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The Euro 2024 tournament has officially begun! With the Euros, Copa America about to start and the Olympics coming up, it’s a summer of unforgettable football action. Get those matchsticks at the ready because at its peak we’re talking almost 11 hours of football goodness in a single day. 👀
We’ve got our eyes on six powerhouse nations - Germany, Spain, England, France, Belgium, and Portugal - each coming to the party with a story to tell and a history to be written. We’ll take a closer look at some key players who could make all the difference for their teams.
Germany is playing with house money. They have home field advantage and no real expectations on their shoulders. After opening the tournament with a record breaking barrage against helpless Scotland, the Eagles are flying high.
Gündoğan’s magical vision and passing have been pivotal for Barcelona this season, contributing crucial goals and assists. His leadership and playmaking can steer Germany to glory.
Havertz has been on fire for Arsenal, becoming a key part of their title chase. His recent goal-scoring and playmaking form make him Germany’s ace in the hole for Euro 2024.
Somehow finding themselves overlooked and underrated, the current World Cup holders are a team no opponent is keen to be drawn against. Now they’ve broken the major title barrier, are the floodgates open for European domination?
Rodri’s defensive solidity and precise distribution from midfield have been key for Manchester City, helping them win an incredible four consecutive league titles. Can he perform for country at the level he does for Pep?
He might not get as much attention as wonderkid Lamine Yamal, but this 21 year old basque kid is one of the most dangerous wingers around. With opponent’s attention focused Spain’s right side, Williams may find a window to unleash his powers.
Dear England. Building on a final’s appearance in Euro 2020, plus a semi-final journey in the last World Cup, England’s squad is packed with talent. Watching England play doesn’t always inspire calm and confidence (to put it mildly), but if they can overcome the pressure, anything is possible.
What more can be said about one of the hottest football talents in the world right now? Fresh off winning both La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, Bellingham’s composed, elegant play and goal-scoring from midfield are unmatched. He’s already bagged one to earn a rare opening win, how far can the 21 year old take the team?
Could Euro 2024 be the canvas for Palmer’s brilliance and creativity? Is he the antidote to ‘Southgateball’? (Sorry Gareth). A ton of England fans are hoping gets an opportunity to get on the pitch and prove those hat tricks are just part of the package.
The reigning World Champions, France’s squad is as deep and talented as any, ready to add another trophy to their collection.
Mbappé’s lightning speed and clinical finishing. A move from one giant to another at Real. One of the top scorers in Europe and most followed players in the world. His ability to turn a game on its head in an instant makes him France’s key to success. After a collision in the opening match, he might be out for the next two games. Perhaps we'll see Mask-bappé make an entrance?
Griezmann’s experience and brilliant playmaking have been vital for Atlético Madrid. His knack for creating and scoring goals ensures he remains a pivotal figure for France.
Belgium’s golden generation have stumbled at the start. Brimming with potential, can they make the most of their talent? Surely their goal is get further than the Quarter Finals, but first they need to get out of the group!
De Bruyne’s world-class vision and passing have once again been pivotal for Manchester City, driving their success in the Premier League. Belgium will again rely on his playmaking genius.
You cannot not include Lukaku. A consistent enigma hoping to smash doubts about his effectiveness as a goalscorer on the big stage. His presence in the box makes him a constant threat and Belgium’s main man up front. Everyone knows he can knock in several, if he can forget his shaky international form. A player that everyone wants to see succeed.
Led by the indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal combines seasoned veterans with exciting young stars. Their first match saw them grasp victory in the driving rain after going a a goal behind. Portugal are always a threat. Rarely considered on the same level as France and Spain, they're always ready to prove themselves again.
Ronaldo, Mr Euros, the living legend, continues to defy age with his performances at Al-Nassr. If he scores in Euro 2024, he’ll be the oldest scorer ever at a European Championship, adding another record to his illustrious career. Let's face it, when he's on the ball, the eyes of the whole world are on him. He's still fast, has a big bag of tricks, and tons of top level experience. Such is the power of Ronaldo, he talked the ref down from giving his teammate a yellow card in the opener. Don't miss the chance to watch him before it's too late.
Dias has been a rock at the back for Manchester City, his leadership and defensive prowess crucial in their treble-winning season. He will be the cornerstone of Portugal’s defence.
So there you have it, a little taster of what's been and what's to come. Football, football and more football. Apologies to the teams we didn't list, we see you Ukraine, we see you both Slovenia and Slovakia, not to mention Serbia and Croatia and Czechia. Netherlands, yes you might not have a classic team right now, but we see you. Italy, we definitely see you too and yes maybe as last tournament's champions they should have made the cut, but then we'd have to talk about THAT GOAL. Oh yes, Albania! What an entrance! Hungary and Switzerland, you are far from forgotten. Scotland, nice that you tried. Denmark! Poland, Austria, Turkey and Georgia, well, make it on the list next time! And then Romania, what. a. start!
