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

Membership soccer? It is over. Put it out of your thoughts, not less than for the subsequent six weeks. Summer time 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, one of the crucial atmospheric footballing nations in Europe will welcome the remainder of the continent to its symphonic stadiums.

There isn’t a 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 for the reason that 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 turn into a family identify, 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
File 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 number of acquainted names in right here. You might have Brentford’s Thomas Strakosha in purpose, and Chelsea’s Armando Broja up entrance. He has struggled for match time this season, so should you’re searching for 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 mentioned of his midfielder. “He has lots to study nonetheless like several 21- or 22-year-old participant. He is actually robust when it comes to his technical means and is blessed with numerous persona. He is a prime participant.”

Breakout candidate: Ernest Muçi. Asllani is Albania’s finest younger participant, however this may very well be a match the place Muçi enhances his rising repute. 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 might play himself into competition. He is a tough attacking midfielder who also can play off the left.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re large underdogs, they usually 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, but it surely’s absolutely an excessive amount of to count on them to progress by this brutal pool.

Real looking probabilities 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 count on them to string collectively some great 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 Staff (The Staff)
FIFA rank: 25
Euro 2024 group: Group D
Supervisor: Ralf Rangnick
File 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 percentages to succeed in the UEFA Champions League closing. He was excellent within the knockout rounds, significantly in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain, and he will probably 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 might imply 20-year-old Querfeld is picked to begin in defence. Querfeld has been a daily for Fast Vienna for the previous two seasons and made his worldwide debut in opposition to Slovakia in March.

Why they will not win all of it: Austria are in good kind, beating Germany 2-0 in November and thrashing Turkey 6-1 in March, however their largest drawback 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 prime two or end with a document ok to safe a spot within the knockouts as top-of-the-line third-placed groups.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Austria got here by a tricky qualifying group with Belgium and Sweden, and their reward was a fair more durable Euros group. Barring a few shock outcomes in opposition to France and Netherlands, they are going to be seeking to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of many best-performing third-place groups. Ending third in Group D would imply taking part in 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 tough draw most likely means they’re searching for 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
File 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 prone to be De Bruyne’s final probability of worldwide success after so many close to misses with a gaggle of gamers billed as Belgium’s golden era. The Manchester Metropolis midfielder will probably 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 means imply he’s nonetheless their primary 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 in opposition to Manchester United, when he scored a late purpose in a 2-1 defeat, nearly turned the tide again in Metropolis’s favour. Doku has tempo, trickery and one eye on purpose, so he could be a huge participant at Euro 2024.

Why they will not win all of it: Too many gamers whose finest 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 levels 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.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Belgium are in a gaggle that they need to win comfortably alongside Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania in Group E. In the event that they prime that part, a possible second-round tie in opposition to the Netherlands, Poland or Austria awaits. Belgium, who’re unbeaten since dropping to Morocco at Qatar 2022, ought to count on to succeed in the quarterfinals not less than. Doku, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere ended the season in kind 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
File 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 yet one more European crown. He’s nonetheless one of many world’s finest midfielders, and regardless of turning 39 in September, he will be on the forefront of Croatia’s journey in Germany. “So long as Luka is right here, we’ll name it ‘the golden era,'” Dalić mentioned. “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 previous — given he is top-of-the-line defenders in world soccer, so how about VfL Wolfsburg’s Majer? There are youthful gamers to control, corresponding to midfielder Luka Sucic, but it surely’s Majer who’s prone to get extra sport time and is an aesthetic attacking midfielder who can at some point step into Modric’s large sneakers.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re in a brutal group, with Italy and Spain of their method. They’ve by no means received a knockout match within the Euros. There are additionally a few choice queries, and it stays to be seen who they go along with up entrance. Gone are the times the place Mario Mandžukić cemented himself as their standout striker, so it’s going to be a mix 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, but it surely’s hardly best build-up.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: In the event that they get by their group, then they will 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 steady core, with Modric alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield, Gvardiol and Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo on the again, and Dominik Livakovic in purpose. All this underneath the steering of Dalić, who’s been there since 2017 and is aware of the crew inside out. So they might go deep within the Euros, but it surely’ll want them to get previous Italy and/or Spain. “We are going to take it step-by-step,” Dalić mentioned. “Our first purpose is to go the group levels, after which we are going to do our greatest, slowly however absolutely, to attempt to obtain prime outcomes.” — Hamilton

Nickname: Národní tým (Nationwide crew)
FIFA rank: 36
Euro 2024 group: Group F
Supervisor: Ivan Hašek
File 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 objectives (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 objectives in 20 appearances on the best way to Leverkusen’s record-breaking unbeaten Bundesliga title.

Breakout candidate: Martin Vitík. The 21-year-old Sparta Prague centre-back is very rated and has been linked with an imminent swap to considered one of Europe’s Large 5 leagues. His membership captain and extra skilled defensive associate 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 will probably be overreliant on Schick’s objectives.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: With Portugal anticipated to dominate Group F, and Georgia making their debut at a significant match, it is prone 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 successful; 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
File 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 function for his membership on their solution to profitable the Portuguese title and his box-to-box power will probably be essential for Denmark if they’re to progress from their group. At 24, Hjulmand might use Euro 2024 as a platform for a transfer to Europe’s Large 5 leagues.

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

Why they will not win all of it: Denmark’s second on the massive 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.

Real looking probabilities 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 prone to face a conflict in opposition to Germany, the host nation, in Dortmund within the second spherical, so it will 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
File 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 purpose 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 employees 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 prone to come off the bench, maybe Cole Palmer after a stellar season at Chelsea — ending behind solely Erling Haaland within the Premier League prime purpose 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 largest bolter is Adam Wharton, who made the lower regardless of becoming a member of Crystal Palace from Blackburn in January and making his senior England debut in opposition to Bosnia and Herzegovina final week.

Why they will not win all of it: England’s match document on overseas soil shouldn’t be nice. They received 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 the perfect from a powerful pool of attacking expertise and affect matches along with his in-game administration if issues flip in opposition to them.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: England are brazenly 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 Yr in England (Phil Foden), Germany (Kane) and Spain (Jude Bellingham), however their look forward to a second main worldwide trophy is now 58 years, they usually nonetheless need to show their pedigree within the largest knockout video games in a method 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, they usually might 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
File 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 identify right here, clearly, and it’s Mbappé. At 25, he’s the perfect participant on the planet for the time being, he’s the latest Actual Madrid Galactico, and he would be the X issue France want to be able to win this match. He has all the pieces, together with the drive and the ambition to win all the pieces. As captain, he’ll lead by instance.

Breakout candidate: Bradley Barcola. The PSG winger will start the match as an alternative, however his tempo and ability set, as we noticed with Les Parisiens this season, makes him so unpredictable and laborious to defend in opposition to that he can turn into, at 21, an essential 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 motive they won’t. Being too optimistic, too boastful and taking issues with no consideration are traditionally French flaws. France may very well be their largest enemy. The dearth of kind from their two beginning centre-backs, Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano, can be a slight fear.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: France ought to go actually far on this match regardless of an attention-grabbing group (Austria, Netherlands, Poland) and are among the many favourites to win all of it. They’ve the perfect worldwide head coach in Deschamps, the perfect participant on the planet in Mbappé, a squad with large expertise and depth, the right 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
File 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 infinite font of creativity, he operates as a second striker with the nationwide aspect. Had a down 12 months with Napoli an nonetheless managed 17 purpose involvements final season. The “Kvaradona” moniker stays sacrilegious, however a bit of 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 power underachievement has most likely denied him the worldwide highlight his expertise deserve. He is a dominant keeper who strikes surprisingly nicely for somebody with such a big body and he is prone to get loads of probabilities to shine on this match.

Why they will not win all of it: To begin with, FIFA rankings have them because the worst crew within the match. They have not crushed any aspect at this match — friendlies excluded — since 2015, once they downed Scotland 1-0. Solely three of their gamers characteristic in a Large 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.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Group F is not significantly powerful on paper, and going through heavy favourites Portugal final — when they may probably have already got certified — works of their favor. In fact, they is perhaps 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 anyplace, each need to 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 Staff)
FIFA rank: 16
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Julian Nagelsmann
File 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 finest 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 are going to 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 amazing marketing campaign with VfB Stuttgart, Undav has turn into a viable candidate for Germany’s entrance line attributable to 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 based on Julian Nagelsmann’s imaginative and prescient earlier than the 2026 World Cup, particularly now that Kroos is looking 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 objectives within the knockout rounds.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Versus their World Cup exhibiting in Qatar, Germany shouldn’t encounter an excessive amount of bother getting out of the group. They even have the potential to beat a few of the stronger nations, contemplating Nagelsmann’s crew is finest 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, most likely will not play that huge of an element this time round. Maybe we are going to 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
File 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 identify today, 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 along with his capturing method and killer intuition have made him into the participant all the pieces revolves round.

Breakout candidate: Milos Kerkez. Premier League followers most likely already know the 20-year-old left-back from AFC Bournemouth, and Euro 2024 may very well be the stage for him to turn into an internationally recognised identify. Kerkez is the definition of depth and an absolute exercise junkie whose fitness center classes even on supposed restoration days are legendary. He will probably 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 wasn’t for nationalised gamers corresponding to Willi Orbán, Callum Types, Loïc Négo and Márton Dárdai, it will be questionable whether or not Hungary would have a sensible probability of reaching the knockout levels. Additionally, there’s usually a big hole in high quality between the beginning XI and the bench.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: To begin with, Hungary’s group video games will probably be a spectacle, as 1000’s upon 1000’s of fervent followers will journey to Stuttgart and Cologne. Maybe the ambiance, 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 are going to see him often beginning assaults from central midfield after which make 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
File 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 a watch for objectives, Barella will probably be vital in offering the hyperlink to an assault that has far too many questions hanging over it.

Breakout candidate: Riccardo Calafiori. This tall, stylish left-footer helped energy little Bologna into the Champions League this 12 months and solely simply turned 22. Comfy 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 begin.

Why they will not win all of it: They’re the defending champions, however they’ve had a bumpy 12 months, dropping 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.

Real looking probabilities 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 objectives in opposition to most opponents, so you would 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 problem 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 may be your path to the semifinals. That is most likely their best-case situation, as a result of then, barring upsets, they’d must take care of closely favoured France. — Marcotti

Netherlands

Nickname: Oranje (The Orange)
FIFA rank: 7
Euro 2024 group: Group D
Supervisor: Ronald Koeman
File 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 considered one of them. The 32-year-old is taken into account top-of-the-line centre-backs on the planet for good motive, and if he has match, Koeman’s crew might go additional than anticipated.

Breakout candidate: Xavi Simons. It appears like Simons has been round ceaselessly however he is nonetheless solely 21 years previous. He is had a constructive 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 essential function in Germany.

Why they will not win all of it: Any crew profitable Euro 2024 might want to beat the perfect groups and the Netherlands do not have a lot of a current pedigree. France beat them twice in qualifying they usually misplaced to Germany in a pleasant in March. They had been knocked out within the quarterfinals when Argentina offered their first main take a look at 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.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: The Netherlands reached the quarterfinals in Qatar and they’re going to count on to do the identical once more in Germany. Drawn in a tricky group with France, they may 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 in opposition to the runner-up from Group E — doubtlessly Ukraine. From there, it may very well be a quarterfinal in opposition to Portugal after which a semifinal in opposition to 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
File 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 likely one of the finest strikers of his era and Poland’s chief, however at 35 he’s previous his peak. Netting 59 objectives in 95 video games for Barcelona prior to now two seasons, although, demonstrates that he has not misplaced his intuition on the prime degree. The large 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 a apparent candidate within the Poland squad however the younger AS Roma wing-back is one to observe. Zalewski, born in Italy to Polish mother and father, will probably be tasked with being the crew’s inventive 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 count on them to beat France or the Netherlands, though a win in opposition to Austria may very well be sufficient to succeed in the spherical of 16. Nevertheless, this can be a Poland aspect that completed third to Albania and Czechia in qualifying and wanted penalties to beat Wales to e book their spot in Germany. On prime of that, it isn’t clear how lengthy Lewandowski will probably be out or how match he will probably be when he returns.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: A powerful presence of Polish supporters is anticipated in Germany given the proximity of the 2 nations, however none of them will count on 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 finest, and 100% match, he would nonetheless want a greater provide line. A final-16 look is prone to be pretty much as good because it might get for Poland. A bunch stage exit could also be extra practical. — Sam Marsden

Portugal

Nickname: A Seleção (The Staff)
FIFA rank: 6
Euro 2024 group: Group F
Supervisor: Roberto Martínez
File 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 objectives (14). And — surrounded and equipped by Portugal’s newest era of attacking expertise — Ronaldo hasn’t misplaced his eye for purpose, scoring 10 occasions in 9 qualifying video games. It is at all times 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 identify. Vitinha performed a restricted function 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 resulted in 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 might all make a case for inclusion in assault — however becoming them collectively will not be simple. And dealing with Ronaldo presents its personal issues.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Portugal boasted the perfect document of any nation in qualifying, profitable all 10 of their video games, scoring probably the most objectives (36) and conceding the fewest (two). Past the objectives, their attacking stats impressed throughout the board, with probably the most pictures, pictures heading in the right direction, huge probabilities created and touches within the opposition field. Their squad is likely one of the match’s strongest, and if Martínez can discover the best mix in his beginning XI, and particularly, easy methods to get the perfect out of Ronaldo, they might go all the best way. 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
File 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 inventive pressure and prone to occupy the No. 10 function for Iordănescu’s crew in Germany. He ended the membership season having scored six objectives and registered seven assists in 29 appearances for Saudi Professional League aspect Damac. The 31-year-old goes into the Euros with 14 objectives in 70 appearances for Romania and will probably be essential for his or her prospects.

Breakout candidate: Ianis Hagi. You will know the identify, however can the 25-year-old come anyplace near matching the feats of his father, Gheorghe, in a Romania shirt? Hagi senior was considered one of Europe’s nice gamers within the 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 large shadow on the worldwide stage.

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

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Romania are unlikely to succeed in the latter levels, however they’re within the weakest group having landed in Group E alongside Belgium, Ukraine and Slovakia, so they may count on to problem to qualify for the second spherical. The Romanians have not received a sport at a significant match since beating England 3-2 at Euro 2000, so ending that winless streak and progressing to the spherical of 16 can be considered successful. And because of the quirk of the draw for the knockout levels, Romania wouldn’t face a gaggle winner within the second spherical in the event that they qualify as runners-up, with a pairing in opposition to the Group D runners-up. So they might but benefit from the draw and turn into a shock crew in Germany. — Ogden

Scotland

Nickname: The Tartan Military
FIFA rank: 39
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Steve Clarke
File 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 received seven objectives in qualifying, and any crew developing in opposition to Scotland in Germany will probably be cautious of his menace within the penalty space. He had a blended season at Previous Trafford however nonetheless ended the marketing campaign with 10 objectives 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 might catapult him to a unique degree. Nonetheless solely 22 years previous, he performed 30 occasions within the Premier League for the Seagulls final season. Technically wonderful and comfy on the ball underneath stress, match in Germany may have huge golf equipment circling.

Why they will not win all of it: Objectives is perhaps 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 probabilities. It led Clarke at hand a call-up to uncapped teen Tommy Conway, the 21-year-old who scored eight objectives for Championship aspect Bristol Metropolis final season and has three objectives in seven video games for Scotland’s under-21s.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Scotland have by no means certified for the knockout rounds at a significant match, and that would be the primary intention this summer season. Hosts Germany first up is a tricky solution to begin, however their probabilities of getting out of Group A will probably be determined by their document in opposition to 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 in opposition to both Italy or Spain, however there’s additionally an opportunity that ending third will probably be sufficient to earn a spot within the knockouts. Something past the group stage can be thought of successful. — Dawson

Serbia

Nickname: Оrlovi (The Eagles)
FIFA rank: 33
Euro 2024 group: Group C
Supervisor: Dragan Stojković
File 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 taking part in in Saudi Arabia at Al Hilal will probably be a nightmare for defenders: tall, robust, nice within the air and a prime finisher. If Mitrović will get the best service from his crew, he will probably be a relentless menace.

Breakout candidate: Lazar Samardzic. The 22-year-old is the way forward for Serbian soccer. He loved an amazing season with Udinese in Serie A and an enormous transfer to a prime 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 sturdy and good within the duels.

Why they will not win all of it: Serbia appear to at all times be the underdogs who find yourself disappointing, sometimes boasting a proficient squad filled with prime gamers from prime 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 ever Euros as an impartial nation, so the expectations again house will probably be excessive, and historical past suggests this crew may wrestle to satisfy them.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: It’s an attention-grabbing group for Stojković and his gamers. Their first sport in opposition to England will probably 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 top for them. In the event that they discover one thing a bit particular, they might turn into one of many surprises of the match. However even then, the quarterfinals are probably so far as they go. — Laurens

Slovakia

Nickname: Sokoli (The Falcons)
FIFA rank: 48
Euro 2024 group: Group E
Supervisor: Francesco Calzona
File 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 the perfect participant on this Slovakia crew, which is all in regards to the collective. The PSG centre-back is a rock within the again, profiting from his physique. He lacks tempo however Slovakia play normally fairly deep anyway, and taking part in behind Napoli defensive midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, he’s the chief of a crew that’s laborious to play in opposition to 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 considered one of his crew’s major threats. He had season with Hellas Verona in Serie A with three objectives 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 prime expertise. They’ve good gamers like Juraj Kucka, Dávid Hancko and Martin Dúbravka, however general, there may be not sufficient high quality within the squad. Calzona is an unexperienced head coach with a defensive mindset, and whereas they may make it laborious for the opposition and put up a combat in every of their video games, it will not be sufficient.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: A minimum of Slovakia received a bit fortunate within the draw. Their group is fashioned of Belgium, who ought to prime 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, it will likely be too laborious for them. They are going to be a strong collective unit however have no X-factors of their crew to provide one thing particular. — Laurens

Slovenia

Nickname: None
FIFA rank: 57
Euro 2024 group: Group C
Supervisor: Matjaž Kek
File 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 stand-out goalkeepers in Europe for a decade. A transfer away from the Spanish capital has by no means materialised due to doubts about his means along with his ft, however there are few higher shot stoppers within the sport, which may very well be helpful in a tough group.

Breakout candidate: Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig striker is in kind 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 massive 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 considered one of Europe’s Large 5 leagues. Kek has executed nicely to information them to their second ever look on the European Championship, and their first since 2000, however a primary ever win on the finals is a extra practical goal than profitable all of it.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Slovenia drew with Denmark at house in qualifying and solely misplaced narrowly away, so will consider they will get a end result in opposition to the Danes of their opening sport. Likewise in opposition to Serbia of their second match. England could show more durable however with Oblak in purpose and Šeško up entrance, they might discover the outcomes wanted to succeed in the knockout rounds. They’ll look to play on their underdog tag. “There have been lots of people who appeared to smile once they received Slovenia within the group,” Kek mentioned. “They might come to remorse that.” — Marsden

Spain

Nickname: La Roja (The Reds)
FIFA rank: 8
Euro 2024 group: Group B
Supervisor: Luis de la Fuente
File 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 the perfect on the planet in his place and he’ll anchor La Roja‘s engine room. He has turn into rather more than only a defensive midfielder, although; he is adept at retaining possession ticking within the closing third, too, firing off fast passes in several 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 about to turn into the youngest participant to ever play on the match — is lighting fast, a bag of tips and anticipated to begin on the best 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 might 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 finest kind, however the overriding feeling is that they lack the expertise and depth of different nations.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Spain have a tricky group however on condition that three groups might progress, they need to attain the knockout rounds. A quarterfinal look would be the minimal anticipated from De la Fuente’s crew. Nevertheless, they received 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 objectives of their careers. If all the pieces comes collectively in Germany, they’re among the many candidates to carry the trophy. — Marsden

Switzerland

Nickname: Nati (Nationwide Staff)
FIFA rank: 19
Euro 2024 group: Group A
Supervisor: Murat Yakin
File 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 solutions that Xhaka was shifting into the twilight of his profession. How fallacious they had been. Leverkusen received 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 data. The 31-year-old is Switzerland’s all-time look document holder, captain and midfield normal.

Breakout candidate: Dan Ndoye — Anybody with information of Bologna’s unbelievable 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 received a significant worldwide match — their best-ever exhibiting got here on the final Euros when reaching the quarterfinals — and qualification this time round was overshadowed by a collection of detached performances that led to questions over Yakin’s place. A development of conceding late objectives — as they did in opposition to Romania, Kosovo (twice) and Israel — is regarding whereas the 6-1 round-of-16 thrashing by Portugal on the 2022 World Cup uncovered a fragility they’re but to eradicate. Yakin has used completely different techniques — switching from a 4-3-3 to a again three — however is seemingly nonetheless looking for the reply.

Real looking probabilities 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 may lead the road, though AS Monaco’s Breel Embolo is trying to beat a critical harm and the Chicago Hearth’s Xherdan Shaqiri remains to be an possibility. A tough group that features hosts Germany, resilient Hungary and spirited Scotland poses challenges. Second place in Group B would probably see them face both 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
File 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 inventive pressure who’s constantly efficient from set items, the 30-year-old received his first Serie A title with Inter and operates today in a extra deep-lying function.

Breakout candidate: Kenan Yildiz — The 19-year-old burst onto the scene at Juventus after leaving Bayern Munich, netting 4 objectives in ten begins (and 22 substitute appearances) throughout all competitions. Scored in opposition to 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 mother and father.

Why they will not win all of it: Turkey’s finest 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 over his function in September and plenty of 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 best way some followers count on. Shedding defender Ozan Kabak to a knee ligament harm in final week’s warm-up sport in opposition to Italy is a heavy setback.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Spectacular wins in opposition to Germany and Croatia sit alongside a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Austria in Vienna. Can they discover consistency? There’s hope {that a} new era of expertise is rising with Actual Madrid’s Arda Gula, Yildiz and Nurnberg’s Can Uzun amongst their extra thrilling prospects. Optimists will consider they will problem Portugal for prime spot in Group F, and succeeding can be an enormous increase to their intention of a deep run — second place would most likely lead to a round-of-16 conflict with France. Finally, they lack the standard of the key European sides, however they may very well be a shock package deal 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
File 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 could roll their eyes at this, however Mykhailo Mudryk warrants a point out right here as their box-office star. When it comes to their most essential participant, although? That is Zinchenko. The Arsenal left-back is prone to be deployed within the centre of midfield for Ukraine and is the person who retains the tempo going. They’re going to lean closely on their younger stars breaking by, the in-form Girona striker Artem Dovbyk up entrance, but it surely’s Zinchenko who’s the crew’s conductor.

Breakout candidate: Georgiy Sudakov — Viktor Tsygankov, 26, has had an excellent season with Girona and will entice 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 might command a switch price of £50m and will probably 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 in opposition to Bosnia and Herzegovina in addition to Iceland, the place they left it late on each events. So that provides an honest 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 finest gamers injured this season, so Rebrov must weigh up kind, health and repute. However this can be a younger crew, maybe the youngest on the Euros, so this can be a contest too quickly for them.

Real looking probabilities at Euro 2024: Ukraine are taking part in on this match with their nation at warfare. The squad announcement was executed by the eyes of troopers on the frontlines and Ukrainians throughout the nation as they proceed to combat in opposition to the Russian invasion. And so it is in opposition to that backdrop that they go to Germany. The group stage is winnable, they’re going to fancy their probabilities in opposition to Belgium, Slovakia and Romania. And so they’ll have an enormous outpouring of public assist behind them, too. 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 repute could make solution to kind. The chances are they’re going to 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 unbelievable pleasure and accountability,” Sudakov mentioned. “I most likely have double motivation in such tough occasions for our nation. When the nationwide crew performs we really feel unbelievable assist and provides our individuals, for 90 minutes, some constructive feelings.” — Hamilton