One of the greatest footballing tournaments in the world, EURO is just around the corner. The EURO 2020 scheduled last year was postponed this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 24 countries in Europe will battle to claim the silverware to become the best team on the continent.
Defending champions Portugal, 2018 FIFA World Cup winners France along with Belgium, England are favourites, while Germany and Italy will also boast confidence to lift the tournament in a month's time. Here TBC will try to answer the question which many football fans possess: ‘Who will win Euro 2020?’
For those who are unknown about the fixtures, here are the groups for EURO 2020 competition, with the top two finishers in each group going through and the four best third-place sides joining them in the knockout stage.
FAVOURITES
FRANCE
The most favourite of all has to be the reigning 2018 FIFA World Cup winners, France. Ever since becoming the world champions, it has been on a roll. France, a team that bolsters incredible talent comprising Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, N’golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and more. Although its gameplay is sure to be world-class, the tag of being the World Cup winners might just prove to be heavy.
PORTUGAL
Portugal are the defending champion, a superb goal from Eder helped country to win the coveted trophy in 2016. Since then, the side under manager Fernando Santos has maintained a high consistency, even winning the UEFA Nations League. With captain Cristiano Ronaldo showing no signs of goal-machine slowing down, it is once again will prove that they are one of the difficult teams who will lose. Along with the possession of new stars such as Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, Pepe and Bruno Fernandes, the team will look to keep the trophy in their cabinet.
BELGIUM
Considered as underdogs at FIFA World Cup 2018, the Red Devils under Roberto Martinez has been a powerhouse. Although the side has defensive problems, its strengthens incredible depth in the midfield and forward, making it a serious threat for any opponent. Currently, the world No 1 team consists likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne make the side even dangerous.
ENGLAND
Be it any world tournament, The Three Lions can never really be ruled out as title contenders. The prime reason for England to be considered contenders is its incredible possession of top players, courtesy, a huge worldwide impact of the English Premier League. With a highly talented young stars, such as Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, England will pose a great threat to the opponents. Not to forget the Gareth Southgate has Harry Kane in their side.
UNDERDOGS
ITALY
Don’t you think that the team which will boast likes Gianluigi Donnarumma, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne is easy to beat? Italy are one of the underdogs in EURO 2020. Roberto Mancini has quietly done an inspiring job as manager after taking over from Gian Piero Ventura.
The team failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was a major embarrassment. Under former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss, Italy can dominate the tournament again, with a heady mix of youth and experience forming a great balanced team.
Germany
We are sure that this is a shocker for you. It is quite rare that a Germany heads into a major international tournament such as the Euro 2020 as an underdog. Even though Germany are the joint-most successful side in the UEFA European championships with three titles, not much is expected of them in the upcoming Euros. Many may remember that The Die Mannschaft were knocked out in the group stage at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Joachim Low’s side are placed in Group F, which is considered the group of death at the competition. Germany’s group features world champions France, Portugal and Hungary. All eyes will be on Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Leon Goretzka, Ilkay Gundogan, Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich and forwards including Leroy Sane and Timo Werner.
Ukraine
This may be a surprise for many of the football fans. Featuring in Group C along with Netherlands, Austria and North Macedonia, the Ukrainians could even finish top if they start the tournament well against the Dutch side. West Ham midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko, Manchester City talented Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gent's Roman Yaremchuk are some of the players who will prove a threat to the opponents in a solid Ukraine side.
Coached by former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine is another in-form underdog which have not been beaten in six games.
