After the whole European Football season ends for all the clubs, the international period takes centre stage for UEFA Euro 2024! The tournament is being hosted in Germany this year, and in this preview, I’m going to go over all the teams competing and what you may (or most likely may not) see from them! So, let’s dive in with the Hosts, shall we?!
Group A
Germany
Germany enter Euro 2024 with a lot of pressure on their shoulders given their home-field advantage! Germany are currently ranked 16th in the World and they obviously didn’t need to qualify due to being the hosts. At Euro 2020, Germany didn’t have the best of times as they lost 2-0 to England in the Round of 16. In their last major tournament, Germany failed to make it out of the Group Stage (again) of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. When it comes to success in this competition, Germany have won 3 European Championships, but their last one was back in 1996. So can the hosts win at Home, only time will tell!
Scotland
Scotland are back and hoping to finally make it out of the Group Stage. Scotland are currently ranked 39th in the World and they qualified for this competition by taking 17 points out of a possible 24 in the Qualifying stages! At Euro 2020, Scotland didn’t exactly fair well as they only picked up 1 point, and that was also their last major tournament. When it comes to success in this competition, Scotland have never made it out of the Group Stage (they haven’t in the World Cup either) so they’re looking to make a little history! Scotland can definitely get something from this group, and they’ll be relishing the fact that they will take on the Hosts in the tournament opener!
Hungary
Hungary are entering their third-straight European Championship with a purpose! Hungary are currently ranked 26th in the World and they qualified for this competition by topping their Group with 18 points (5W,3D). At Euro 2020, Hungary failed to make it out of their “Group of Death”, but they still gave it a good old go! That was also their last major tournament. When it comes to success in this competition, this will only be Hungary’s 5th appearance at the European Championships, but they did managed to finish third in 1964! Just like the team we just talked about, Hungary will fancy their chances at getting something out of this Group.
Switzerland
Switzerland enter Euro 2024 with a great chance of winning their Group. Switzerland are currently ranked 19th in the World and they qualified for this competition in a rather unspectacular manner, drawing more games than they won! At Euro 2020, Switzerland had their best-ever performance, and they were very unlucky to lose in the Quarter-Finals to Spain on penalties. In their last major tournament, Switzerland got to the Last 16 Stage before they got smashed 6-1 by Portugal! When it comes to success in this competition, a Quarter-Final appearance is their best result. This feels very much like a maybe tournament for the Swiss!
Group B
Spain
Spain are definitely one of the favourites to be crowned European Champions (again) this Summer. Spain are currently ranked 8th in the World and they qualified for this competition by topping their Group with 21 points out of a possible 24! At Euro 2020, Spain did well to get to the Semi-Finals, and they were unlucky to lose to Italy on penalties! In their last major tournament, they underperformed and lost to Morocco in the Round of 16 (also on penalties). When it comes to success in this competition, Spain are 3-time winners, including back-to-back Titles in 2008 and 2012. This isn’t going to be an easy group at all for Spain, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go far.
Croatia
If there’s one thing anyone has learnt about International Football recently, it’s never count out Croatia! Croatia are currently ranked 10th in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in Group D (behind Turkey and ahead of Wales). At Euro 2020, Croatia were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Spain (AET) in a crazy game that finished 5-3! In their last major tournament, Croatia had another brilliant World Cup run where they ultimately finished third, beating Morocco in the Third-place Play-off. When it comes to success in this competition, Croatia’s best result was a Quarter-Final appearance in both 1996 and 2008. I have no doubt that Croatia will be well up for this Tournament!
Italy
It’s now time to talk about the reigning European Champions, Italy! Italy are currently ranked 9th in the World and they qualified for this competition by just about finishing second ahead of Ukraine on Goal Difference. At Euro 2020, Italy obviously went on an incredible run that was capped off by a penalty shoot-out victory over England at their opponents' home stadium! Their last major tournament was also the European Championships in 2021, and the interesting thing to note is that came after failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, so let’s see if the same magic can strike twice! When it comes to success in this competition, Italy have won the competition twice (1968 and 2020). Can Italy go back-to-back, only time will tell!
Albania
Having no expectations from anyone could prove rather helpful for Albania. Albania are currently ranked 66th in the World and they qualified for this competition by topping their group over the Czech Republic and Poland. Albania didn’t compete at Euro 2020, and in fact their last major tournament appearance came when they got dumped out of the Group Stage at Euro 2016. When it comes to success in this competition, this will be Albania’s second-ever appearance in a European Championship. Whatever happens, Albania just have to try and enjoy it!
Group C
Slovenia
Slovenia enter Euro 2024 looking to prove something! Slovenia are currently ranked 57th in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in their Group, level on points with Denmark (remember that for later). Slovenia didn’t compete at Euro 2020, and in fact their last appearance at a European Championship came when they were knocked out in the Group Stage at Euro 2000! In their last major tournament, they also were knocked out in the Group Stages at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. When it comes to success in this competition, Slovenia never won a game so that will be their aim this time around! Slovenia definitely have a chance of making some sort of history at Euro 2024!
Denmark
Denmark enter Euro 2024 as a genuine Dark Horse! Denmark are currently ranked 21st in the World and they qualified for this competition by just about edging out Slovenia to top spot in Group H! At Euro 2020, Denmark went on an inspired run, and were unfortunate to lose to England in the Semi’s. In their last major tournament, they were massively disappointing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as they finished bottom of their Group with just 1 point to their name! When it comes to success in this competition, Denmark managed to win a European Championship in 1992! This feels like a big tournament for Denmark and one that they have to do well in!
Serbia
For the first time in their current name, Serbia are about to compete in the European Championships! Serbia are currently ranked 33rd in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in a rather “lacklustre” group. Serbia obviously didn’t appear at Euro 2020, and their last actual appearance in a Euro's came in 2000 when they were combined with Montenegro (they actually managed to get to the Quarters). In their last major tournament, they were rather disappointing as they were dumped out in the Group Stage at the 2022 FIFA World Cup (they only scored 1 point). When it comes to success in this competition, Serbia have technically managed to finish as Runner-Up twice, but that was when they were known as Yugoslavia (1960 and 1968). Serbia can definitely win a game in this Group!
England
The pressure is very much on England shoulders to actually finally win something at UEFA Euro 2024! England are currently ranked 4th in the World and they qualified for this competition by taking 20 points out of a possible 24 in a Group where Italy featured. At Euro 2020, England managed to make it to the Final in what was basically a home tournament, but they ultimately lost on to Italy on penalties in the Final. In their last major tournament, they suffered a Quarter-Final exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the hands of France. When it comes to success in this competition, England’s best result was their final appearance 3 years ago! Realistically, England have to win this competition this Summer!
Group D
Poland
Poland are ready for their 5th-straight European Championship appearance! Poland are currently ranked 28th in the World and they qualified for this competition by beating Wales on penalties in the Path A Play-offs. At Euro 2020, Poland didn’t have a great time as they finished bottom of their group with just 1 point to their name! In their last major tournament, Poland did okay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup before they were eliminated from the Round of 16 by France. When it comes to success in this competition, Poland’s best performance was a Quarter-Final appearance at Euro 2016! This isn’t going to be easy for Poland, but that doesn’t mean they can’t achieve anything!
Netherlands
The Netherlands are always a team that interests me at major tournaments! The Netherlands are currently ranked 7th in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in their Group (behind France). At Euro 2020, the Dutch suffered a really disappointing defeat to the Czech Republic in the Round of 16. In their last major tournament, they were unlucky to lose on penalties to Argentina in the Quarter-Finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. When it comes to success in this competition, the Netherlands won it for the first and only time in 1988! The interesting thing about that is that competition took place in Germany, so could that be a good omen for the Dutch!
Austria
Austria will be well up for a European Championship in Germany! Austria are currently ranked 25th in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing just a point behind Belgium (in their Group). At Euro 2020, Austria did a decent job, but were knocked out by Italy in the Round of 16 (After Extra Time). That was also their last major tournament appearance! When it comes to success in this competition, Austria’s performance at Euro 2020 is actually their best! Austria don’t have an awful lot of history in major competitions (certainly recently), but they definitely have a team that is capable of upsetting people!
France
France probably enter Euro 2024 as the favourites! France are currently ranked 2nd in the World and they qualified for this competition by picking up 22 points from 8 games! At Euro 2020, France massively underperformed as they were eliminated in the Last 16 by Switzerland (on penalties). In their last major tournament, they obviously did brilliantly before they lost the World Cup Final on penalties (to Argentina). When it comes to success in this competition, France are 2-time European Champions, but you can’t help but feel like they should’ve won it more! That’s why there’s massive pressure on France to deliver a Title this Summer!
Group E
Belgium
Belgium enter Euro 2024 looking to finally win their first-ever Major Tournament! Belgium are currently ranked 3rd in the World and they qualified for this competition by picking up 20 points out of a possible 24! At Euro 2020, Belgium got to the Quarter-Finals before they were knocked out by eventual Champions Italy. In their last major tournament, they had an absolute shocker and were dumped out in the Group Stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup! When it comes to success in this competition, Belgium’s best-ever performance was when they finished as Runners-up in 1980! Given the group that they are in, Belgium should go far in this competition!
Slovakia
Slovakia are back for their third-straight European Championships appearance! Slovakia are currently ranked 48th in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in their Qualifying Group (behind Portugal). At Euro 2020, Slovakia were eliminated in the Group Stage as the worst-third-placed team. That was also their last major tournament. When it comes to success in this competition, Slovakia did technically win a European Championship back in 1976, but that was when they were known as Czechoslovakia. Slovakia will be hoping to make it into the Knockout Rounds this time around!
Romania
Romania are hoping to make it out of the Group Stage of the European Championships for only the second time in their history! Romania are currently ranked 46th in the World and they qualified for this competition by topping their Group (over Switzerland). Romania didn’t make Euro 2020, and in fact their last major tournament was Euro 2016 (where they were dumped out with just a point to their name). When it comes to success in this competition, Romania’s best performance was a Quarter-Final appearance at Euro 2000 (it was the only tournament where they picked up a win). At the very least, Romania will want to a win a game this time around, and I think they have a decent chance!
Ukraine
Ukraine return to the Euro’s as many neutral’s favourites! Ukraine are currently ranked 22nd in the World and they qualified for this competition via the Path B Playoffs (they beat Iceland in the Final). At Euro 2020, Ukraine had a good time to get to the Quarter-Finals before they got stuffed 4-0 by England! That was also their last major tournament! When it comes to success in this competition, Ukraine’s best performance was at Euro 2020! Given how Ukraine did in the Qualifiers, you’d have to fancy them to get out of this Group and at least into the Last 16.
Group F
Turkey
Turkey are hoping to make it out of the Group Stages for the first time since 2008! Turkey are currently ranked 40th in the World and they qualified for this competition by picking up 17 points from 8 games (they finished above both Croatia and Wales). At Euro 2020, Turkey had a pretty shocking time as they managed to lose all three of their Group games (only 1 other team did that)! That was also their last major tournament. When it comes to success in this competition, Turkey’s best year was 2008 when they managed to make it to the Semi-Finals (they lost late too)! If anyone needs a win at this tournament, it’s Turkey!
Georgia
Georgia are finally ready to enter their first-ever major tournament! Georgia are currently ranked 75th in the World and they qualified for this competition by beating Greece on penalties in the Path C Playoffs! Due to this being their first-ever major tournament, there isn’t too much historical data surrounding Georgia, but it is worth mentioning that they’ve been promoted in two of their three Nations League campaigns! What an experience this is going to be for Georgia, I wish them all the best!
Portugal
Portugal enter Euro 2024 as the best team from the Qualifiers! Portugal are currently ranked 6th in the World and they qualified for this competition by winning all 10 Group games (they only conceded twice). At Euro 2020, Portugal were disappointing as they were dumped out in the Round of 16 by Belgium (current manager Roberto Martinez’s old team). In their last major tournament, they suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Morocco in the World Cup Quarter-Finals. When it comes to success in this competition, Portugal have won the European Championship once (2016). Given the draw, Portugal have no excuses not to go far in this Tournament!
Czech Republic
And last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about the Czech Republic! Czech Republic are currently ranked 36th in the World and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in their Group (behind Albania and ahead of Poland). At Euro 2020, the Czech Republic did a great job to make it all the way to the Quarter-Finals (where they lost to Denmark). That was also their last major tournament. When it comes to success in this competition, Czechoslovakia won it back in 1976! I think the Czech Republic have got a good shot at making it into the Knockout Rounds!
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