Page 6 - Soccer360 Issue 106

PREVIEW - UEFA EURO 2024
‘IT IS HARD TO LOOK PAST FRANCE AND ENGLAND AS THE TWO MAIN FAVOURITES’
ATIME
EUROS
s we arrive at Euro 2024, it feels refreshing that we finally have a major international tournament that isn’t being overshadowed by widespread controversy or major disruption. Discussion over the past two World Cups has surrounded the questionable choice of hosts while the previous running of the European Championships was delayed by a year due to a
global pandemic, with matches then staged all across the continent in front of largely half-empty stadiums. This time, it should be all about the football, and there is so much to be excited about for the big kick-off on June 14.
A lot of eyes will be on hosts Germany, who are under pressure to perform in front of their expectant fans and looking to right the wrongs of the past few major finals, which have all ended in disappointment. With the tactical nous of Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, they come into this with a whole new energy and could emerge as true contenders if they were to get off to
a positive start, especially with the fervent atmosphere of the locals behind them.
As it stands, however, it is hard to look past France and England as the two main favourites. The 2022 World Cup runners-up have an almighty squad led by superstar Kylian Mbappe and have the greatest pedigree of all the teams at the finals, while Didier Deschamps is looking to add the final piece of the jigsaw as Les Bleus
EURO 2024 IS FINALLY
HERE AND AS THE EAGERLY AWAITED TOURNAMENT
GETS UNDERWAY, STEPHEN DONOVAN CASTS AN EYE ON THE FAVOURITES AND WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN GERMANY.
coach by winning the Euros. As for England, they are desperate to end their 58-year
wait for tournament success, and with the exceptional array of talent they possess, anything other than victory would be a crushing blow.
Elsewhere, Portugal look like a team to watch after a perfect record in qualifying, Iberian rivals Spain are in fine form after winning the UEFA Nations League, and holders Italy will sense an opportunity to reign again under wily head coach Luciano Spalletti. It would be foolish to count
out the likes of Belgium, Croatia, and the Netherlands either. Beyond that, there is sure to be a surprise package or two.
There are other things to look out for too, such as Georgia competing in their first major finals; heavyweight clashes in the group stage; semi-automated offsides, and intriguing tactical battles. This is Euro 2024, and it promises to be memorable.
4 SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024
RIGHT, ABOVE:
Germany will have huge backing from their home fans throughout the competition
RIGHT:
Italy will be sensing a repeat of their Euro 2020 success