Aadi's Sports Corner

With over a month to go for the Euro 2024, the buzz around the tournament is just seeming to get started if it has not started as yet. The 17th edition of the coveted tournament is set to kick-off in Germany from 15th June 2024. 

The Euros is one of the biggest footballing stages where Europe’s elite footballing nations go head to head for Europe’s biggest prize- The Henri Delaunay Cup. Many viewers might not have the excitement for this edition as for the previous ones, but let me tell you, that this one has a lot in store and as a football fan, be ready to expect the unexpected. 

France and England can be considered as the early favourites going into the tournament. The depth that these two squads possess is unmatched across Europe and with the squad size being expanded to 26, the two nations have ample of talent to board the flight to Germany. 

France, under their long standing manager Didier Deschamps, have excelled in most international tournaments, except in Euro 2020, wherein they crashed out in the Round of 16 against Switzerland on penalties. Having an early exit in 2020 and losing the World Cup to Argentina in the final in 2022, France will be looking eager to make a mark in Europe. Despite having their captain and experienced goalkeeper Hugo Lloris along with centre-back Raphael Varane having retired after World Cup’22, the French team seems to have developed more confidence and freedom in their approach to the game. Mike Maignan has fitted in well at the net and Kylian Mbappe seems to have ignited a new spirit within the team, not to forget about their famous 14-0 rout of Gibraltar in November 2023.

The English team has a young squad that is waiting to unleash itself once again on the world stage. Harry Kane will be seen leading the three lions once again after he achieved the record of the highest goal scorer for England in international football overtaking Wayne Rooney. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka have been having a phenomenal season with their respective clubs and would be looking forward to carrying this form going into the competition. Having finished runners-up in 2021 against Italy at home, England will be looking forward to going one better this time around. 

Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy are the real challengers for the trophy. Germany being the hosts will have the pressure mounting on top of them to perform at home before their fans after a series of disappointment and early exits over the years. The country will be looking to regain their lost glory by setting the tournament ablaze right from the beginning. The appointment of Julian Nagelsmann and the return of midfield maestro Toni Kroos has proved to be a turning point for the Germans with a set of positive results boosting their confidence going into the tournament. 

Portugal have not been the same since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. They seem to be missing out in the final third which might damage their title aspirations.  The team under new manager Roberto Martinez had a 11 match winning streak which was halted by Slovenia in late March. But, with Cristiano Ronaldo in their squad, one can never write off Portugal. The 39 year old striker has been in clean form in the Saudi league and would look forward to recreate the magic of 2016 to once again lift the Euros. The likes of Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes can prove to be instrumental in supporting Ronaldo up front. 

Spain have had a rollercoaster ride since they won the Euros consecutively. They have had a change of managers on numerous occasions, but don’t seem to get far in the tournament. Their most successful campaign in recent times being the Euro 2020 semi-final run where they lost out to eventual champions Italy. Does a squad filled with experience and young blood have the capacity to take the team far would be some of the unanswered questions until the tournament commences. 

Italy might be the defending champions, but their recent form has not impressed the fans. Having missed out on the World Cup qualification in 2022, Italy have just managed to qualify for the Euros under their new manager Luciano Spalletti who replaced the Euro 2020 winning manager Roberto Mancini. Italy might not have the form of 2021 going into the tournament, but can be definite challengers given their international pedigree and success.

Pundits and viewers have already written off Belgium after their golden generation failed to win a trophy and viewing their disastrous display in Qatar that saw them crash out in the group stage. Kevin De Bruyne is the new captain and even though the expectations out of Belgium are less, the significantly reduced pressure allows them to perform at their fullest potential. We all love an underdog story and if Belgium can get success at this tournament, it will be a story for the ages. 

Netherlands and Croatia will be overlooked by most, but these teams will be important in creating an interesting tournament if they manage to shock any of the big nations. Croatia have been performing exceptionally well on the international stage and would want to make this tournament a memorable one for their captain Luka Modric, who is rumoured to be retiring after the summer extravaganza in Germany. Netherlands might not have the big names, but their never give up attitude will be their mentality across the tournament.

The competition might not be have the same excitement as it’s previous editions, but it has a number of teams that will definitely make this one entertaining for fans and viewers not just across Europe, but people worldwide.