Euro 2024 Predictions: Who Will Win, England's Journey, Surprise Teams, and More Insights
Euro 2024: Predictions on the Tournament’s Outcome
As the excitement for Euro 2024 builds up, football enthusiasts are eager to speculate on who will lift the coveted trophy and which teams will smash expectations. The Standard Sport football writers have weighed in with their expert predictions, providing a comprehensive look at what fans might expect. Notable among them, Dan Kilpatrick, Simon Collings, Nick Purewal, and Dom Smith, firmly believe that France has the edge to clinch victory. On the other hand, Malik Ouzia stands by the host nation, Germany, as his top contender.
England’s Expected Performance
Turning to England, there’s a consensus among the writers that Gareth Southgate’s men will make it to the semi-finals. Despite high hopes, concerns regarding injuries among defenders and uncertainties in the midfield loom large. With talents like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham poised to shine, coupled with the reliable Jordan Pickford in goal, England’s journey is expected to be an intense one.
England’s Key Players
Declan Rice stands out as a pivotal figure in England’s campaign, bringing his exceptional midfield abilities to the fore. Alongside him, Jude Bellingham, known for his dynamic play and versatility, is predicted to be another standout performer. Jordan Pickford’s consistent performances make him a dependable choice between the posts, adding strength to England’s defense.
Golden Boot Contenders
Shifting focus to individual accolades, the writers agree that Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Mbappe’s incredible speed and finishing skills, paired with Kane’s clinical goal-scoring ability, make them clear favorites to vie for the top scorer’s accolade. Their performances will be crucial in dictating their respective teams' progress in the tournament.
Surprise Packages
The unpredictable nature of international tournaments often throws up surprise performances, and Euro 2024 is expected to be no different. The writers see the Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, and Turkey as potential surprise packages. Turkey, with its blend of experienced and emerging talents, could catch many off guard. Similarly, the Netherlands’ vibrant attacking prowess makes them a team to watch. Hungary and Ukraine, often underestimated, possess the grit and tenacity to cause upsets.
Why These Teams?
Hungary’s resurgence in recent qualifiers has highlighted their potential to compete with the top teams. Their disciplined defense and tactical approach could disrupt higher-ranked teams. Ukraine, led by a mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, has the depth to challenge traditional powerhouses. The Dutch squad, revitalized with young talents and a new tactical outlook, promises to bring excitement to the tournament.
Tournament Highlights to Watch
Beyond team performances and individual accolades, several aspects of the tournament pique the interest of both fans and writers. The unpredictable nature of international football, where anything can happen, stands out. The possibility of witnessing Cristiano Ronaldo’s final bow on the international stage adds another layer of intrigue. Additionally, novel tactical innovations by various teams could redefine traditional strategies and bring an element of surprise to the matches.
Conclusion
Euro 2024 promises to be a thrilling event filled with surprises, memorable performances, and intense competition. Whether it’s France living up to the hype or Germany capitalizing on their home advantage, or even an underdog story from Hungary or Turkey, the tournament will undoubtedly carve out its place in football history. Fans worldwide will be glued to their screens, hoping their predictions come true while savoring every moment of the beautiful game.
