Euro 2024: Group stage preview

As the countdown to Euro 2024 in Germany draws nearer, football fans throughout Europe and around the world are eagerly awaiting the spectacle that promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

With the tournament set to kick off with the hosts Germany going head-to-head with Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich on June 14th, let’s take a closer look at the matchup and dynamics that lie within each of the group stages. 

Group A – Germany, Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland

Germany are the third favourites in the Euro 2024 winner odds at 6/1, and they should top Group A with relative ease to build confidence ahead of the knockout stages. 

Behind them should be a very close race for second. Switzerland and Scotland didn’t end their qualifying campaigns in the best of form, which could see Hungary, who went unbeaten, nab second.

Group B – Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania

There tends to be a ‘Group of Death’ at every major tournament, and the title this year goes to Group B as Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania face off. 

Spain and defending champions Italy should qualify for the knockouts on paper, but Croatia have proven tricky opponents in big competitions recently and Albania topped their qualifying group.

Group C – Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England

Favourites with those placing a bet on Euro 2024, England’s quest to win their maiden European Championship will start against Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia. 

The Three Lions should top their group, followed by Denmark. However, the Danes were lacklustre at the 2022 World Cup and will need to perform better on the big stage to hold off the Central Europe rivals.

Group D – Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France

Another very tough-looking group, second favourites France and the Netherlands will meet again after facing each other in qualifying. 

They should have what it takes to secure the top two places in Group D, but Poland and Austria will not be pushovers. 

Group E – Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine

This is likely Belgium’s Golden Generation’s last chance to achieve something at a major tournament, and Domenico Tedesco’s side have been handed a winnable group. 

Ukraine are the most likely side to follow Belgium into the knockout rounds, according to the bookmakers, but Slovakia and Romania had good qualifying campaigns and can’t be ruled out. 

Group F – Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

At 39 years of age, this is probably Cristiano Ronaldo’s last major tournament with Portugal, and Roberto Martinez’s men should top Group F with relative ease after winning all 10 of their qualifiers.

Many pundits and fans alike tipped Turkey to be their dark horse at Euro 2020, but ‘The Crescent-Stars’ failed to even pick up a point after losing all three of their group games, so they will be hoping to make amends in Germany. 

The Czech Republic will likely be their biggest danger for the second spot, while Georgia will be hoping to make a good account of themselves in what will be their first major tournament appearance.

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As the stage is set for an exhilarating month of football, fans can look forward to a rollercoaster ride of emotions, drama, and unforgettable moments. 

With so much talent on display and the potential for surprises lurking around every corner, Euro 2024 promises to be a tournament to remember.