Euro 2024 is upon us, as Germany hosts its first major men’s tournament since 2006 – with the national team seeking its first trophy in a decade. Some fancy Julian Nagelsmann’s team to defy expectations on home soil, while there is naturally significant faith in France, as the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up. Can England finally get over the line under Gareth Southgate, three years after losing the delayed Euro 2020 final to Italy at Wembley? And if so, will Harry Kane claim his second international Golden Boot? Or will a younger star steal the spotlight, as clubs and coaches around Europe keep an eye out for the ‘next big thing’ in the summer transfer market? Below, we predict the teams, players and moments that could define Euro 2024.
Without further ado...
Miguel Delaney (Chief Football Writer): It feels like it’s gradually evolved into a pick between Portugal and France. While the former have developed a huge, talented squad under a capable manager at international level in Roberto Martinez, the French have such immense strength in depth. Will this team really go so many tournaments with only one trophy, even if it was the 2018 World Cup? Richard Jolly (Senior Football Correspondent): France.
Admittedly I tend to tip them to win every tournament and the nature of knockout football means the team with the best players does not always progress but, over the last four World Cups or European Championships, France have reached the final of three. They have.
