Germany Gears Up for Euro 2024 Opener, France and England Tipped as Favourites

Euro 2024 is set to commence this Friday in Germany, with the continent’s top football teams competing for the prestigious title currently held by Italy. Germany will face Scotland in the opening match in Munich, with hopes high for a journey culminating in the final in Berlin on July 14.

This tournament marks the first major men’s international event hosted by Germany since the 2006 World Cup. After the pandemic-delayed Euro 2020, which took place in 2021 with limited crowds across various cities, Euro 2024 promises to bring a concentrated football festival to Germany. Matches will be held in ten stadiums, from Hamburg in the north to Munich in the south, offering fans a unified and vibrant tournament experience.

A United Germany?

Philipp Lahm, the director of Euro 2024 and captain of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team, expressed hopes that the tournament would foster unity in a time of political division and disunity across Europe. The competition starts shortly after far-right parties made significant gains in the EU parliament elections, and as Europe continues to grapple with the war in Ukraine.

“I hope at the very least the Euro will lead to a more united Germany again,” Lahm stated. A strong performance by Germany, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann and featuring stars like Toni Kroos, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala, could help achieve this unity.

France and England Favoured

France and England are strong favourites for the title. France, Europe’s top-ranked team, has appeared in the last two World Cup finals. With Kylian Mbappe now at Real Madrid, France aims to redeem itself after a disappointing exit at the last Euros.

“Kylian is our captain and a great leader. We will need him to be at his best,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.

England, runners-up in 2021, are optimistic about their chances. With key players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham familiar with German soil, expectations are high.

“We want to make history,” said England midfielder Declan Rice. “We have a confidence that we can go there and do something really special.”

England’s campaign starts against Serbia on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, while France and England could potentially meet in the semi-finals if they both top their groups.

Challenges Ahead

Italy, grouped with Spain, faces an uphill task in defending their title but remain competitive. Gianluigi Buffon, former Azzurri goalkeeper, insists, “This Italy team is underrated and very competitive.”

Portugal, the 2016 champions, also remain strong contenders, still led by Cristiano Ronaldo at 39.

This tournament, the third to feature 24 teams, allows smaller nations like debutants Georgia a chance to compete. However, injuries are a concern, with notable absences like Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands and Robert Lewandowski missing Poland’s opener due to a thigh injury.

As Euro 2024 kicks off, all eyes are on Germany for a month of thrilling football and the possibility of a new champion rising.