Excitement is building ahead of Euro 2024, the tournament which brings together the strongest international teams from across the continent. For fans, the promise of a spectacular event in Germany is mouthwatering.
The host nation is primed and ready, boasting some of the most impressive football stadium venues in Europe that will make for an incredible matchday experience.
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And it’s the sheer quality of competing teams that makes Euro 2024 all the more enthralling. Which teams will be capable of living up to their ambitions as favourites? Will there be dark horses that romp far beyond our expectations?
Those are all great questions ahead of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, as we take an intriguing look at some of the key teams that are participating at the tournament this year.
Dark Horses with the capacity to surprise
Almost everyone who loves football enjoys watching the rise of an underdog. It’s part of what makes the game so beautiful and unexpected - we all love a shock result, unless it’s our team on the receiving end. That will be the same at Euro 2024, as we focus on four teams with the capacity to stun opposing teams and reach beyond their expectations.
Czech Republic
Despite failing to even qualify for the last four World Cup tournaments, on the continental stage, the Czech Republic has become a team that should never be underestimated.
At previous European Championships, the Czechs have either failed spectacularly or delivered remarkable performances, just as they did at Euro 2004. On that occasion the team swept through to the semi-finals, only to be narrowly defeated by Greece, who themselves caused a massive upset by going on to win the tournament.
Last time out at Euro 2020, the Czech Republic enjoyed a memorable win against the Netherlands in the Round of 16, before falling to another dark horse in the shape of Denmark. They could also be one of the most unpredictable teams at Euro 2024.
Switzerland
For such a small nation to even reach tournament finals is a big achievement, but when they habitually punch above their weight, opposing teams are always wary of Switzerland and their potential to cause upsets.
Indeed, the Swiss have developed something of a reputation for claiming major scalps, regularly beating tournament favourites and highly fancied rivals. This was evident at Euro 2020, eliminating France after a pulsating 3-3 draw where they edged to victory on penalties. In the quarter-finals they held Spain to a 1-1 draw, before being ousted on penalties themselves.
Switzerland have an uncanny ability to raise their game against the biggest opponents, therefore anyone who underestimates them will be doing so at their own peril.
Denmark
The national team is fondly nicknamed ‘Danish Dynamite’ by their fans, and they were certainly explosive at Euro 1992, going on to claim their first international tournament success. But that side was also blessed with some wonderful talents, including legends of the era such as Peter Schmeichel and Brian Laudrup.
Denmark has consistently produced quality footballers. That’s quite the achievement for a country with such a small population, which is currently still below 6 million. The current generation is also inspiring hopes for success, and merits greater attention heading into Euro 2024.
At Euro 2020, England prevented the Danes from another Viking conquest in footballing terms, although that outcome required a nervous period of extra-time. They take absolutely nothing for granted, and neither should anyone facing them at the upcoming tournament.
Croatia
Ever since the country gained independence in the 1990s, Croatia has become a hotbed for emerging players with great potential. That was evident in the first major tournaments for the national team.
Croatia reached the quarter-finals at Euro 1996, then finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France. Two decades later, they enjoyed a phenomenal run to the 2018 World Cup Final in Russia where they beat England in the semis but lost to France in the final. This highlights their capacity to cause upsets and humble rivals that are considered to be much stronger on paper.
Proving it was no fluke, Croatia were also third at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although they have yet to reach such heights in five consecutive European Championship appearances. That could change at Euro 2024, where iconic Luka Modric will hope to end his international career in a blaze of glory.
Euro 2024 Favourites with high expectations
Pundits and experts always love choosing their favourites, and that’s no different with Euro 2024 on the horizon. But various factors can also shape opinions, as we look at the four key teams boasting the strongest odds to succeed.
Spain
Everyone remembers the golden era for Spain, triumphing at consecutive European Championship tournaments in 2008 and 2012, which came either side of the 2010 World Cup success in South Africa.
However, as the genuine world-class talents that packed those teams retired, the subsequent generation of players failed to reach the same heights, eliminated at earlier stages of both competitions. But at Euro 2020 the Spaniards reached the semi-finals, eliminated by Italy on penalties, bringing heartbreak for a side that was tipped to go all the way.
Now the side known as ‘La Roja’ is blessed with an abundance of youthful talent, all of whom are tipped as rising stars with massive potential, making the Spaniards a genuine force to be reckoned with once again.
Germany
As the host nation and given their historic pedigree at major international tournaments, Germany always find themselves among the leading candidates for success. That being said, they have endured something of a downturn in fortunes.
Since winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, then reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2016 in France, the Germans have performed well below their traditional expectations. Indeed, they failed to progress beyond the group stages at the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments, and were comfortably beaten 2-0 by England in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020.
Nevertheless, it’s impossible to rule out the ambitions of Germany on their home soil, especially with several young talents making a positive impression.
France
After the heartbreak of losing the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar on penalties to Argentina, especially after talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe had scored a hat-trick in that game, it’s fair to say that France will be on a mission to go one better at Euro 2024.
Given they have such an outstanding range of depth and quality to choose from, France will arguably have the strongest squad, looking at available options and cover in every position. Team harmony is always a habitual issue for France, especially heading into major tournaments, yet they also seem to have a knack for putting those issues aside and performing well.
As the countdown to Euro 2024 begins this year, most leading bookies have priced France as joint-favourites to lift the trophy, alongside one other team with ambitious expectations.
England
The stage was set at Euro 2020 when England reached the tournament final, and had the luxury of hosting the decisive game against Italy at Wembley Stadium. But after an excellent run to the final, the roar of the Three Lions was eventually muted by the Azzurri side, who edged their way to victory via a nervous penalty shoot-out.
England have since exacted their own revenge on the Italians, beating them twice during the qualifying campaign to reach the Euro 2024 tournament. Having booked their ticket to Germany, the side led by Gareth Southgate is fully aware of their expectations, and this new golden generation of talent will be striving to achieve nothing less than ultimate success.
Now it’s down to the players themselves, including Jude Bellingham, who is arguably the best in the world right now. Only they can dictate if England are to finally match their expectations.
Alternative teams to watch at the Euros
Although we have mentioned several ‘dark horses’ to keep an eye on, alongside the primary favourites who are tipped for success, we’re sure that some readers might feel there are other teams that could fit into both categories. But in fairness, there are teams that sit in the halfway house between both categories.
Italy would be a prime example as reigning champions, yet having suffered mixed form and results over the last few years. The same applies to Portugal and their global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, capable of winning the tournament as they did at Euro 2016, although left frustrated since then.
Such narratives and fluctuating levels of performance from teams are what make football exciting, particularly when trying to predict those who might succeed or fail. Whatever teams you’re supporting or backing at Euro 2024, this all adds to the anticipation and enthusiasm among fans, given the promise of exciting matches and potential upsets along the way.
