Having emerged from a weak qualifying group, the Danes will discover it powerful in Germany and will drop out on the group stage. — Ogden

England

Nickname: The Three Lions
FIFA rank: 4
Euro 2024 group: Group C
Supervisor: Gareth Southgate
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-3D-2L
Group stage fixtures: Serbia (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET); Denmark (June 20, midday ET); Slovenia (June 25, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +350

Cannot-miss star: Harry Kane. Few groups in world soccer can boast a No. 9 of Kane’s high quality. England’s document aim scorer on 63 and Golden Boot winner on the 2018 World Cup, the 30-year-old is in his prime. He could be a not-so-secret weapon for Gareth Southgate and his workers given his information of German stadiums after spending a 12 months at Bayern Munich.

Breakout candidate: England’s first-choice XI is nicely established, so any breakout star is more likely to come off the bench, maybe Cole Palmer after a stellar season at Chelsea — ending behind solely Erling Haaland within the Premier League high aim scorer race — or Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who made the squad from nowhere given he solely made his Premier League debut in November. However the greatest bolter is Adam Wharton, who made the minimize regardless of becoming a member of Crystal Palace from Blackburn in January and making his senior England debut towards Bosnia and Herzegovina final week.

Why they will not win all of it: England’s match document on overseas soil is just not nice. They gained the 1966 World Cup, and reached the semifinal at Euro ’96 and Euro 2020, however every of these competitions had been performed in England. Questions stay about their defence: who companions John Stones at centre-back with Harry Maguire dominated out? Will Luke Shaw, England’s sole recognised left-back, actually be match sufficient to carry out, having been sidelined since February with a knee harm? Southgate additionally has to silence doubts about whether or not he can extract one of the best from a powerful pool of attacking expertise and affect matches together with his in-game administration if issues flip towards them.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: England are overtly embracing expectations they might win Euro 2024. They narrowly misplaced the final European Championship closing on penalties. They’ll subject arguably the Participant of the 12 months in England (Phil Foden), Germany (Kane) and Spain (Jude Bellingham), however their look ahead to a second main worldwide trophy is now 58 years, and so they nonetheless must show their pedigree within the greatest knockout video games in a means that France don’t, particularly given Southgate’s closing 26 comprises 12 gamers who’ve by no means been to a senior match. France knocked England out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and so they may theoretically meet once more within the semifinals. Clear that hurdle and it’s laborious to see anybody stopping them. — James Olley

France

Nickname: Les Bleus (The Blues)
FIFA rank: 2
Euro 2024 group: Group D
Supervisor: Didier Deschamps
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-2D-2L
Group stage fixtures: Austria (Monday, 3 p.m. ET); Netherlands (June 21, 3 p.m. ET); Poland (June 25, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +400

Cannot-miss star: Kylian Mbappé. There is just one title right here, clearly, and it’s Mbappé. At 25, he’s one of the best participant on the planet in the meanwhile, he’s the most recent Actual Madrid Galactico, and he would be the X issue France want with a purpose to win this match. He has all the things, together with the drive and the ambition to win all the things. As captain, he’ll lead by instance.

Breakout candidate: Bradley Barcola. The PSG winger will start the match in its place, however his tempo and talent set, as we noticed with Les Parisiens this season, makes him so unpredictable and laborious to defend towards that he can change into, at 21, an vital a part of Deschamps’ plans.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re among the many favourites to win all of it, and that is maybe the largest purpose they won’t. Being too optimistic, too smug and taking issues without any consideration are traditionally French flaws. France may very well be their greatest enemy. The dearth of type from their two beginning centre-backs, Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano, can be a slight fear.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: France ought to go actually far on this match regardless of an fascinating group (Austria, Netherlands, Poland) and are among the many favourites to win all of it. They’ve one of the best worldwide head coach in Deschamps, one of the best participant on the planet in Mbappé, a squad with enormous expertise and depth, the proper mixture of expertise and youth, completely different profiles in each attacking place and, lastly, the return of N’Golo Kanté in midfield may very well be a game-changer. France have reached the ultimate in three of the previous 4 main tournaments (Euro 2016, World Cups in 2018 and 2022). They know the ruthlessness required to go far on these events. — Julien Laurens

Georgia

Nickname: Jvarosnebi (Crusaders)
FIFA rank: 75
Euro 2024 group: Group F
Supervisor: Willy Sagnol
Document in previous 12 months: 6W-1D-4L
Group stage fixtures: Turkey (Tuesday, midday ET); Czechia (June 22, 9 a.m. ET); Portugal (June 26, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +50000

Cannot-miss star: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Mesmerising dribbler and an limitless font of creativity, he operates as a second striker with the nationwide aspect. Had a down 12 months with Napoli an nonetheless managed 17 aim involvements final season. The “Kvaradona” moniker stays sacrilegious, however a little bit bit lower than earlier than, as he continues to develop into the elite.

Breakout candidate: Giorgi Mamardashvili. After 2½ years as a starter in LaLiga, he is hardly an unknown, however Valencia‘s persistent underachievement has in all probability denied him the worldwide highlight his abilities deserve. He is a dominant keeper who strikes surprisingly nicely for somebody with such a big body and he is more likely to get loads of possibilities to shine on this match.

Why they will not win all of it: To start out with, FIFA rankings have them because the worst crew within the match. They have not overwhelmed any aspect at this match — friendlies excluded — since 2015, once they downed Scotland 1-0. Solely three of their gamers function in a Huge 5 European league. They appear particularly overmatched defensively, the place growing older cult hero Guram Kashia might want to summon all his expertise at almost 37 years of age.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Group F is not significantly powerful on paper, and going through heavy favourites Portugal final — when they’ll possible have already got certified — works of their favor. In fact, they could be out of the match themselves by then in the event that they fail to take factors off Turkey and the Czechs. Mamardashvili could be a shutdown keeper and Kvaratskhelia can create out of nothing at any time, however for them to get wherever, each must excel in the identical sport. Until they channel the spirit of Greece 2004, their Euros will finish within the group stage. — Gabriele Marcotti

Germany

Nickname: Die Nationalmannschaft (The Nationwide Group)
FIFA rank: 16
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Julian Nagelsmann
Document in previous 12 months: 5W-3D-5L
Group stage fixtures: Scotland (Friday, 3 p.m. ET); Hungary (June 19, midday ET); Switzerland (June 23, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +500

Cannot-miss star: Toni Kroos. Germany’s greatest participant is one who will retire on the finish of the match. Lengthy denied his well-deserved laurels at house, everybody ought to have realised by now that the six-time Champions League winner is a once-in-a-lifetime, generational playmaking expertise. Quickly we’ll all be saying, “he was.”

Breakout candidate: Deniz Undav. Following his atypical profession path, the 27-year-old solely made his debut for Germany in March. On the again of an incredible marketing campaign with VfB Stuttgart, Undav has change into a viable candidate for Germany’s entrance line as a consequence of his attacking instincts and ending qualities from the sting of the field.

Why they will not win all of it: This crew stay a piece in progress. We would not see the brand new Germany moulded in accordance with Nagelsmann’s imaginative and prescient earlier than the 2026 World Cup, particularly now that Kroos is asking it a day after this match and 33-year-old Ilkay Gündogan is serving because the captain. Questions stay whether or not the again line can fend off top-level assaults and whether or not Niclas Füllkrug and Kai Havertz have what it takes to play up entrance and rating very important targets within the knockout rounds.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Versus their World Cup displaying in Qatar, Germany shouldn’t encounter an excessive amount of bother getting out of the group. They even have the potential to beat a number of the stronger nations, contemplating Nagelsmann’s crew is greatest once they can provoke transition assaults after turnovers within the center third of the pitch. Nevertheless, this group of gamers is unlikely to be robust sufficient to win the match at house. Moreover, the Bayern gamers, who’ve historically constructed the spine of the nationwide crew, in all probability will not play that huge of an element this time round. Maybe we’ll see a repeat of 1988 when West Germany made it to the semifinals on house soil. — Constantin Eckner

Nickname: Magyarok (Magyars)
FIFA rank: 26
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Marco Rossi
Document in previous 12 months: 7W-4D-1L
Group-stage fixtures: Switzerland (Saturday, 9 a.m. ET); Germany (June 19, midday ET); Scotland (June 23, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +9000

Cannot-miss star: Dominik Szoboszlai. Hungarian superstardom carries just one title as of late, and it is Szoboszlai’s. The hype surrounding the Liverpool midfielder at house couldn’t be any higher. His always creating qualities as a playmaker coupled together with his taking pictures method and killer intuition have made him into the participant all the things revolves round.

Breakout candidate: Milos Kerkez. Premier League followers in all probability already know the 20-year-old left-back from AFC Bournemouth, and Euro 2024 may very well be the stage for him to change into an internationally recognised title. Kerkez is the definition of depth and an absolute exercise junkie whose fitness center periods even on supposed restoration days are legendary. He shall be relentless in getting up and down the left flank.

Why they will not win all of it: Hungary don’t boast the required squad depth to make a deep run at this match. If it weren’t for nationalised gamers corresponding to Willi Orbán, Callum Types, Loïc Négo and Márton Dárdai, it could be questionable whether or not Hungary would have a sensible probability of reaching the knockout phases. Additionally, there’s usually a big hole in high quality between the beginning XI and the bench.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: To begin with, Hungary’s group video games shall be a spectacle, as 1000’s upon 1000’s of fervent followers will journey to Stuttgart and Cologne. Maybe the environment, Rossi’s teaching and a few magical moments involving Szoboszlai can carry them to the spherical of 16 and even past, however Hungary are hardly the darkish horses of the match. Szoboszlai shoulders the burden of an excessive amount of expectation; we’ll see him continuously beginning assaults from central midfield after which making ahead runs up the pitch to complete the assault he initiated. — Eckner

Italy

Nickname: Gli Azzurri (The Blues)
FIFA rank: 9
Euro 2024 group: Group B
Supervisor: Luciano Spalletti
Document in previous 12 months: 7W-3D-2L
Group-stage fixtures: Albania (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET); Spain (June 20, 3 p.m. ET); Croatia (June 24, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +1200

Cannot-miss star: Nicolò Barella. He is on the peak of his profession and really a lot the chief of this crew. Dynamic, aggressive and proficient with an eye fixed for targets, Barella shall be important in offering the hyperlink to an assault that has far too many questions hanging over it.

Breakout candidate: Riccardo Calafiori. This tall, elegant left-footer helped energy little Bologna into the Champions League this 12 months and solely simply turned 22. Snug on the ball, he typically steps out of defence in midfield to construct play. If two of Italy’s higher gamers — Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni — did not play the roles he covers, he’d be a shoo-in to start out.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re the defending champions, however they’ve had a bumpy 12 months, shedding their coach, Roberto Mancini, and failing to persuade main as much as the match. They’re deep in defence, midfield is strong sufficient, however assault is a particular concern, given Federico Chiesa‘s frequent accidents and Gianluca Scamacca‘s inconsistency. The previous wants to remain match and the latter must be the Scamacca we noticed at Anfield in the event that they’re to have an opportunity. Do not guess on it.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: They’re in a really powerful group with Spain and Croatia and the truth that they’re historically gradual starters and face Albania, nominally their most simple opponent, within the first sport does not assist both. Nonetheless, Gianluigi Donnarumma and this defence can maintain out targets towards most opponents, so you may see them end second. In the event that they handle that, they’re in respectable form. Getting previous the runner-up from Germany’s group should not be a difficulty and within the quarterfinals they might face England in a rematch of the Euro 2020 closing. Robust out, however, heck, it is Southgate, so there’s your path to the semifinals. That is in all probability their best-case state of affairs, as a result of then, barring upsets, they’d must cope with closely favoured France. — Marcotti

Netherlands

Nickname: Oranje (The Orange)
FIFA rank: 7
Euro 2024 group: Group D
Supervisor: Ronald Koeman
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-0D-4L
Group-stage fixtures: Poland (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET); France (June 21, 3 p.m. ET); Austria (June 25, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +1500

Cannot-miss star: Virgil van Dijk. The Netherlands aren’t blessed with many world-class gamers however the Liverpool captain is one among them. The 32-year-old is taken into account among the finest centre-backs on the planet for good purpose, and if he has a great match, Koeman’s crew may go additional than anticipated.

Breakout candidate: Xavi Simons. It looks like Simons has been round without end however he is nonetheless solely 21 years outdated. He is had a optimistic season on mortgage in Germany with RB Leipzig, and after being a fringe participant on the World Cup in 2022, he is set to be given a extra vital position in Germany.

Why they will not win all of it: Any crew profitable Euro 2024 might want to beat one of the best groups and the Netherlands haven’t got a lot of a latest pedigree. France beat them twice in qualifying and so they misplaced to Germany in a pleasant in March. They had been knocked out within the quarterfinals when Argentina offered their first main check again at Qatar 2022. In final summer season’s UEFA Nations League on house soil, they misplaced to Croatia within the semifinals and once more to Italy within the third-place playoff.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: The Netherlands reached the quarterfinals in Qatar and they’ll anticipate to do the identical once more in Germany. Drawn in a troublesome group with France, they’ll hope to complete second above Poland and Austria after which trigger an upset or two within the knockouts. Ending second in Group D would imply a last-16 sport towards the runner-up from Group E — probably Ukraine. From there, it may very well be a quarterfinal towards Portugal after which a semifinal towards Germany or Spain. Reaching the final eight and even the final 4 is practical for Koeman & Co. — Dawson

Poland

Nickname: Biało-czerwoni (The White-Reds)
FIFA rank: 28
Euro 2024 group: Group D
Supervisor: Michał Probierz
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-2D-2L
Group-stage fixtures: Netherlands (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET); Austria (June 21, midday ET); France (June 25, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +15000

Cannot-miss star: Robert Lewandowski. He is without doubt one of the greatest strikers of his technology and Poland’s chief, however at 35 he’s previous his peak. Netting 59 targets in 95 video games for Barcelona prior to now two seasons, although, demonstrates that he has not misplaced his intuition on the high degree. The massive concern is he goes into the match with a thigh harm and can miss the primary sport, if no more.

Breakout candidate: Nicola Zalewski. There isn’t any apparent candidate within the Poland squad however the younger AS Roma wing-back is one to observe. Zalewski, born in Italy to Polish dad and mom, shall be tasked with being the crew’s artistic outlet on the left flank.

Why they will not win all of it: For starters, they’re the lowest-ranked crew in one of many hardest teams. Nobody will anticipate them to beat France or the Netherlands, though a win towards Austria may very well be sufficient to achieve the spherical of 16. Nevertheless, it is a Poland aspect that completed third to Albania and Czechia in qualifying and wanted penalties to beat Wales to guide their spot in Germany. On high of that, it is not clear how lengthy Lewandowski shall be out or how match he shall be when he returns.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: A robust presence of Polish supporters is anticipated in Germany given the proximity of the 2 international locations, however none of them will anticipate to remain for the period. Their defence wants defending — as a 3-2 loss to Moldova confirmed in qualifying — and even when Lewandowski was at his Bayern Munich greatest, and 100% match, he would nonetheless want a greater provide line. A final-16 look is more likely to be pretty much as good because it may get for Poland. A gaggle stage exit could be extra practical. — Sam Marsden

Portugal

Nickname: A Seleção (The Group)
FIFA rank: 6
Euro 2024 group: Group F
Supervisor: Roberto Martínez
Document in previous 12 months: 11W-0D-2L
Group-stage fixtures: Czechia (Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET); Turkey (June 22, midday ET); Georgia (June 26, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +650

Cannot-miss star: Cristiano Ronaldo. Heard of him? The Euro 2016 winner, now 39, is getting ready for his sixth European Championship. No person has performed extra Euro video games (25), or scored extra targets (14). And — surrounded and provided by Portugal’s newest technology of attacking expertise — Ronaldo hasn’t misplaced his eye for aim, scoring 10 occasions in 9 qualifying video games. It is all the time all about Ronaldo, whether or not you prefer it or not.

Breakout candidate: Vitinha. The 24-year-old midfielder was Paris Saint-Germain’s excellent participant this season, Mbappé apart, starring of their run to the Champions League semifinals, however nonetheless is not a family title. Vitinha performed a restricted position for Portugal in qualifying, such is the competitors in midfield, however began each friendlies this month alongside João Palhinha.

Why they will not win all of it: That is Martínez’s first main match with Portugal and his earlier job with Belgium led to disappointment, eradicated within the group stage on the 2022 World Cup. Martínez has so many good gamers to select from — Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, João Félix, Diogo Jota, Pedro Neto and Gonçalo Ramos may all make a case for inclusion in assault — however becoming them collectively will not be straightforward. And dealing with Ronaldo presents its personal issues.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Portugal boasted one of the best document of any nation in qualifying, profitable all 10 of their video games, scoring probably the most targets (36) and conceding the fewest (two). Past the targets, their attacking stats impressed throughout the board, with probably the most pictures, pictures heading in the right direction, huge possibilities created and touches within the opposition field. Their squad is without doubt one of the match’s strongest, and if Martínez can discover the correct mix in his beginning XI, and particularly, the right way to get one of the best out of Ronaldo, they might go all the way in which. Turkey, Czechia and Georgia current few issues in Group F. Something lower than the semifinals — the place they might face hosts Germany — can be a failure. — Kirkland

Romania

Nickname: Tricolorii (The Tricolours)
FIFA rank: 46
Euro 2024 group: Group E
Supervisor: Edward Iordănescu
Document in previous 12 months: 4W-7D-1L
Group-stage fixtures: Ukraine (Monday, 9 a.m. ET); Belgium (June 22, 3 p.m. ET); Slovakia (June 26, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +22500

Cannot-miss star: Nicolae Stanciu. The attacking midfielder is Romania’s artistic drive and more likely to occupy the No. 10 position for Iordănescu’s crew in Germany. He ended the membership season having scored six targets and registered seven assists in 29 appearances for Saudi Professional League aspect Damac. The 31-year-old goes into the Euros with 14 targets in 70 appearances for Romania and shall be essential for his or her prospects.

Breakout candidate: Ianis Hagi. You may know the title, however can the 25-year-old come wherever near matching the feats of his father, Gheorghe, in a Romania shirt? Hagi senior was one among Europe’s nice gamers within the Nineteen Nineties and the talisman of the nation’s memorable 1994 World Cup crew. Ianis has had a much less glamourous profession, however he has loved success with Rangers and had a productive season on mortgage at Alaves in LaLiga, so he’ll see Euro 2024 as his probability to interrupt out of his father’s enormous shadow on the worldwide stage.

Why they will not win all of it: This shall be Romania’s first main match since Euro 2016, once they had been eradicated on the group stage with out profitable a sport. In addition they recorded no victories on their earlier look at Euro 2008. Regardless of a proud historical past of manufacturing high gamers within the Eighties and Nineteen Nineties, Romania have struggled to re-create their golden period this century. Their success this time round is solely in having certified for the match.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Romania are unlikely to achieve the latter phases, however they’re within the weakest group, having landed in Group E alongside Belgium, Ukraine and Slovakia, so they’ll anticipate to problem to qualify for the second spherical. The Romanians have not gained a sport at a serious match since beating England 3-2 at Euro 2000, so ending that winless streak and progressing to the spherical of 16 can be considered a hit. And as a result of quirk of the draw for the knockout phases, Romania wouldn’t face a bunch winner within the second spherical in the event that they qualify as runners-up, with a pairing towards the Group D runners-up. So they might but benefit from the draw and change into a shock crew in Germany. — Ogden

Scotland

Nickname: The Tartan Military
FIFA rank: 39
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Steve Clarke
Document in previous 12 months: 4W-3D-5L
Group-stage fixtures: Germany (Friday, 3 p.m. ET); Switzerland (June 19, 3 p.m. ET); Hungary (June 23, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +10000

Cannot-miss star: Scott McTominay. The midfielder splits opinion amongst Manchester United followers however not with Scotland. McTominay bought seven targets in qualifying, and any crew developing towards Scotland in Germany shall be cautious of his menace within the penalty space. He had a combined season at Outdated Trafford however nonetheless ended the marketing campaign with 10 targets in all competitions.

Breakout candidate: Billy Gilmour. The midfielder is already well-known within the UK after spells at Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, however Euro 2024 may catapult him to a distinct degree. Nonetheless solely 22 years outdated, he performed 30 occasions within the Premier League for the Seagulls final season. He is technically wonderful and cozy on the ball below strain, and a great match in Germany could have huge golf equipment circling.

Why they will not win all of it: Targets could be an issue, significantly after Queens Park Rangers striker Lyndon Dykes was dominated out of the match due to an harm picked up in coaching. Scotland beat Gibraltar 2-0 with out him in a warm-up sport however missed a number of possibilities. It led Clarke at hand a call-up to uncapped teen Tommy Conway, the 21-year-old who scored eight targets for Championship aspect Bristol Metropolis final season and has three targets in seven video games for Scotland’s under-21s.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Scotland have by no means certified for the knockout rounds at a serious match, and that would be the major intention this summer season. Hosts Germany first up is a troublesome method to begin, however their probabilities of getting out of Group A shall be determined by their document towards Hungary and Switzerland within the different two video games. Each are powerful however winnable fixtures. Ending second in Group A would arrange a possible last-16 conflict towards Italy or Spain, however there’s additionally an opportunity that ending third shall be sufficient to earn a spot within the knockouts. Something past the group stage can be thought-about a hit. — Dawson

Serbia

Nickname: Оrlovi (The Eagles)
FIFA rank: 33
Euro 2024 group: Group C
Supervisor: Dragan Stojković
Document in previous 12 months: 5W-2D-5L
Group-stage fixtures: England (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET); Slovenia (June 20, 9 a.m. ET); Denmark (June 25, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +8000

Cannot-miss star: Aleksandar Mitrović. Whether or not he’s on his personal up entrance or partnered with Dusan Vlahović, the 29-year-old former Fulham striker now enjoying in Saudi Arabia at Al Hilal shall be a nightmare for defenders: tall, robust, nice within the air and a high finisher. If Mitrović will get the correct service from his crew, he shall be a relentless menace.

Breakout candidate: Lazar Samardžić. The 22-year-old is the way forward for Serbian soccer. He loved a terrific season with Udinese in Serie A, and an enormous transfer to a high membership is on the playing cards this summer season. Samardžić is a left-footed central midfielder with nice method, imaginative and prescient and creativity, however can be fairly strong and good within the duels.

Why they will not win all of it: Serbia appear to all the time be the underdogs who find yourself disappointing, sometimes boasting a proficient squad stuffed with high gamers from high golf equipment who typically underachieve, like on the previous two World Cups, the place they had been knocked out within the group stage. That is their first Euros as an impartial nation, so the expectations again house shall be excessive, and historical past suggests this crew would possibly battle to satisfy them.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: It’s an fascinating group for Stojković and his gamers. Their first sport towards England shall be powerful, however Denmark and Slovenia are subsequent up and are two groups they might beat. Mitrović, Vlahović, Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have had nice seasons at membership degree and would be the 4 leaders of this crew. They’ll attain the final 16, the place they might face Germany in the event that they end second of their group, and that may very well be the tip for them. In the event that they discover one thing a bit particular, they might change into one of many surprises of the match. However even then, the quarterfinals are possible so far as they will go. — Laurens

Slovakia

Nickname: Sokoli (The Falcons)
FIFA rank: 48
Euro 2024 group: Group E
Supervisor: Francesco Calzona
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-1D-3L
Group-stage fixtures: Belgium (Monday, midday ET); Ukraine (June 21, 9 a.m. ET); Romania (June 26, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +35000

Cannot-miss star: Milan Skriniar. The 29-year-old is one of the best participant on this Slovakia crew, which is all concerning the collective. The PSG centre-back is a rock within the again, profiting from his physique. He lacks tempo, however Slovakia often play fairly deep anyway, and enjoying behind Napoli defensive midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, he’s the chief of a crew that’s laborious to play towards and really strong.

Breakout candidate: Tomás Suslov. The 22-year-old will begin on the left wing in Calzona’s 4-3-3 formation and be one among his crew’s major threats. He had a great season with Hellas Verona in Serie A with three targets and 5 assists after arriving from Groningen final summer season.

Why they will not win all of it: Aside from Skriniar and Lobotka, this crew lacks high expertise. They’ve good gamers like Juraj Kucka, Dávid Hancko and Martin Dúbravka, however total, there’s not sufficient high quality within the squad. Calzona is an unexperienced head coach with a defensive mindset, and whereas they’ll make it laborious for the opposition and put up a combat in every of their video games, it will not be sufficient.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: A minimum of Slovakia bought a bit fortunate within the draw. Their group is fashioned of Belgium, who ought to high it, and Romania and Ukraine, who’re of an analogous degree to Slovakia. As such, they’ve an opportunity to qualify for the final 16, however after that, will probably be too laborious for them. They are going to be a strong collective unit however have no X elements of their crew to provide one thing particular. — Laurens

Slovenia

Nickname: None
FIFA rank: 57
Euro 2024 group: Group C
Supervisor: Matjaž Kek
Document in previous 12 months: 8W-3D-2L
Group-stage fixtures: Denmark (Sunday, midday ET); Serbia (June 20, 9 a.m. ET); England (June 25, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +30000

Cannot-miss star: Jan Oblak. The Atlético Madrid No. 1 has been one of many standout goalkeepers in Europe for a decade. A transfer away from the Spanish capital has by no means materialised due to doubts about his capability together with his ft, however there are few higher shot stoppers within the sport, which may very well be helpful in a difficult group.

Breakout candidate: Benjamin Šeško. The RB Leipzig striker is in type and in demand. The 21-year-old has loved a stellar first season in Germany, scoring in every of his aspect’s closing seven video games of the Bundesliga marketing campaign. Greater golf equipment are already circling, and large performances on the Euros will solely improve the curiosity.

Why they will not win all of it: Past Oblak and Šeško, solely two different gamers within the Slovenia squad play in one among Europe’s Huge 5 leagues. Kek has completed nicely to information them to their second-ever look on the European Championship, and their first since 2000, however a primary win on the occasion is a extra practical goal than profitable all of it.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Slovenia drew with Denmark at house in qualifying and misplaced away solely narrowly, so will consider they’ll get a outcome towards the Danes of their opening sport. Likewise towards Serbia of their second match. England would possibly show harder, however with Oblak in aim and Šeško up entrance, they might discover the outcomes wanted to achieve the knockout rounds. They’ll look to play on their underdog tag. “There have been lots of people who appeared to smile once they bought Slovenia within the group,” Kek stated. “They could come to remorse that.” — Marsden

Spain

Nickname: La Roja (The Reds)
FIFA rank: 8
Euro 2024 group: Group B
Supervisor: Luis de la Fuente
Document in previous 12 months: 10W-1D-1L
Group-stage fixtures: Croatia (Saturday, midday ET); Italy (June 20, 3 p.m. ET); Albania (June 24, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +700

Cannot-miss star: Rodri — The Manchester Metropolis midfielder is genuinely world class. Membership coach Pep Guardiola has described him as one of the best on the planet in his place, and he’ll anchor La Roja‘s engine room. He has change into far more than only a defensive midfielder, although; he is adept at retaining possession ticking within the closing third, too, firing off fast passes in numerous instructions.

Breakout candidate: Lamine Yamal — The 16-year-old has already made his mark for Barcelona and is now hoping to do the identical with Spain. The winger — who is ready to change into the youngest participant to ever play on the match — is lightning fast, has a noteworthy bag of methods and is predicted to start out on the correct of Spain’s assault.

Why they will not win all of it: Since profitable the competitors in 2012, Spain have typically struggled to interrupt down groups when it has mattered in huge tournaments. That was the case on the World Cup 18 months in the past once they misplaced to Morocco. That would change this summer season. Yamal and Nico Williams provide a brand new dimension on the wings, whereas midfielder Pedri seems to be rediscovering his health and greatest type, however the overriding feeling is that they lack the expertise and depth of different nations.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Spain have a troublesome group, however provided that three groups may progress, they need to attain the knockout rounds. A quarterfinal look would be the minimal anticipated from De la Fuente’s crew. Nevertheless, they gained the UEFA Nations League final 12 months and are able to beating anybody on their day. Rodri could be a difference-maker; Yamal and Williams provide pleasure; Pedri is again; and Álvaro Morata and Joselu have each scored huge targets of their careers. If all the things comes collectively in Germany, they’re among the many candidates to carry the trophy. — Marsden

Switzerland

Nickname: Nati (Nationwide Group)
FIFA rank: 19
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Murat Yakin
Document in previous 12 months: 4W-7D-1L
Group-stage fixtures: Hungary (Saturday, 9 a.m. ET); Scotland (June 19, 3 p.m. ET); Germany (June 23, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +6000

Cannot-miss star: Granit Xhaka — Final summer season’s €15m transfer from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen raised options that Xhaka was transferring into the twilight of his profession. How incorrect they had been. Leverkusen gained their maiden Bundesliga title with the primary unbeaten marketing campaign within the competitors’s historical past. Xhaka was integral: 3,648 touches, 3,259 passes and three,003 profitable passes are all Bundesliga information. The 31-year-old is Switzerland’s all-time look document holder, captain and midfield common.

Breakout candidate: Dan Ndoye — Anybody with information of Bologna’s inconceivable Serie A marketing campaign — a shock fifth-place end securing Champions League qualification — will already concentrate on Ndoye. The 23-year-old winger is lightning fast and may play on both flank or as a wing-back, as was the case for Switzerland in March.

Why they will not win all of it: Switzerland have by no means gained a serious worldwide match — their greatest displaying got here on the final Euros when reaching the quarterfinals — and qualification this time round was overshadowed by a sequence of detached performances that led to questions on Yakin’s place. A development of conceding late targets — as they did towards Romania, Kosovo (twice) and Israel — is regarding, and the 6-1 round-of-16 thrashing by Portugal on the 2022 World Cup uncovered a fragility they’ve but to eradicate. Yakin has used completely different methods — switching from a 4-3-3 to a again three — however is seemingly nonetheless trying to find the reply.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Their squad boasts some good particular person expertise in Xhaka, Manchester Metropolis’s Manuel Akanji and Internazionale’s Yann Sommer, however they appear weak in assault. Burnley‘s Zeki Amdouni could lead on the road, though AS Monaco‘s Breel Embolo is making an attempt to beat a severe harm and the Chicago Fireplace’s Xherdan Shaqiri remains to be an choice. A tough group that features hosts Germany, resilient Hungary and spirited Scotland poses challenges. Second place in Group B would possible see them face Spain, Italy or Croatia, and it’s laborious to see them progressing additional. — Olley

Turkey

Nickname: Ay-Yıldızlıların (The Crescent Stars)
FIFA rank: 40
Euro 2024 group: Group F
Supervisor: Vincenzo Montella
Document in previous 12 months: 5W-3D-4L
Group-stage fixtures: Georgia (Tuesday, midday ET); Portugal (June 22, midday ET); Czechia (June 26, 3 p.m. ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +6000

Cannot-miss star: Hakan Çalhanoğlu — Montella has described Çalhanoğlu because the “No. 1 midfielder on the planet.” A artistic drive who’s persistently efficient from set items, the 30-year-old gained his first Serie A title with Inter and operates as of late in a extra deep-lying position.

Breakout candidate: Kenan Yildiz — The 19-year-old burst onto the scene at Juventus after leaving Bayern Munich, netting 4 targets in 10 begins (and 22 substitute appearances) throughout all competitions. Scored towards Germany on his full debut in November and is ready to play as a striker or off the left flank. Like Çalhanoğlu, Yildiz was born in Germany however opted for Turkey by advantage of his dad and mom.

Why they will not win all of it: Turkey’s greatest match showings got here in securing third place on the 2002 World Cup and reaching the semifinals of Euro 2008. They’re one thing of an unknown amount with Montella solely taking on his position in September and various younger gamers boasting potential however little pedigree at this degree. Çalhanoğlu has been criticised in his homeland at occasions for failing to affect matches in the way in which some followers anticipate. Shedding defender Ozan Kabak to a knee ligament harm in final week’s warm-up sport towards Italy is a heavy setback.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Spectacular wins towards Germany and Croatia sit alongside a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Austria in Vienna. Can they discover consistency? There’s hope {that a} new technology of expertise is rising with Actual Madrid’s Arda Güler, Yildiz and Nurnberg’s Can Uzun amongst their extra thrilling prospects. Optimists will consider they’ll problem Portugal for high spot in Group F, and succeeding can be an enormous enhance to their intention of a deep run — second place would in all probability end in a round-of-16 conflict with France. In the end, they lack the standard of the most important European sides, however they may very well be a shock bundle if Montella could make them click on. — Olley

Ukraine

Nickname: Синьо-жовті (The Blue and Yellow)
FIFA rank: 22
Euro 2024 group: Group E
Supervisor: Serhiy Rebrov
Document in previous 12 months: 7W-4D-2L
Group-stage fixtures: Romania (Monday, 9 a.m. ET); Slovakia (June 21, 9 a.m. ET); Belgium (June 26, midday ET)
ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +50,000

Cannot-miss star: Oleksandr Zinchenko — Supporters of Chelsea would possibly roll their eyes at this, however Mykhailo Mudryk warrants a point out right here as their box-office star. By way of their most vital participant, although? That is Zinchenko. The Arsenal left-back is more likely to be deployed within the centre of midfield for Ukraine and is the person who retains the tempo going. They will lean closely on their younger stars breaking by and in-form Girona striker Artem Dovbyk up entrance, nevertheless it’s Zinchenko who’s the crew’s conductor.

Breakout candidate: Georgiy Sudakov — Viktor Tsygankov, 26, has had a superb season with Girona and will appeal to consideration this summer season from the Premier League, however the participant who’s anticipated to command an enormous determine this summer season is Sudakov. The 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to suitors within the Bundesliga. He may command a switch payment of £50m and shall be on the centre of one of many summer season’s nice switch sagas.

Why they will not win all of it: They solely simply got here by qualification, needing playoff victories towards Bosnia and Herzegovina in addition to Iceland, and so they left it late on each events. So that provides a good barometer for the place they’re in relation to the remainder of the groups within the match. They’ve had a number of of their greatest gamers injured this season, so Rebrov should weigh up type, health and fame. However it is a younger crew, maybe the youngest on the Euros, so this could be a contest too quickly for them.

Lifelike possibilities at Euro 2024: Ukraine are enjoying on this match with their nation at conflict. The squad announcement was completed by the eyes of troopers on the entrance traces and Ukrainians throughout the nation as they proceed to combat towards the Russian invasion. And so it is towards that backdrop that they go to Germany. The group stage is winnable; they will fancy their possibilities towards Belgium, Slovakia and Romania. They usually’ll have an enormous outpouring of public assist behind them. There’s this sensible younger group of Ukrainian footballers on the backbone of their crew, led by Mudryk, Sudakov, Illia Zabarnyi and Andriy Lunin. So if issues click on, they might make a run to the knockouts, after which fame could make method to type. The chances are they will bow out within the spherical of 16 or the quarterfinals, however they are going to be on the forefront of the competitors’s consideration. “Each match for the nationwide crew is unimaginable delight and duty,” Sudakov stated. “I in all probability have double motivation in such troublesome occasions for our nation. When the nationwide crew performs, we really feel unimaginable assist and provides our individuals, for 90 minutes, some optimistic feelings.” — Hamilton