We’re edging closer to the commencement of UEFA Euro 2024, with the host nation Germany initiating the action on June 14 against Scotland. All 24 teams are finalizing their preparations for the tournament, hoping that key players remain injury-free and aiming to start the competition in peak condition.
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Meanwhile, numerous players are eagerly vying for a spot in their respective country’s squad. These squads are slated to expand to a maximum of 26 players and must be announced by June 7. Here, we delve into the top contenders for the Euro Cup Germany to assess their readiness for European football’s premier international event.
Spain UEFA Euro 2024
Key players
In Euro 2024, Spain’s standout performer is Rodri. The midfielder from Manchester City has consistently showcased top form for his club. And is arguably the sole truly world-class player at the disposal of La Roja coach Luis de la Fuente. While there are several players with the potential to ascend to that level, all eyes will be on the promising young forward Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
Nico Williams (Athletic Club) to make an impact for Spain in the attacking third. Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid, though not as trendy as Yamal and Williams, has been a regular striker under De la Fuente, often leading the team as captain and boasting 34 goals for his country.
Who’s in danger of missing out
Barcelona’s young pair Gavi and Alejandro Balde are both anticipated to be absent due to injuries in UEFA Euro 2024. Gavi, who suffered an ACL tear while playing for Spain last November, is arguably the most significant setback, given his unique combination of tenacity and technique in midfield. When fully fit, he is typically a starter.
Another midfielder from Barca, Pedri, is striving to demonstrate his form and fitness ahead of the tournament. He has recently returned from another muscle injury. If the 21-year-old manages to avoid further setbacks before the conclusion of the season, he is likely to be included in the squad. However, he faces the challenge of reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup.
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Meanwhile, Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), and Ansu Fati (on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion). They have been regulars in the squad on occasion in the past, but are not assured of their places in Germany.
Up-and-coming players
At 16 years old, Yamal is already emerging as Spain’s top choice in the attacking department for Euro Cup Germany. His standout performance in last month’s friendly against Brazil earned him a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. Another young talent from Barça, Pau Cubarsi, a 17-year-old centre-back, has also impressed.
And is now in contention for a place in the squad with a series of composed displays for his club. Additionally, Alejandro Grimaldo’s impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen has caught the eye. He is making a late push to secure Spain’s left-back position for this summer’s tournament.
How far will they go?
There is a recognition in Spain that nations are boasting superior players at present. Nonetheless, they clinched victory in the UEFA Nations League last summer and possess enough quality to compete head-to-head with any European side on any given day. The success of their campaign in Euro Cup 2024 will be evaluated not only based on their progression but also on their performance.
If they display strong performances but suffer a narrow defeat to one of the favourites, there are unlikely to be many grievances. However, reaching at least the quarterfinals is considered the baseline expectation. Despite acknowledging that this Spain side may not match the calibre of the team that secured consecutive European Championships in 2008 and 2012, winning the tournament is not deemed impossible.
Italy Euro Cup 2024
Key players
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma leads the team, and Italy relies on him to replicate his form from Euro Cup 2020, although he hasn’t achieved that level at club level with Paris Saint-Germain. Nicolo Barella is the midfield linchpin, while Alessandro Bastoni is expected to anchor the defence. However, the forward line remains uncertain due to a combination of talent shortage and fitness issues.
Who’s in danger of missing out
Midfielder Marco Verratti has not been called up since Luciano Spalletti took charge as coach, and his move to Qatar’s Al-Arabi does not aid his prospects. Winger Federico Chiesa has endured a challenging season with Juventus, and his fitness concerns cast doubt on his inclusion. The same applies to midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who despite his talent, has struggled to cement a starting role at Aston Villa.
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Despite the lack of centre-forwards, Gianluca Scamacca was omitted from the last Italy squad. He hopes his standout performance for Atalanta against Liverpool in the Europa League, where he netted two goals, will bolster his chances.
Up-and-coming players
Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna has been outstanding in Serie A this season and could earn a late call-up, having only represented the under-21 level so far. Lorenzo Lucca of Udinese may not always catch the eye, but his towering height of 6-foot-7 makes him a formidable presence on the field, scoring seven Serie A goals this year. Giovanni Fabbian of Bologna is a talented midfielder who could surprise, despite not being a regular at the club level.
How far will they go?
Italy finds themselves in a challenging group alongside Spain, Croatia, and Albania, but they anticipate progressing, given the format where the top third-placed teams advance. Beyond that, it becomes unpredictable. Donnarumma’s ability to shut down opponents can carry them far in the tournament.
But they require creativity from other sources, and currently, there are numerous uncertainties. There are perhaps five teams with superior talent, so reaching the quarterfinals appears to be a reasonable objective.
England Euro Cup Germany
Key players
All attention will be on midfielder Jude Bellingham following his remarkable debut season at Real Madrid, where his deployment in a more advanced attacking position has seemingly elevated his performance to new heights. The absence of Harry Kane upfront in last month’s defeat to Brazil and draw against Belgium.
This highlighted the significant impact on England’s attack in his absence. Declan Rice stands as the lone elite-level midfielder in the squad capable of fulfilling a holding role, making any injury to the Arsenal player a significant setback.
Who’s in danger of missing out
Gareth Southgate faces several pivotal decisions ahead. Winger Raheem Sterling needs to shine in the late stages of the season at Chelsea to secure his spot, and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford may also be at risk. If his recent form slump continues, especially with younger, more dynamic alternatives excelling at the club level.
Full-backs Luke Shaw and Reece James are striving to recover from lengthy injury setbacks to earn a place in the squad, while Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi falls into the same category. Strikers Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, and Callum Wilson are competing for two spots in the squad, at best, alongside Kane.
Southgate has shown loyalty to defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the past. But he was omitted from the squad last month and needs to rejuvenate his form while on loan at West Ham United.
Up-and-coming players
The demand for 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to earn a spot in the squad intensifies with each passing week as he impresses amidst the broader discontent at Manchester United. Cole Palmer’s case appears undeniable as he continues to shine brightly despite Chelsea’s challenges this season.
Boasting 25 goals and 13 assists from 42 games, tying with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland on 20 goals in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot. Forward Anthony Gordon is also making a late surge as he flourishes at Newcastle United, although competition for England‘s wide positions is fierce.
How far will they go?
England’s objective is to triumph in UEFA Euro 2024. Southgate’s evaluation will primarily hinge on this achievement. Despite reaching the final of the previous Euros only to suffer defeat on penalties to Italy, England anticipated a deep run at the 2022 World Cup before their quarterfinal exit against France, and the abundance of in-form attacking players at club level only amplifies expectations now.
However, history provides two significant cautions. Firstly, England has never progressed beyond the semifinal stage on foreign soil. Secondly, England’s questionable record against elite nations in tournament knockout matches raises concerns. While defeating Germany in the previous Euros offers encouragement, losses to Croatia, and Italy (on penalties). France in Southgate’s preceding three tournaments indicates that England still faces a glass ceiling at the highest level.
France UEFA Euro 2024
Key players
No surprise here: Kylian Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who is set to join Real Madrid in the summer, will be France’s most crucial player again during this tournament, his first as captain of his country. We saw in March, in the 2-0 loss to Germany and 3-2 win over Chile, that France without Antoine Griezmann are not the same.
The 33-year-old is vital with his intelligence, work rate, flair, and creativity. As he did at the World Cup to such great effect. He is expected to play in a deeper midfielder role where he is granted a lot of freedom. Spain Euro Cup 2024 Squad Decisions and Confidence.
Who’s in danger of missing out
Kingsley Coman is in a tight race to regain fitness ahead of his potential call-up by Didier Deschamps for UEFA Euro 2024. The Bayern Munich winger sustained an injury last month and is expected to be sidelined for another two to three weeks. Leaving him with a narrow window to recover in time for the tournament.
Emerging talents on the radar include 18-year-old midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, who has made a significant impact at PSG this season. Earning his debut for France in November and even scoring against Gibraltar. Additionally, 20-year-old Malo Gusto, impressing as a right-back at Chelsea, has caught Deschamps’ eye. With consistent performances at the club level, earning his France debut against the Netherlands in October.
How far will they go?
France is one of the favourites for the competition, along with England and then the rest. They have reached three of the past four finals of major tournaments (Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, which they won, and World Cup 2022). They have the right mentality, incredible talent, and squad depth and of course the best player in the world in Mbappe. I expect them to go all the way.
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