Look Ahead to Euro 2024

The Euros quick off on Friday night as Germany look to turn around their misfortunes with a tournament at home. The hosts have been revamped by Julian Nagelsmann and are led by Toni Kroos in his final games as a professional. A fascinating story to watch unfold and it begins tonight against Scotland (20:00 GMT). Elsewhere there are plenty of story’s to be told.

Gareth Southgate trying to get England over the line in his final major tournament?

Spain are led by the unbeatable Rodri, Pedri has overcomed his injury struggles and their emerging young talent in Lamine Yamal is the youngest footballer in Euros history.

Portugal have blitzed through their qualifying campaign but can they get it right this summer?

Kevin De Bruyne captains Belgiums next generation.

Kylian Mbappe wants to avenge the World Cup loss for France and head to Real Madrid with a Euros trophy.

Does Luka Modric have one more magical tournament left with Croatia?

Young Players To Watch

One of the best opportunities you’ll get to see most top rated young footballers in one tournament. The 16 year old right winger that broke through at Barcelona this season. The Portuguese midfielder that’s got a huge release clause. The Turkish midfielder Real Madrid picked up. The Dutchman making an impact in Germany. Here are all the young players to keep on eye on in this tournament.

Group A

Hungary are a team tipped by many to be a dark horse in the competition given the fantastic qualifying campaign they had. It’s Milos Kerkez (20) who i’d keep an eye on in this tournament, he’s had a solid season at Bournemouth after his move but yet to show off what he can do in the final third. Far more complete as full back than his performance suggest so far in the Premier League.

Germany are led by two immensely talented young players in Jamal Musiala (21) and Florian Wirtz (21). Both linked to big moves next summer. Both players will be key to Germany having success in this tournament. Pavlovic (20) is a talented midfielder that just broke through into the Bayern Munich squad but he’ll miss out due to illness.

Group B

Spain are the team to watch in this group with two dynamic wingers in Lamine Yamal (16) and Nico Williams (21). Two other players from Barcelona in Pedri (21) after coming through his injuries and Fermine Lopez (21) breaking into the national team for this tournament are ones to watch. Alex Baena (22) finished the season as the top assist provider in La Liga (14).

For Italy there is one defender that’s gathered a lot of interest, playing under Thiago Motta at Bologna, and that’s Riccardo Calafiori (22).

Group C

Much has been made about Benjamin Sesko (21) lately with links to Arsenal and Manchester United. Another talented striker making his way through the Red Bull system.

Rasmus Hojlund (21) is another young striker whose struggled at United this season despite some good moments throughout and promising signs.

Jude Bellingham (20) is a well known player heading into this tournament and will have the weight of media expectation placed on him but two other midfielders that have made the cut for England will have a chance to get themselves onto the pitch. Whether it’s to start or from the bench, Kobbie Mainoo (19) and Adam Wharton (20) could make a mark.

Group D

Similar to Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga (21) is well known for his quality at only 21 but two of his teammates could shine in this tournament. Bradley Barcola (21) will be at the very least an electric winger off the bench for France. Warren Zaire-Emery (18) is a midfielder that does it all. Dynamic and impactful across all phases, excellent in the pockets.

For the Netherlands there are two. Bart Verbruggen (21) in goal has been impressive at Brighton but still developing his game. Very technical, comfortable in possession and progressive on the ball. Xavi Simons (21) is the gem in this team, an attacking midfielder that can create and score goals. Yet to find a club for the long term.

Group E

Leo Sauer (18) might get some minutes for Slovakia, a flamboyant winger who likes to dribble, very quick and can cut inside to create or shoot.

Arthur Vermeeren (19) just made his big move to Atletico Madrid this season, the midfielder won’t be first choice this tournament for Belgium but could be involved off the bench. Deep lying play-maker that can carry the ball well and operate box-to-box. Johan Bakayoko (21) is a creative hub at right wing for Belgium, draws comparisons to Bakayo Saka and has been linked to plenty of clubs this summer.

Illya Zabarnyi (21) has a solid debut season at Bournemouth like Milos Kerkez did, physically dominant young defender who can recover very well. strengths lie in timing his tackles and anticipating the movement of attackers. Heorhiy Sudakov (21) is an attacking midfielder to watch with his ability between the lines to find space. Ready for a move this summer to Europe’s top clubs.

Group F

For Turkey you have Kenan Yıldız (19) who broke into the Juventus team this season, an attacking midfielder that loves to operate on the half-turn in the left half-space and can utilize his ball carrying on the wing. Arda Güler (19) made his move to Real Madrid last summer and this tournament is a perfect opportunity to see why they bought him. Comparisons to Messi with his dribbling style and Bernardo Silva in the role he’s played for Fenerbahçe.

Portugal have a squad filled with quality as well as promising young players who will likely play an important role in a successful tournament. Nuno Mendes (21) has impressed in his season with PSG at LB. Antonio Silva (20) and Gonçalo Inácio (22) are two of the hottest central defender prospects in the world. Francisco Conceição (21) is a tricky winger that could win them a match off the bench. João Neves (19) who has a release clause 100M+ this summer has been lauded for his maturity at a young age, a midfielder capable of doing it all and a potential too good to miss out on. Gundogan with bite.

Team To Watch?

Heading into the tournament there are several teams that will fancy their chances based on their previous results in qualifying, past tournaments and the emerging talent in the squad. Here is a brief look at those favorites squads, sharing some of my thoughts on them and a mention of other teams in the competition you should keep an eye on.

(Note that these graphics are not representative of the system or starting lineup, only to present the squad selections)

Germany

The hosts brought in Julian Nagelsmann and the starting eleven below will be very close to if not the team you’ll see against Scotland. Toni Kroos will retire after this tournament and will want to finish on top. Ilkay Gundogan plays a key role as the platform for two of the biggest young talents in Europe, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Both coming off excellent individual seasons, Wirtz more than Musiala after Leverkusen won the Bundesliga. Mittelstadt is one to watch on the left side, a ‘modern’ full back in every sense of the word who provides width and an attacking threat.

The bench is key in this tournament and for Germany you’ve got Leroy Sane to offer a dynamic option on the wing 1v1 or in behind. Thomas Muller is excellent at finding space in the final third and can finish from any angle. Different striker options in Fulkrug and Undav that Germany could use late in the game.

Under the Radar is one player to pick out that won’t get the headlines among the stars in the team and that’s Andrich as the midfielder destroyer.

Spain

Spain have plenty of young players coming through and now have the dynamic attackers they’ve been waiting for in Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Both grabbing headlines this season and Williams could be on the move in the summer. Rodri will provide the platform for any success the team will have, giving Pedri the license to connect the team in the final third and provide the killer pass. Baena finished the season with the most assists in La Liga, one player to watch out for.

The Bench for Spain is not quite as eye catching as other teams but in Joselu, Torres and Oyarzabal you have forwards to use late in the game. Depending on which LB starts Grimaldo can completely shift the dynamic of the game with his delivery. Fermin Lopez has a Muller esce habit of arriving into the box at the right moment.

Under the Radar pick is Morata who captains the team and as we know all too well in International Tournaments, you must have a goal scorer in the team that’s fit and firing.

Portugal

Roberto Martinez has a squad with more talent than he had at Belgium, far more depth and the pressure to turn that qualifying campaign into a tournament win. Everyone will want to get a look at Joao Neves this summer and work out why he’s got a huge price tag. Last chance for Ronaldo to win another international tournament for Portugal.

For me this is set up for Bruno Fernandes to shine. The team in a way is built around his passing ability with players around him to do the defensive work and forwards able to run in behind.

The Bench for Portugal are quite something to see as you’ve got two different attacking left backs in Mendes and Cancelo. Joao Felix can play across the front line. Ramos and Jota two different types of forwards to use. Conceicao is a tricky right winger. Vitinha and Joao Neves two options in midfield to change the tempo.

Under the Radar for me is Palhinha as the shield of the back four, anticipating danger and winning possession. He won’t get the spotlight like Joao Neves or the headlines like Fernandes but in every Euro winning team there is a midfielder like Palhinha.

France

The favorites in my mind for the tournament, not just for the X factor that Mbappe provides but the depth of quality across the pitch. They can change games off the bench. An excellent keeper in Maignan, everything you’d want in your midfielders and a bit of magic with Griezmann.

The Bench options for France is arguably the best int he tournament. Coman and Barcola as your two wingers to bring on. Zaire-Emery to attack the pockets. Thuram and Muani two different strikers to use later in the game. Stacked midfield that could see Kante, Tchouameni or Camavinga as a midfield option off the bench.

Under the Radar for France could be the use of Mendy for certain games at LB, after a very good season at Real Madrid. He offers them a shutdown 1v1 specialist compared to the attacking threat of Theo Hernandez.

England

It’s the defense for England that will make or break their tournament success in the knockout rounds. Whether Luke Shaw is fit changes their attacking dynamic on the left side. John Stones has struggled with fitness all season. Kyle Walker has had some poor performances individually for Man City. A solid partnership between John Stones and Marc Guehi is essential for England this tournament.

The Bench for England is far better than people give them credit for, it’s going to be key for Southgate in the knockout rounds. Wide options in Eze, Palmer, Bowen and Gordon. Two additional strikers in Toney and Watkins that both offer something different. Midfielders off the bench in Wharton, Gallagher and Mainoo.

Under the Radar for me is Anthony Gordon who has had a brilliant season for Newcastle and could be the difference maker off the bench or a candidate to start LW. This could be his Raheem Sterling 2016 moment in the Euros.

Belgium

Belgium have a wealth of forward options and Kevin De Bruyne to find them. As Captain of the next generation coming through. Their group has Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania in it, one they should be topping comfortably.

The Bench for Belgium looks good in the attacking area with Openda as another striker. Carrasco and Bakayoko two wide options to use. Other than that, you would be expecting a lot from their young or inexperienced midfielders to impact the game.

Under the Radar for me is Witsel who has become a central defender at Atletico Madrid and if Belgium are to have any success in the knockout rounds they need their defense to perform. He’s key to that.

Netherlands

The Netherlands have talented players through the team, more so in defense than attack but lack dominant and quality midfielders. That hasn’t stopped their manager finding a way to lean into those strengths with their wing-backs. Xavi Simons is the star attacking midfielder to watch out for.

The Bench has options for the Netherlands as Malen is an electric winger. Weghorst is a threat in the box late in the game. Zirkzee has been called up late and is a very good link up player in the final third. Maatsen, Frimpong and Geertruida are all wing-back options off the bench.

Under the Radar pick will be Veerman who is a silky and intelligent midfielder, comfortable under pressure to take the ball and control the tempo.

Italy

Italy are an interesting team this tournament, changing the manager and having a lot of different players in the team after the Euro 2020 win. Losing a lot of their experience but still plenty of talent.

Barella, Bastoni, Darmian, Frattesi and Dimarco have won the Serie A with Inter Milan and are the core of the team. Scamacca has won the Europa League with Atalanta, deadly if he finds his form in the tournament. Jorginho coming into what could be his last Euros. Chiesa on the left wing. My concern is whether this tournament has come a year early for the young players and new manager to come together as a team.

Croatia

The success for Croatia will be built around their midfield of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic controlling games. In Gvardiol you have a new found attacking threat on the left, unlocked at City, that can link up well with Kramaric or Perisic.

The Bench options for Croatia don’t match up with the other favorites in the competition, their focus will be in controlling the tempo of the game and keeping it tight. Perisic, Petkovic or Kramaric will be their goal scoring options off the bench.

Under the Radar for Croatia is Josip Stanisic after his league winning season at Bayer Leverkusen. The RB won’t be the first name that comes to mind with Gvardiol playing at LB and all the midfielder that they have.

Ukraine

I wanted to make sure they are included, not as a favorite but to highlight the talent coming through. Zinchenko will be the first player that comes to mind as an experienced one. Lunin has been excellent for Real Madrid after Courtois got injured. Dovbyk finished the season as top scorer in La Liga (24). Another Girona player in Tsygankov had a good season. Sudakov is an exciting and dynamic attacking midfielder that is due a move to Europe’s T5 Leagues this summer, keep your eye on him.

Mudryk has not quite found his feet at Chelsea since his move but there is no denying his electric pace down the left side. Zabarnyi is a young defender that went under the radar this season at Bournemouth.

Whilst they won’t be contenders to win right away, Ukraine will be a difficult team for anyone to take on in the knockout stages.

Outside of the teams mentioned above you are looking at a few different teams to surprise.

Hungary are tipped by many as a dark horse in this tournament. Milos Kerkez is a talented LB as mentioned above. Dominik Szoboszlai has to perform for Hungry to do well.

Switzerland are always a well coached team. They have Manuel Akanji and Xhaka in their best form. Yan Sommer was arguably the best keeper in the world this season. Fabian Schar is much better than his reputation suggests. Zeki Amdouni is the goal scorer they’ve been desperate for. Not a team to sleep on.

Austria under Ralf Ragnick haven’t lost a match since last year. Baumgartner, Arnautovic, Laimer and Sabitzer all key players for them in what will be a very tough group to get out of.

Poland will be hoping that Lewandoski can provide the goals along with performances from Zielinski.

In Group F you can make a case for why either Turkey, Georgia or Czechia will progress as the runners up. Talented players in all of those squads.

Manchester City at the Euros?

Jeremy Doku found his form in the back end of the season, after dealing with his injury and is setup perfectly for this tournament. Kevin De Bruyne as their captain will look to find Doku and lead the next generation.

Josko Gvardiol was one of the stars at the last World Cup and in Germany he has a chance to show his attacking qualities in the box as a left back. Mateo Kovacic will be a key player in the midfield next to Modric.

Phil Foden will be crucial for England alongside Kyle Walker and John Stones. All three need to have a good tournament if England want to be successful.

Rodri will be one of the leaders for Spain and provides the platform for their attacking talent to thrive.

Nathan Ake will find tough competition in the squad to start despite how impressive he’s been at left back for City these past two seasons. An area Netherlands have plenty of depth in.

Manuel Akanji is an important player for Switzerland as is Xhaka, they will need to beat Hungry if they want to get out of their group.

Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes will be playing for a team in Portugal that many see as favorites given the depth of talent in the squad.

LAST WORD👋

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