EURO 2020 (2021) PREVIEW
It’s finally here. After being delayed a year due to the pandemic, the 16th European Championships will commence on 11th June, with the final being played on the 11th July. This tournament is promising to be the most unique ever, as it’s hosted in 11 different cities, which was reduced from 13, due to Brussels and Dublin being withdrawn. Also, it will be the first international tournament that will use the dreaded VAR.
Below is the team by team preview……
GROUP A
ITALY
Best Finish: Winners 1968
Captain: Giorgio Chielllini
Main Man: Ciro Immobile
One to Watch: Domenico Berardi
Italy are playing in their 10th Euro’s and will look to improve on their QF finish in 2016. They qualified from their group top, above Finland, Greece & Bosnia, winning 10 out of 10 games. Italy could be dark horses in this tournament as for me, their squad mimics the likes of their unexpected World cup 2006 success.
After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, they appointed manager Roberto Mancini and have since gone from strength to strength. He has a very good blend of experience and youth in the squad, with Chiellini and Bonucci both in their mid 30’s with over 100 caps. They will provide stability but could struggle with the games. However, Mancini has plenty of talent, but no real outright stars. Immobile is probably the stand out, but Insigne is not far behind. They also have Belotti who top scored in qualifying with 4 goals and Barardi who looks exciting. As well as Verratti & Jorginho in midfield.
With an ageing but experience defence, and plenty of goals and flair upfront. Mancini has compensated with workhorses in midfield, who will do plenty of running. They like to play a possession game, keeping the ball as much as possible to frustrate their opponents, then find spaces and opportunities to be clinical up front.
FIFA RANK: 7
PREDICTION: SEMI FINALS
SWITZERLAND
Best Finish: Last 16 2016
Captain: Granit Xhaka
Main Man: Xherdan Shaqiri
One to Watch: Breel Embolo
The Swiss have done reasonable well in qualifying for major tournaments, having only missed four of the last 13. This is their fifth appearance in the Euro’s and 2016 was the first time in four attempts they got out the group. They qualified top, just one point from Denmark and four ahead of Rep of Ireland. It’s difficult to say what we’ll get from the Swiss as they are known to be inconsistent.
Manager Vladimir Petkovic will have a job on to motivate his main players, who for the most part, have not had the best of seasons. It was also interesting that the top scorer in qualifying with 3 goals Cedric Itten, didn’t make the squad. Nevertheless, he will hope for performances from captain Xhaka and main man Shaqiri, as well as, experience defenders Schar, Rodridgues and Akanji. They also have experience upfront with Seferovic & Gavranovic. With midfielders Fernandez & Zakaria providing steel. However, striker Embolo could be their spark that gets them out the group if he is on song.
Switzerland will hope their steady, efficient type football and experience in their ranks will help them get out the group. They have goals in them, but like to sit deep, press and win the ball early to hit the opposition with quick counter attacking football.
FIFA RANK: 13
PREDICTION: LAST 16
TURKEY
Best Finish: SF 2008
Captain: Burak Yilmaz
Main Man: Hakan Calhonoglu
One to Watch: Hakan Calhanoglu
This is Turkey’s fifth Euro appearance. They qualified runners up, just two points behind France, taking four points off them. They only lost one of their 10 games with two draws. They were also unbeaten at home where they didn’t concede a single goal. In 2016 they didn’t make it out the group stages, but with their new confidence, are expected to get to at least the last 16. However, it will be hard to match their 2008 semi final finish.
Veteran Senol Gunes is in his second spell as the Turkish manager. In his first spell, he guided the team to third place at World Cup 2002. Although not a hugely experienced squad, especially after losing qualifier top scorer Cenk Tosun (5 goals) to injury. They will however, look to captain and veteran striker Yilmaz, as well as defenders Soyuncu & Demiral. In midfield, they will be led by influential talisman Calhanoglu. With the likes of Under, Tofa and Yazici upfront, who had a breakout season at Lille.
Turkey love to play forward thinking, flair football. However, they have compromised this slightly with a more defensive structure. This is knowing that the stronger nations will over power them playing this style. They have kept the flair element and still have goals in the team, but now opt for a more measured build up instead of rock and roll football.
FIFA RANK: 29
PREDICTION: QUARTER FINALS
WALES
Best Finish: SF 2016
Captain: Gareth Bale
Main Man: Gareth Bale
One to Watch: Kieffer Moore
Although they failed to qualify for World Cup 2018, the Welsh must be proud qualifying for the Euro’s for the second time in a row, which is the second time in their history. They surprised one and all in 2016 to get to the SF but it will be difficult to get anywhere near that this time. They qualified runners up, three points behind Croatia and just a point ahead of Slovakia. They’ve not had the best preparation for this tournament, as assistant Rob Page takes the team in the absence of Ryan Giggs, which could make all the difference.
Page will need to lean on the experience, leadership, skill and all around brilliance of Bale, who will really need to find form to get his team out the group. He will then need his team mates such as Davies, Allen, Ramsey, James, Wilson, Brooks and Moore, who could be a surprise package with his skill and ability, to provide significant moments in support.
Naturally, Wales will rely on Bale’s brilliance. However, in qualifying he only scored two goals which was enough to be joint top scorer with Ramsey & Moore. That said, recently Wales have built on a strong defensive structure and wide play to beat teams. Set pieces have also been important to their game, and if they keep teams out, they could be key.
FIFA RANK: 17
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
GROUP B
BELGIUM
Best Finish: Runners up 1980
Captain: Eden Hazard
Main Man: Kevin De Bruyne
One to Watch: Romalu Lukaku
Belgium have been in the midst of a potential golden era for a while, but are starting to run out of time and opportunities. They have qualified for the last two Euro’s, after missing out on the previous three. They were the first team to qualify for this tournament, winning all 10 of their games and finished six points ahead of Russia. They got to the QF’s in 2016, finished third in World Cup 2018 and are in the SF of the 2021 Nations League, so nothing less than a final appearance will do here.
Manager Roberto Martinez will be sweating on the fitness of De Bruyne. Not to mention Hazard, who had a stop start season. However, they have talent throughout with qualifying top scorer Lukaku (7 goal). Also, Courtois, Martins, Tielemans, Castagne, Carrasco, Witzel and Benteke. But Defence could be their weakness. Although they have experience, Alderweireld, & Vertonghen who have both been capped over 100 times, as well as Vermaelen, are all in their 30’s and they will need support from Boyata & Denayer.
Belgium are a physical, attacking team who like to play a slick, but direct pass and move football, that flows feely from defence to attack. In more recent years, they have adopted wing backs, where they like to get forward and push the opposition back, with plenty of runners from midfield. However, in the bigger games, this open game is where they have come undone.
FIFA RANK: 1
PREDICTION: QUARTER FINALS
DENMARK
Best Finish: Winners 1992
Captain: Simon Kjaer
Main Man: Christian Eriksen
One to Watch: Robert Skov
Who can forget the golden era of 92 when the Danes shocked the world to win the tournament? Since that time, Denmark have had three group stage finishes and a QF finish. They are competing in their ninth Euro’s and qualified as runners up, a point behind Switzerland, but three ahead of Rep of Ireland. However, they were unbeaten, winning four and drawing four, which will give them confidence in the group with home advantage.
Denmark will be upset to be drawn in the same group as Belgium, as they are the only team to have beaten them (twice) since football returned. Manager Kasper Hjulmand in his first international job, has only had the team since football resumed and will look to his captain Kjaer for leadership, along with Vestergaard & Christensen at the back. As well as, Schmeichel in goal, the creativity and goals of Eriksen, who top scored in qualifying with 5 goals. Also Skov, who in an emerging talent in international football, the steel of Hojbjberg in midfield, with the likes of Braithwaite, Poulson & Cornelius up front.
The Danes have a very attractive forward thinking style of play, they like to play football, keep the ball moving and ticking over. They have disciplined, hard working runners throughout the team. This is a unique model and style of play, which rely’s on every player in the team being very physically fit.
FIFA RANK: 10
PREDICTION: LAST 16
FINLAND
Best Finish: First Appearance
Captain: Tim Sparv
Main Man: Teemu Pukki
One to Watch: Temmu Pukki
Finland have qualified for the first major tournament in their history. They qualified as runners up, a massive 12 points behind Italy, but more importantly, four points ahead of Greece and five points ahead of Bosnia.
Manager Markku Kanerva previously served as the assistant for five years, until he was appointed as manager in 2016. He will no doubt look to his star striker and main man Pukki, who top scored in qualifying with 10 goals. However, he will hope to get significant performances from the likes of Hradecky in goal, Toivio & Arajuuri in defence, Kamara, Lod, Sparv and Jensen in midfield, as well as Pohjanpalo in support up front.
What’s made Finland successful is they know exactly what their strengths are and play to them. They try to get the ball as quickly as possible to Pukki, where they can hurt opponents. They are a very simple and conventional team, who work hard, especially in defence to stifle and frustrate their opponents.
FIFA RANK: 54
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
RUSSIA
Best Finish: Winners 1960
Captain: Artem Dzyuba
Main Man: Artem Dzyuba
One to Watch: Denis Cheryshev
Russia were desperate to follow their momentum of World Cup 2018. They entered that tournament as the lowest ranked team, but reached the QF. They qualified for this tournament runners up, six points behind Belgium, who they lost home and away to, but won their other eight games and finished nine points above Scotland. They are playing in their 12th tournament with only Germany appearing in more, so must be aiming high.
With a few retirements, manager Stanislav Cherchesov had to embed some inexperience into the squad. However, they still have plenty of experience with captain Dzyuba who top scored in qualifying with 9 goals. 37 year old Shirkov, along with Fernandes & Dzhikiya in defence. The guile of Cheryshev, supported by Ionov & Golovin in midfield, added to Miranchuk going forward.
Russia like to play a measured, yet expansive type of football, with the technical ability and running of their midfielders, providing plenty of chances up front. They are a very forward thinking team, where goals are always high on the agenda. However, against the better teams this tends to make them too open. They are also very good at set pieces.
FIFA RANK: 38
PREDICTION: LAST 16
GROUP C
AUSTRIA
Best Finish: Group Stages 2008 / 2016
Captain: Julian Baumgartlinger
Main Man: Marco Arnoutovic
One to Watch: David Alaba
Austria are playing in only their third Euro’s and have now qualified for three of the last four finals. They qualified runners up, six points behind Poland, but five points ahead of North Macedonia and Slovakia. However, they have a poor record and have not won any of their previous six games at the finals. In fact, they have not won a game at a major final since 1990.
Although they are not particularly firing on all cylinders, manager Franco Foda will hope to change that record at this tournament. He does have a few decent players in his ranks with the likes of Alaba, who will probably operate in midfield. Arnautovic who top scored in qualifying with 6 goals. Dragovic, Baumgartlinger, Schaub, Lazaro and Sabitzer.
More recently, Austria has changed their style of play from offensive to being more defensively sound, although this has come at a price of goals. They like to sit deep, close spaces and stop the opposition from playing. On the ball, they try to keep possession and play patient football, looking for the right opening to create goal scoring opportunities.
FIFA RANK: 23
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
NETHERLANDS
Best Finish: Winners 1988
Captain: Georginio Wijnaldum
Main Man: Memphis Depay
One to Watch: Memphis Depay
Holland failed to qualify for both the 2016 Euro’s and 2018 World Cup, which was a crises considering their record in major tournaments. Since then, they have been on a mini renaissance, as they finished second in the 2019 Nations league, but did not get to the 2021 finals. They qualified for this tournament second, three points behind Germany and six points ahead of N.Ireland. I’m sure they must be quietly confident with their group draw and home advantage.
Manager Frank de Boer was the surprise appointment after his terrible spell in the Premier League, but he has done well since coming in. He has a nice blend of youth and experience, but will no doubt miss captain Van Dijk. In his absence, outgoing club team mate Wijnaldum will lead the team and hope to provide goals as he did when he top scored in the qualifiers (8 goals). They will also look to players like Stekelenburg in goal, Blind, Vrij and de Ligt in defence, Klaassen & Frenkie de Jong in midfield, with Luuk de Jong, Promes & Depay up front, who is playing well and could really set the tournament alight.
Everyone knows the Dutch total football style of play, but Holland have revamped that slightly. They still like to play free flowing, attacking football, but in recently years, they are a bit more patient in the build up, with runners from midfield. Then when the ball gets to the front players, they spark into action with flair and skill.
FIFA RANK: 16
PREDICTION: LAST 16
NORTH MACEDONIA
Best Finish: First Appearance
Captain: Goran Pandev
Main Man: Goran Pandev
One to Watch: Ezgjan Alioski
North Macedonia are the lowest ranked team in this tournament and surprised one and all by qualifying for their first major finals. They finished third, five points behind Austria and level on points with Slovakia, but advanced to the play offs due to a better head to head. In the play offs, they surprisingly beat Kosovo in the SF 2-1, then beat Georgia in the final 1-0 and with nothing to lose, are looking to cause a real upset.
Manager Igor Angelovski, whose been in charge since 2015, has become a national treasure for guiding his team to the finals. If getting to a first major final wasn’t enough, in March, they went to Germany for a World Cup qualifier and handed them their first defeat in a WC qualifier for 20 years. Naturally, there are not many household names in the squad, but they have a few decent players. Namely, their captain, all time top scorer and most capped player Pandev, Leeds’ Alioski, Napoli’s young star Elmas, who top scored in qualifying with 4 goals. Lavante’s Bardhi, Zagreb’s Ademi and Mallorca’s Trichkovksi.
North Macedonia are a brave, attacking team who like to get forward, using athletic runners, especially from wide. But also like to utilise plenty of runners in the box. They seem technically good on the ball and attack is definitely their best form of defence.
FIFA RANK: 62
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
UKRAINE
Best Finish: Group stages 2012 / 2016
Captain: Andriy Pyatov
Main Man: Andriy Yarmalenko
One to Watch: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Ukraine have qualified for their third European Championships in a row, and will hope to perform better than in 2016, when they lost all three games, without scoring a goal. They qualified in a decent group, top and unbeaten, three points ahead of Portugal, taking four points off them, winning six and drawing two games.
Manager Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian legend and all time top scorer, was the assistant in 2016. He is taking charge in his first major tournament, having failed to qualify for the World Cup 2018. He has a new emerging squad with a lot of youth, blended in with experience, such as captain and goalkeeper Pyatov, defenders Karavayev, Kryvtsov and Matviyenko. Midfielders, Zinchenko, who has operated in a number of positions, Marlos and Malinovski, with Yarmalenko, whose form will be important. As well as Yaremchuk up front, who top scored in qualifying with 4 goals.
The Ukrainian team play as a unit, with an athletic style of attacking football and plenty of movement on and off the ball, to commit the opposition. Without the ball, that athleticism is used to get behind the ball and close the spaces as quickly as possible.
FIFA RANK: 24
PREDICTION: LAST 16
GROUP D
CROATIA
Best Finish: QF 2008
Captain: Luka Modric
Main Man: Ivan Perisic
One to Watch: Bruno Petkovic
The 2018 World Cup runners up have qualified for the Euro’s for the fifth straight time. They qualified top of their group, unbeaten at home, three points from Wales and four from Slovakia. However, they only recorded one away win and were the only team to drop points to Azerbaijan. A few of their World Cup stars have since retired, so you can consider Croatia to be in somewhat of a transition period and could be ripe for picking.
Manager Zlatko Dalic took over while they were struggling in their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign. He managed to get them in via the plays offs, then all the way to the final. He will look to the experienced of captain Modric to lead the team, with defenders Vida & Lovren, as well as, Kovacic, Vlasic & Rebic in midfield, with the mercurial talents of Perisic. Also, Kramaric & Petkovic, who top scored in qualifying with 4 goals up front.
Generally, Croatia rely on technically gifted footballers, especially in midfield to dictate play and create chances. They like to keep the ball and probe for openings. They can play fast paced attacking football, but are more adept and comfortable with a patient build up.
FIFA RANK: 14
PREDICTION: LAST 16
ENGLAND
Best Finish: SF 1996
Captain: Harry Kane
Main Man: Harry Kane
One to Watch: Jack Grealish
After losing in the SF of World Cup 2018, England will be very happy the later stages will be held at Wembley. They will try to at least go one step further than when they hosted the tournament in 1996. They qualified top, very comfortably, via six points from Czech Rep, with seven wins and one defeat. They also finished 3rd in the 2019 Nations League, but failed to get to the 2021 finals and are surprisingly second favourites to win it.
Manager Southgate in his fifth year, had somewhat of a tumultuous build up with players in the Champions League final, long term injures, late injuries and other off the field political issues. He has a young squad where, although expectations are there now, look good for a few years. He will look to captain and main man Kane, who top scored in qualifying (12 goals). With key support from Walker, Trippier, Mount, Henderson, Sterling, Sancho, Rashford, Foden and Grealish, whose talents look suited for the big stage.
England have toiled with several formations and styles but in recent years, have adopted a high tempo, free flowing attacking football. However, a lot of their success is built on a solid and stable defensive foundation, with ball winners in midfield and runners out wide.
FIFA RANK: 4
PREDICTION: RUNNER UP
CZECH REPUBLIC
Best Finish: Runners Up 1996
Captain: Valdimir Darida
Main Man: Thomas Soucek
One to Watch: Patrik Schick
Since their debut in 1996, where they surprisingly finished as runners up, the Czech Rep have qualified for every Euro finals. That is six in a row, where they had a SF, QF and three Group Stage finishes, including in 2016. This current crop are not as talented as the golden era of 96, but the signs are positive, including recently being promoted to the top tier in the Nations League. They qualified as runner up, six points behind England, but four above Kosova, and won all four of their home games. But the signs say they are not as strong away from home.
Manager Jaroslav Šilhav takes the team into the finals with confidence after their Nations League success. He will hope for performances form defenders Coufal & Celustka. Midfielders, captain Darida, Barak, Jankto & Soucek, who will want to continue his club goalscoring form in support of striker Schick, who top scored in qualifying with 4 goals.
Today’s Czech Rep are not as slick as the old golden era team, but they do love to get forward. They are a physical team, who like to play direct, attacking football, with plenty of bodies piling forward from all angles. Set pieces are also important to their game.
FIFA RANK: 40
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
SCOTLAND
Best Finish: Group Stages 92 / 96
Captain: Andrew Robertson
Main Man: John McGinn
One to Watch: Che Adams
Scotland qualified for the Euro’s for only the third time in their history. They were also the last team to qualify. It must feel great compared to 2016, where they were the only UK nation not to qualify. They finished third in their group, 15 points behind Belgium and 9 points behind Russia, but 5 points ahead of Cyprus & Kazakhstan. They then went into the play off’ SF, where they beat Israel 5-3 on pens, after drawing 0-0. In the final, after being 1-0 up, they conceded a 90th minute equaliser, but still went on to beat Serbia 5-4 on pens.
Those two play off, penalty wins will fill experienced manager Steve Clarke with confidence if they get to the knockout stages, but that’s a big if. He will also be boosted by playing two games at home in Hampden Park, which could be key. But will need big performances from goalkeeper Marshall, defenders Robertson to lead the team & Tierney. Midfielders McTominay. McGregor and McGinn, who top scored in qualifying with 7 goals. As well as forwards Adams, who could be a surprise package & Christie.
Scotland are a team who want to and would like to play good football, but have come to the realisation that this cannot always be the case. So their football is based on a strong defensive foundation, being tight and tenacious, snapping into tackles and then moving the ball forward as quickly as possible. Preferably on wings, putting early crosses in.
FIFA RANK: 44
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
GROUP E
POLAND
Best Finish: QF 2016
Captain: Robert Lewandoski
Main Man: Robert Lewandoski
One to Watch: Arkadiusz Milik
Poland have qualified for their fourth Euro finals in their history and the fourth in a row. They qualified top of their group, six points ahead of Austria and only dropped four points. They are looking to at least match their decent QF finish in 2016, especially after crashing out in the World Cup 2018 group stages, winning just one game in the group.
Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa was only appointed in January, he is inexperienced as an international manger, but has managed club sides in no less than seven countries and won titles in Switzerland. He will obviously look to star striker Lewandowski, who top scored in qualifying with 6 goals. But they do have a few other stars such as Szczesny in goal, Glik & Bednarek at the back. Klich, Zielinski & Krychowiak in midfield, with the very capable Milik up front, who could benefit from all the attention being on his captain.
With their strengths being at the top end of the pitch, its no surprise that Poland like an attacking, direct style of play. They utilise the wings to get crosses into the box as often as possible, but can get the ball on the ground and play if necessary.
FIFA RANK: 21
PREDICTION: LAST 16
SLOVAKIA
Best Finish: Last 16 2016
Captain: Marek Hamsik
Main Man: Marek Hamsik
One to Watch: Milan Skriniar
Slovakia have qualified for the second Euro’s in a row and second in their history. In 2016, they got to the last 16 and will do well to emulate that again this time. They qualified by finishing third in their group, four points behind Croatia and a point behind Wales. They went to the play off SF, where they beat Rep of Ireland 4-2 on pens after drawing 0-0. Then in the final, they beat Northern Ireland 2-1 after extra time, this was after conceding an 88th minute own goal.
Manager Stefan Tarkovic only took over prior to the play off final, when the manager was sacked. Securing a place in the finals was enough to get him the job permanently. He has tried to embed some youth into his ageing squad, but will look to the experienced players such as keeper Dubravka, Influential defender Skriniar & Pekarik. Midfielders Kucka, and captain Hamsik, who joint top scored in qualifying with 3 goals, along with young exciting striker Bozenik. They also have striker Duris, who scored their extra time winner.
The Slovakians were always known for playing, or trying to play, neat and tidy pass and move football, looking for a probing or killer pass in the box. More recently, they have kept the same, patient build up, but some of their attacking play has given way to a more defensive style.
FIFA RANK: 36
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
SPAIN
Best Finish: Winners 2008 / 2012
Captain: Serio Busquets
Main Man: Alvaro Marata
One to Watch: Adama Traore
This is Spain’s eleventh euro appearance, only Russia and Germany have appeared in more. Following their back to back successes, inevitably, they’ve had to transition, especially after going out in the last 16 at Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018. They have however, reached the SF’s of the Nation League, which included a 6-0 win over Germany. They qualified top and unbeaten, five points from Sweden, conceding just one goal at home, so will be confident playing in their home stadium.
Manager and fan favourite Luis Enrique, took over after their second last 16 exit at the World Cup, and has really shaken things up. He has embraced the transition period by bringing in some youth and leaving out some stars of the golden era. That said, he still has plenty of stars such as De Gea, Azpilicueta, Alba, Laporte, Busquets, Thiago, Koke, Gerrard, surprisingly Traore who will add a very different element to Spain and Morata, who joint top scored in qualifying with four goals, along with Rodrigo & Ramos who both didn’t make the full squad.
We all know the Spanish pass and move footballing philosophy that brought them back to back titles. This still remains, however, Enrique has tweeked that philosophy a little, with Spain not only just playing tika-taka football, but they will be a bit more direct with more crosses in the box.
FIFA RANK: 6
PREDICTION: QUARTER FINALS
SWEDEN
Best Finish: 3rd 1992
Captain: Andreas Granqvist
Main Man: Sebastian Larsson
One to Watch: Robin Quaison
The Swedes have qualified for the Euro finals for the sixth time in a row, but in the last five tournaments they have only got out the group stages once. They qualified runners up, five points behind Spain, but four points above Norway. They were unbeaten at home and only lost away to Spain.
It still remains to be seen how much of a loss Zlatan will be to manager Janne Andersson. Although the team have banded together since, its tournaments like these where his loss might be felt the most. That said, opportunity knocks for the existing stars to step up, such as defenders Granqvist & Lindelof, midfielders Forsberg, Cleasson and the experienced Larsson. Also, forwards Berg & Quaison, who top scored in qualifying with 5 goals.
Sweden like to play a measured and methodical style, where they are patient in the build up, making the ball do the work. They like to stay rigid in their formation, with players behind the ball, trying to win it early then keeping possession to tire out their opponents.
FIFA RANK: 18
PREDICTION: QUARTER FINALS
GROUP F
FRANCE
Best Finish: Winners 1984 / 2000
Captain: Hugo Lloris
Main Man: Antoine Griezmann
One to Watch: Kylian Mbappé
The World Cup holders are making their 10th appearance in the Euro’s. They are probably still hurting from losing the final in their own back yard to Portugal in 2016. They qualified top, but just two points ahead of Turkey, who took four points off them. They have been to the final of the last two major tournaments, and have made it to the Nations League SF later this year. Is it too much to say even a group of death will not stop them from making it to a third major final in a row?
In 2018 manager Didier Deschamps become only the third man to win the World Cup as a player and manager. He will now try to become the first man achieve that feat in both major tournaments. He certainly has the squad capable. If bringing back Benzema wasn’t enough, he can still call on the likes of Lloris, Verane, Pavard, Pogba, Kante, Griezmann, Mbappe and Giroud who top scored in qualifying with 6 goals.
France are a physical outfit who like to play free flowing, attacking football, with athletic runners. They can play both fast paced direct football, or slow it down and play a patient build up, with neat, pin point, precise passing and clinical finishing.
FIFA RANK: 2
PREDICTION: WINNERS
GERMANY
Best Finish: Winners 72/ 80 / 96
Captain: Manuel Neuer
Main Man: Toni Kroos
One to Watch: Serge Gnabry
Germany are playing in their 13th Euro finals, no nation has appeared in more and they are the best performing nation in this competition. They qualified top, two points ahead of Netherlands and were unbeaten away. They have gone out in the semi finals of the last two Euro, but since, they exited in the group stages of World Cup 2018 and after finishing 3rd in the 2019 Nations League, they failed to get to the SF’s this time after losing 6-0 to Spain.
Manager Joachim Low will do everything in his power to end his 15 year reign on a high. The 2014 World Cup winner has gone with experience in the squad, as he recently recalled Mullar & Hummels, to add to the likes of Neuer, Rudigar, Sule, Kroos, Gundogan, Sane, Havartz, Kimmich, Werner and the always exciting Gnabry in a very strong looking squad.
The Germans have a typically organised and well structured style of play, where they like to work from the back through to the attackers. Previously there were more a methodical outfit, but now have added pace and directness, where they can turn opponents instantly.
FIFA RANK: 12
PREDICTION: LAST 16
HUNGARY
Best Finish: 3rd 1964
Captain: Adam Szalai
Main Man: Adam Szalai
One to Watch: Roland Sallai
Hungary are appearing in their fourth Euro finals and second in a row, after failing to qualify for a major tournament since 1986. For qualifying through the most unlikeliest of paths, they were rewarded with the group of death. They qualified by finishing fourth, behind Croatia, Wales and Slovakia. They went into the play off SF, beat Bulgaria 3-1 away. Went to the finals and beat Iceland 2-1 scoring in the 88th and 92nd minute.
Manager Marco Rossi a former defender in Serie A, replaced the previous manager after he failed to qualify for World Cup 2018. His job got even harder when he lost star man Dominik Szoboszlai through injury. So will need the likes of goalkeeper Gulacsi, defender Fiola & Orban, who joint top scored in qualifying with just two goals. Midfielders, Kleinheisler & Nego, also strikers Szalai, Nikolic and Sallai to really perform.
I am not old enough to remember the great Hungary teams of old, but apparently this modern team have been trying to emulate them. They try to play neat and tidy football, keeping the ball ticking over with plenty of options and movement off the ball. However, with an Italian manager, they have worked on being more defensively sound.
FIFA RANK: 37
PREDICTION: GROUP STAGES
PORTUGAL
Best Finish: Winners 2016
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Main Man: Cristiano Ronaldo
One to Watch: Diogo Jota
The holders are back to defend the title they won so unexpectedly against the home team in France 2016. This is the seventh time in a row they have qualified for the Euro’s and each time they got to the QF’s or further. They surprisingly qualified runners up, three points behind Ukraine, but three points ahead of Serbia. Although they followed up their Euro success by becoming the first ever Nations League champions in 2019, they will not relish this group of death, which could make their knock out path very difficult.
Manager Fernando Santos will attempt to win back to back Euro’s, but regardless, he knows his name is secured in history after delivering two titles. In his quest to win a third, he will again call on the players he knows are capable of delivering trophies, such as the one and only Ronaldo, who top scored in qualifying with 11 goals. Rui Patricio, Dias, Pepe, Cancelo, Moutinho, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Carvalho, Jota & Joao Felix.
Naturally, Portugal are full of flair and play attacking, free flowing football. They have an abundance of technically gifted footballers, which allows them to play a slick pass and move game, probing for the right openings. However, when it’s necessary, they can play on the counter attack with quick, athletic runners.
