Euro 2024 Championship: Teams to Watch, Key Players, and Historical Context
The highly anticipated Euro 2024 Championship is set to kick off in Germany this Friday, where the local team will face Scotland at the Allianz Arena at 4 PM (Argentina time). This match will mark one of the final appearances of Toni Kroos, the 34-year-old midfielder and world champion who has announced his retirement post-tournament.
Historically speaking, Germany and Spain are the most successful teams in the competition, both clinching the championship three times. Germany's previous victories came in 1972, 1980, and 1996, while Spain's were achieved in 1964, 2008, and 2012. As for the defending champions, Italy, they will be looking to replicate their Euro 2020 success with a new roster featuring former Boca star Mateo Retegui.
One of the main contenders this year is England, the current runners-up of Euro 2020. With young talents like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, Gareth Southgate's squad is poised to end a 58-year title drought. England will compete in Group C, alongside Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia.
France is another heavyweight in the competition, led by Kylian Mbappé. Under Didier Deschamps, the French team will start their campaign in Group D against Austria and will later face other strong opposition such as the Netherlands and Poland. Antoine Griezmann and other stellar players like Virgil Van Dijk and Memphis Depay are expected to shine.
Cristiano Ronaldo will also be a major attraction, as the Portuguese star aims to break additional records. Portugal, under new head coach Roberto Martinez, will compete in Group F against Türkiye, Georgia, and the Czech Republic. The Portuguese team has been lauded for its combination of youthful talent and experienced leadership.
The German team, albeit having home advantage, has faced several internal conflicts and performance issues. With Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, there are questions about whether Manuel Neuer should remain the first-choice goalkeeper given his recent form. Germany will play in Group A, alongside Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland.
- Group A stages will see Germany play against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland. Germany will face Hungary on June 19 and will wrap up their group stage against Switzerland on June 23.
- Group B starts with Spain against Croatia, followed by Italy vs. Albania. Spain will then clash with Italy on June 20.
- Group C, featuring England, will have matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia with the England vs. Denmark game set for June 20.
- Group D opens with Poland against the Netherlands, and France will play Austria. France will later face Netherlands in a crucial fixture on June 21.
- Group E involves Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine with Belgium vs. Slovakia opening the group stage.
- Group F will see Türkiye playing Georgia, and Portugal clashing with the Czech Republic as initial matches.
