EURO 2024: 6 leading contenders for the title from each group

The EURO 2024 contenders and favourites.

EURO 2024: 6 leading contenders for the title from each group

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:30 - 05.06.2024

All you need to know about the favourites for the title from each EURO 2024 group.

The road to EURO 2024 glory is taking shape as the top nations across Europe have been paired into their groups.

With some mouth-watering clashes on the horizon, let's take a look at the key contenders who'll be fancying their chances of getting their hands on that famous Henri Delaunay trophy in Germany next summer.

EURO 2024: The Big Hitters

  • Group A - Germany

You can never rule out the hosts, can you? Julian Nagelsmann's Deutschland have hit a few bumps in the road of late, but on home soil, they'll be a different beast.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is saddled with restoring Germany's glory days.
Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is saddled with restoring Germany's glory days. | Imago

With a spine including the likes of Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz and the emerging Jamal Musiala, they'll certainly be there or thereabouts come the business end.

  • Group B - Croatia

Dark horses no more! Croatia were the surprise package at Russia 2018, riding the brilliance of Luka Modric all the way to the final.

Luka Modric will be needed to lead Croatia again in a major tournament.
Luka Modric will be needed to lead Croatia again in a major tournament.

While the years are creeping up on their golden generation, underestimate them at your peril.

With a bit of savvy management from Zlatko Dalic, they could be a real banana skin with Modric, six-time Champions League winner, expected to lead again.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic
  • Group C - England

Is it finally coming home? England fans have been dreaming ever since that heartbreaking Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Gareth Southgate has an ocean of talent to call upon, with Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and others ready to take the tournament by storm.

Phil Foden celebrates his sixth Premier League title with Manchester City | Credit: Instagram

However, can the Three Lions handle the pressure when the big lights come on?

  • Group D - France

Wow. Just wow. Look at the names in that French squad - Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, William Saliba, and N’Golo Kante.

Kylian Mbappe is officially a Real Madrid player
Kylian Mbappe is officially a Real Madrid player | Credit: IMAGO

The list goes on! The former World champions and their boss Didier Deschamps' will be the team to beat in Germany.

But can anyone stop them from adding the European Championship to their 2018 World Cup title?

Didier Deschamps with the 2018 world cup trophy | Imago
  • Group E - Belgium

The golden generation's last hurrah? Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and co have already achieved great things, but that elusive major trophy still alludes them.

With a few old heads and an injection of new blood like Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere, could the Belgians spring a surprise in 2024?

Kelvin De Bruyne and his fellow golden generation have another chance to bring glory to Belgium.
Kelvin De Bruyne and his fellow golden generation have another chance to bring glory to Belgium.

All eyes will be on the likes of De Bruyne, Lukaku and young manager Domenico Tedesco.

  • Group F - Portugal

The old warhorse and Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo just keeps on going, doesn't he?

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the spotlight for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the spotlight for Portugal. || Imago

Portugal's captain Marvel will be 39 come Euro 2024, but you just know he'll be champing at the bit to add another major honour to his glittering CV.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and co will need to be at their best to give Ronaldo one last tilt at the big one.

Bruno Fernandes is another player who will be key for Portugal at EURO 2024.
Bruno Fernandes is another player who will be key for Portugal at EURO 2024.

So there you have it - an epic struggle looming in Germany in less than two weeks.

Whichever nation comes out on top, we're guaranteed a festival of world-class football to get us all out of our seats.

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