As Euro 2024 qualifying gets underway, we take a look at the early frontrunners to lift the trophy in Germany next year.
Naturally, the hosts are among the favourites to go all the way. But with powerhouses such as France, England and Spain also in the mix, it feels like any number of teams could triumph in Germany.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the top contenders.
After failing to advance from a World Cup group that contained Spain, Japan and Costa Rica, the Germans will be eager to make amends for their shortcomings in Qatar.
As the host nation, Germany are favoured to secure the silverware next year, with rising superstars such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Karim Adeyemi leading the charge.
Having reached back-to-back World Cup finals – triumphing in 2018 before falling short on 2022 – France certainly know what it takes to go deep into a major tournament.
Led by the almost unstoppable Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus will go in search of their first European Championship crown since 2000, having finished as runners-up on home soil back in 2016.
England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup before losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy. In Qatar, the Three Lions were knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.
Gareth Southgate’s squad is teeming with attacking talent, but can the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka finally end England’s trophy drought next year?
Spain won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 before reaching the semi-finals last time out. However, La Roja suffered a disappointing last-16 exit from the 2022 World Cup.
Luis de la Fuente has replaced Luis Enrique in the managerial hot seat, with young guns like Pedri, Gavi, Nico Williams and Ansu Fati ready to front the new generation.
After winning Euro 2020, Italy failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup altogether. Still, Roberto Mancini’s men are among the favourites to go all the way in Germany.
With up-and-coming stars such as Wilfried Gnonto and Sandro Tonali joining stalwarts like Leonardo Bonucci and Marco Verratti, the Italians should ruffle more than a few feathers.