Alkass Digital
Football enthusiasts are gearing up for the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024), set to be played in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024.
As the second most prestigious international football tournament after the FIFA World Cup, Euro 2024 will feature 24 top European nations divided into six groups, competing in 10 cities to claim the prestigious crown.
In each group, the top two teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16 with four best third-placed teams also advancing.
Reigning champions Italy will defend its title against formidable opponents, including Spain and Germany, each with three trophies to their names.
The tournament promises to be a showcase of exceptional talent, with many of the world’s top players demonstrating their skills.
Here’s a look at players to watch from each national team:
Group A
Germany: The hosts, one of the favourites to clinch the title, are boasting a squad of world class players including Toni Kroos, Manuel Nueur and Leroy Sane. This year the Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is standing out as the most rising star for the home side. The attacking midfielder’s exceptional performance at Bayer Leverkusen makes him a key player to watch from the German side.
Scotland: Scotland’s captain, Andrew Robertson – the Liverpool star – is one of the best left-backs in the world for the past seven years as he was a key player for Jurgen Klopp’s tactics both in attack and defence.
Hungary: Another Liverpool player, who displayed stunning performance this year with the Reds is midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. He is now carrying out the hopes of the Hungarian fans to help his team advance from the group stage.
Switzerland: The Swiss will look for Xhaka to excel after his outstanding performance for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen under the supervision of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso.
Group B
Spain: ‘La Roja’ will enter the Euro 2024 as one of the favourites, having a squad that skillfully blends youth with experience. Key players include Pedri, Dani Carvajal, and Rodri. However, it is Barcelona’s young winger, Lamine Yamal, who has captured significant attention. At just 16 years old, Yamal has appeared in 37 games in La Liga, scoring five goals and providing eight assists.
Croatia: Captain Luka Modric, a central figure in Croatia’s third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, continues to be one of the most elegant midfielders in football history. Euro 2024 could be one of his final major international tournaments.
Italy: The defending champions come into the tournament with midfielder Nicolo Barella continuing to impress with his performances at Inter Milan. Barella’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a pivotal part of Italy’s squad.
Albania: Chelsea’s Armando Broja is leading the attack of Albania with their fans itching to see the tall striker heading the ball into the net.
Group C
Slovenia: Jan Oblak, Slovenia’s world-class goalkeeper playing for Atletico Madrid seems a tough nut to crack for the opponents after he maintained 13 clean sheets in La Liga.
Denmark: Rasmus Hojlund, the young forward at Manchester United, is quickly making a name for himself in the Premier League. He has netted ten goals this season.
Serbia: Aleksandar Mitrovic, playing for Al Hilal, has scored 28 goals in the Saudi Pro League this season.
England: Boasting one of the strongest squads in the tournament, the Three Lions are loaded with the talent including Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden. Foden’s world class performance with Manchester City helped him to be crowned as the Best Player in the Premier League with his skills in both scoring and assisting making him the most important player in the England’s team.
Group D
Poland: The Eagles will again depend much on Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski, who scored 26 goals for Barcelona in all competitions this season.
Netherlands: Virgil van Dijk, center-back for Liverpool, is revered by many as the world’s best defender. Van Dijk’s leadership and defensive skills are vital for the Netherlands as they aim to reach the final this year.
Austria: Marcel Sabitzer, a Borussia Dortmund midfielder and former Manchester United and Bayern Munich player will be the player to watch in Austrian colours.
France: The Les Bleus have Kylian Mbappe, who has continued to make the headlines. The French superstar recently moved to Real Madrid from PSG but he is focusing on winning the Euro title after finishing runner-up at World Cup in Qatar. Mbappe’s explosive pace, dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability puts him on top in the list of players to watch in the tournament.
Group E
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne, a coach on the pitch, remains a key figure for Belgium and Manchester City. De Bruyne’s playmaking skills make him the best play maker in the world.
Slovakia: Tomas Suslov, Slovakia’s promising midfielder playing for Hellas Verona. This season, he has scored 2 goals and provided 5 assists in the Seria A.
Romania: Radu Dragusin, Romania’s rising star defender playing for Tottenham Hotspur is expected to shine for his side.
Ukraine: Mykhaylo Mudryk, Ukraine’s talented winger at Chelsea scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in the Premier League.
Group F
Turkiye: Arda Guler, a 19-year-old midfielder for Real Madrid, is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. Guler is expected to be a key player for Turkiye, leading the midfield alongside Inter Milan’s star, Hakan Calhanoglu.
Georgia: Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, played a key role in their historic Serie A title triumph last year. Kvaratskhelia has become one of the best dribblers in the world.
Portugal: While Cristiano Ronaldo has been the focal point for Portugal, the spotlight this year is now also on Bruno Fernandes under the guidance of the new coach Roberto Martinez. The Manchester United midfielder is central to Portugal’s tactics.
Czech Republic: Tomas Soucek, the Czech Republic’s towering midfielder playing for West Ham United, he has scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists in the Premier League.
As Euro 2024 approaches, the anticipation for top-level international football is palpable.