Euro 2024 is finally upon us, with Germany facing Scotland in the Allianz Arena this evening. Throughout the tournament, the German Football Weekly will be covering the national team’s campaign & providing some matchday previews for all 51 fixtures! Let the summer spectacle begin…

Germany v Scotland

On the 14th of June, the European Championships will finally be upon us. Hosts Germany face Scotland in Munich, kicking off a 51-match spectacle that will culminate in a final at the Berlin Olympiastadion 31 days later. 

Germany, 3-time champions of this competition, will be clear favorites for Friday’s opener, but their record and performances have been spotty at best since the groupstage exit at the 2022 World Cup. Since the start of 2023, Germany have won only 5 of their 14 fixtures. This damning trajectory cost Hansi Flick his job in September, with Julian Nagelsmann appointed in his place. The 36-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in the managerial game, and after some initial teething problems, he seems to have imparted a new vision and personality to this side. The return of Toni Kroos, and the introductions of Robert Andrich and Maximilian Mittelstädt, have revolutionized Germany’s fortunes. Nagelsmann’s side registered two eye-catching victories over France and the Netherlands in April to lift the nation’s spirits again. 

That Germany remains a work in progress is clear, but there is nevertheless an elite level of talent at Nagelsmann’s disposal to give the host nation a strong case for making a deep run in the competition. 7 players in the final roster competed in a European final, and the 26-man squad has the optimal mix of veteran experience and youthful exuberance. While they aren't expected to dominate, Germany’s individual quality and electric stadium atmosphere has the potential to make it all the way to the Olympiastadion in Berlin!

Though hopes of journeying to the final seem fanciful for Scotland, the Tartan Army will nevertheless be licking their lips at the prospects of spoiling the party in the very first match of the tournament. Reports suggest that up to 200,000 Scottish fans will be journeying to Germany, hoping to see their nation register its first victory in a major tournament since 1996.

With 100-to-1 odds of winning the competition, Scotland are amongst the biggest outsiders, but The Tartan Army can nevertheless take confidence from an impressive qualification campaign. Steve Clarke’s side lost just 1 of their 8 qualification matches, and in March, they even managed a sensational 2:0 victory over heavy favorites Spain. If Scotland are to stage another remarkable upset this Friday, another inspired performance will be needed!

Prediction: Germany Win

Hungary v Switzerland

To complement Group A’s opening match between Germany and Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland open the action on Saturday with a 3 pm kickoff in the Rhein-Energie Stadium in Cologne. Hungary are amongst the most interesting tactical outfits at this tournament, with the Italian Marco Rossi spearheading the side in the managerial dugout. Rossi stays true to his catenaccio roots with an iron-clad 5-man defence, but in attack, Hungary play with the creative freedom to regularly overload opponents in wide areas. The ball is never far from the feet of captain and Liverpool ace Dominik Szoboszlai. 

The young Hungarian had a solid, albeit unremarkable, debut campaign in the English Premier League. Szobsozlai featured in 33 of Liverpool’s 38 league matches, but he registered only a disappointing 3 goals and 2 assists. However, despite some domestic struggles, in the national team he continues to reign supreme. Szoboszlai became a national hero after scoring the winner in a playoff final ahead of the 2020 Euros, & this time around, he was once again decisive 4 goals and 4 assists throughout qualification. 

Switzerland, Hungary’s upcoming opponents, are blessed with talent but seem to lack tactical guidance. After barely qualifying from a mediocre group that contained Romania, Israel, Belarus, Kosovo, and Andorra, there was a strong argument that Switzerland should part ways with long-time manager Murat Yakin ahead of the tournament. Yet, the 49-year-old stayed on board, and now, he will be hoping to get the best out of a squad that is playing at the highest level in the domestic game. Captain Granit Xhaka won the league and cup double in Germany, Yann Sommer was a Scudetto winner in Italy, and Manuel Akanji brought Manchester City to their 4th consecutive Premier League title. 

Whether this talented ensemble can finally help Switzerland past the dreaded quarter-final remains to be seen, but they should have enough quality to at least overcome Hungary and make it out of the groupstage for the 6th tournament in a row. 

Prediction: Switzerland Win 

Spain v Croatia

Spain v Croatia is the first match of Group B, but it just as well has the makings of a semi-final or final in this competition. Two dark horse title favorites could make a major statement with a victory on Saturday. 

For Spain, 3 points are almost commonplace to kick off a EURO campaign. They have not lost their opening match at the EUROS since 2000 (0:1 defeat to Norway), and they have made it out of their group in each of the last 4 championships. Jesús Navas is now the only player from the era of dominance between 2008 and 2012 called up to this summer’s tournament, but there is nevertheless a young generation of up-and-coming talent who could make their first steps for Spain this summer. 

Lamine Yama (16 yrs) is a tantalizing teenager from the famed La Masia academy, while the in-demand Nico Williams (21 yrs) could add a few more 0’s to his price tag with an impressive tournament. Williams ended a 40-year Copa Del Rey title drought with Athletic Club in May, and already, top clubs like FC Arsenal, FC Barcelona, and FC Bayern are circling for his signature. 

Hoping to inflict defeat on this Spanish side are Croatia. This minuscule Balkan nation continues to drastically overperform in the footballing world. This summer they will again count amongst the outside contenders for the title. In the past decade, they have consistently gone toe-to-toe with giants of European football, but Spain have nevertheless consistently proven an obstacle too large. In 2021, Spain eliminated Croatia from the European Championships in extra time, while in 2023, Spain again won late on with a penalty shoot-out deciding the UEFA Nations League final. 

This history of defeat will potentially weigh on Croatia’s mind, but the motivation in the camp will be high given that this will be the final tournament for numerous stars of the golden generation. Luka Modrić is 38, Ivan Perišić and Domigoj Vida are 35, and the likes of Marcelo Brozović, Andrej Kramarić, and Mateo Kovačić are all also over the age of 30. If Croatia’s golden generation wants to add silverware to the trophy cabinet, it needs to come this summer! 

Prediction: Draw

Italy v Albania 

The reigning European champions are in action on Saturday, facing off against Albania in the famed Signal-Iduna Park; the home of Borussia Dortmund. It's been less than 3 years since Italy lifted the Henri Delaunay Cup, but a lot of turmoil has occurred in the ensuing years. 

Italy failed to qualify for a second World Cup in a row, Roberto Mancini shockingly resigned from his managerial post in August, and star midfielder Marco Veratti is no longer an option for the Azzurri after leaving European football for the allure of Saudi money. 

The strong performances of Italian sides in European club football have brought some confidence back to the national team, but there are still some significant question marks for manager Luciano Spalletti to iron out ahead of the tournament. 

The biggest question of all comes up top where Italy have major doubts over a consistent center-forward who can lead them to glory. Only 4 of Italy’s 16 goals throughout qualification were scored by a center-forward, and major doubts persist concerning the Azzurri’s two major threats. Mateo Retegui has a solid record at the international level, however, he enters the tournament after managing just 2 goals in his final 14 league appearances for FC Genoa. Gianluca Scamacca, on the other hand, has been in tremendous form for Europa League winners Atalanta, but the talented Italian forward has never made it work in the national team dress, with just 1 goal in 17 senior appearances 

Hoping to capitalize on Italian weakness are the underdogs from Albania. Most would write off the Kuqezinjtë given the difficult group they have been drawn into, but Albania have proven throughout qualification that they are capable of upsetting the odds. Sylvinho’s side did not just directly qualify but stormed to a top spot finish in a group that also featured tournament regulars Czech Republic and Poland. Though Sylvinho’s Brazilian roots would lend themselves to expansive attacking football, defensive fortitude proved key to qualification. Albania conceded just 4 goals in 8 matches. Only Portugal and France held better defensive records throughout qualification. 

Prediction: Draw

Poland v Netherlands

Poland face the Netherlands in the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg to kick off proceedings on Sunday. Poland endured a treacherous journey to their 5th European Championship in a row. A limp national team selection finished only third in their qualification group. Thus, the playoffs proved the road into the finals, with Poland comfortably dispatching of Estonia, before booking their ticket in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out against Wales 5 days later. 

It's a massive accomplishment for Poland to make it to another major tournament, but whether they have the quality to reach the knockout stages is debatable. Amongst all 24 sides at the competition, no one scored fewer goals in qualification than The Eagles. 

And this floundering attack is not helped by some troubling injury news ahead of the tournament. Juventus star Arkadiusz Milik has been ruled out of the tournament with a muscle tear, while Poland’s talisman, Robert Lewandowski, will also miss at least the opening fixture with a muscle injury of his own. 

Hoping to capitalise on Poland’s supposed weakness are one of the most exciting sides in the competition, Holland. Ronald Koeman’s side will hope for a smooth start to this year’s competition, with two very difficult fixtures awaiting in the form of France and Austria. The Oranje have been a difficult side to judge over the past 18 months. They have comfortably dispatched of inferior opponents, but any considerable matchup has ended in a Dutch defeat. Matches against France, Croatia, Italy, and Germany all ended in a loss for Koeman’s side, leaving a tense atmosphere amongst the faithful fans who will cross the border en masse for this competition. 

Holland too have had some bad luck ahead of the tournament. The midfield trio of Teun Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong, and Martin de Roon have all been ruled out of the competition. All 3 could have been starters at this year’s showcase, meaning Koeman will need to adjust on the fly to find a winning formula in Germany. 

Prediction: Netherlands Victory

Slovenia v Denmark

The MHP-Arena in Stuttgart hosts the second match on Sunday between Slovenia and Denmark. It’s a fixture both sets of fans have grown accustomed to, with the two nations also drawn into the same qualifying group. Denmark had the upper hand in qualification - The Danes topped the group, and took 4 points off of Slovenia - but manager Matjaž Kek will be happy to call upon one of the most in-form centre-forwards in Europe for the all-important match at the European Championships. 

Benjamin Šeško - a top target for FC Arsenal - enters the competition in red-hot form. The Slovenian youngster scored in each of his last 7 Bundesliga fixtures for RB Leipzig and led the national team in qualification with 5 goals. While he didn’t manage to score against Denmark in the qualifiers, the Danish defense will need to be at the top of their game to keep him off the scoresheet once again in Stuttgart. 

Fortunately, a solid defense has been at the heart of recent Danish performances. Kasper Hjulmand’s side have not lost a single match in 2024, and across 4 fixtures, they have conceded only 2 goals. 

While he won’t be leading the defense, 32-year-old Christian Eriksen is also another all-important figure for Denmark’s hopes of another deep run in the competition. The Manchester United midfielder was one of the faces of the tournament 3-years ago, albeit for all of the wrong reasons. On June 12, 2021, Eriksen collapsed in a fixture against Finland, enduring a cardiac arrest that saw him even pronounced dead for 5 minutes. 

That the Dane has not only returned to health but continued to play football at the elite level is a remarkable achievement from everyone involved in his recovery. In what could possibly be his final tournament on the international stage, it would be a remarkable achievement to see Eriksen lead this Danish outfit to a European final. 

Prediction: Slovenia Win

Serbia v England

Though Serbia have become a regular fixture at recent World Cups, a European Championship appearance is foreign territory for this Balkan nation. Serbia last qualified for the European Championships as part of Yugoslavia in 2000, with 6 players in the current squad never seeing their country ever compete in this competition. 

Thus, the excitement within Serbia is at an all-time high despite a string of poor results preceding the summer event. A qualifying group with Hungary, Lithuania, Montenegro, and Bulgaria was not the most difficult on paper, but Dragan Stojković’s side made life difficult with just 2 wins from their last 6 qualifiers. The Eagles have won only one of their last 5 matches, and star striker Dusan Vlahović enters this summer’s competition off the back of a slight scoring drought for Juventus. The 24-year-old has failed to score in his last 5 Serie A matches and has scored just once in his last 10. 

A lack of talent across the squad isn’t necessarily a concern for England manager Gareth Southgate. Particularly in midfield, there is an excess of talent that is making things difficult for the manager of the tournament favorites. For example, Cole Palmer will potentially start on the bench despite registering a remarkable 22 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League season. 

In defense, however, there are bigger question marks. Luke Shaw will likely start at left-back despite barely maintaining any fitness over the past 6 months, while the pre-tournament preferred centerback partnership of Marc Guehi and John Stones have never played a competitive fixture together. 

England were also shown their potential limitations in an embarrassing pre-tournament defeat to Iceland. England failed to capitalize on chances and were punished when Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson scored after only 12 minutes. England will need to be at the top of their game if they don’t want to suffer another scare against this ambitious Serbian outfit. 

Prediction: England Win

Romania v Ukraine

For the first time since 2016, Romania have qualified for an international tournament. It is a massive achievement for the Transylvanian nation, but also one which never looked in doubt following a commanding qualifying campaign. Edward Iordănescu’s side didn’t lose any of their 8 qualifying fixtures, and even ended the groupstage with a sizable 5-point gap to Switzerland in second place. When you consider that 5 years ago Romania finished 4th in their qualifying group and won just 4 of their 10 matches, it puts into perspective what a tremendous job Iordănescu has done. 

A key performer for this side is 22-year-old Radu Dragusin. The defender started all 10 fixtures in qualifying for Romania, helping Iordănescu’s side maintain one of the best defensive spines in all of qualifying (5 goals conceded in 10 fixtures.) Dragusin has started just 4 matches since signing for Tottenham Hotspurs in January, but his talent is undeniable, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes a regular at the North London outfit. 

Ukraine will be equally proud of an impressive and successful qualifying campaign. Due to the conflict in the country, not a single match in the qualifying campaign could be played in Ukraine. To be able to give the nation a moment of respite through the power of international football is a grandiose achievement that all of Europe should embrace with open arms. 

This squad also has the talent to be more than tourists at this upcoming championship. Artem Dovbyk and Viktor Tsygankov are a tantalizing attacking duo who helped Girona record a historic 3rd place finish in the 2023/24 La Liga campaign. The pair combined for 32 goals and 15 assists, and will hope to bring this same attacking output into a difficult first-round fixture at Euro 2024. 

Prediction: Ukraine Win

Belgium v Slovakia 

Belgium and Slovakia close off group E on Monday afternoon. They face off in the Deutsche Bank Park; the home of Eintracht Frankfurt. The days of Belgium’s golden generation are numbered, with this esteemed class born between 1985 and 1995 slowly making way for a new generation of ‘Red Devils’. To leave without a major title, or even an appearance in a major final, is bitter. Furthermore, Belgium football has much to make up for at this championship after failing to make it past the groupstage in the most recent World Cup. 

Fortunately, since the disaster in Qatar, the FA have taken strong steps to steer a new era into action. Talents like Amadou Onana and Jérémy Doku have been expertly integrated into the first eleven, while the bold appointment of 38-year-old Domenico Tedesco last February has unequivocally paid off. Belgium have not lost any of his 13 matches in charge, including a 2:2 draw with England, and 3:2 victories over Germany and Austria. 

A key performer for Tedesco is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian forward will likely move clubs in the summer, with a strong European Championship key in helping him land another move at a top European destination. The 31-year-old has lost a bit of pace in recent seasons, but in front of goal, he remains a killer. The Belgian forward scored a sensational 14 goals in 8 qualifying fixtures. To no surprise, it was the most of any player to feature in qualifying. 

Slovakia will be well warned of Belgium’s potential, despite playing a strong qualification campaign of their own. Francesco Calzona’s side conceded only 8 goals across 10 matches to finish second in their group behind Portugal. The Italian influence runs deep throughout this Slovakian side. Calzona remains an assistant manager at Napoli whilst coaching the Slovakian side, and 6 players in the squad play in Italy. 

The undisputed star man, Milan Skriniar, may no longer play in Italy, but after a difficult season, it is easy to forget that he started a Champions League final just over 12 months ago. Skriniar’s move to PSG has been hampered by ill fortune, poor form, and injuries. Slovakia’s captain has started only 5 matches for PSG in 2024, with the EUROS potentially an opportunity to regain some form after a dreadful start to life in France’s capital. 

Prediction: Belgium Win 

Austria v France 

As far as dark horses go, there are few better candidates than Austria. ‘Das Team’ have looked revitalised since the appointment of Ralf Rangnick in June 2022. The 65-year-old is a certified club builder, injecting his football knowledge and enthusiasm into the DNA of every club he works for. Rangnick has implemented this same all-encompassing approach to international management and reaped significant rewards. Austria have lost just one of their last 16 matches with Rangnick on the sideline - a 3:2 defeat to Belgium - and 6 of the 7 matches leading up to the European Championship have all ended in a resounding victory. 

That Rangnick possesses the qualities to quickly form a group into a team is clear, but he is also helped by the fact that almost the entire squad is familiar with the high-intensity football he preaches. Countless players in the squad have played for a Red Bull club in their career, allowing an easy translation of skills into the national team setting. 

On matchday one we will get an immediate picture of how capable Austria could be at this summer’s tournament. France, ranked second on the FIFA world rankings, are amongst the favourites for the title this summer, and will prove a stern test of Austria’s quality. ‘Das Team’ have not won against France since 2008, and Didier Deschamps is hoping to maintain this record with a tried and trusted pool of talent. 10 players from the final squad also featured at the last European Championships 3 years ago. 37-year-old Olivier Giroud remains in the squad, N’Golo Kanté returns after almost 2-years abstinence, and Adrien Rabiot retains his place despite playing a mediocre campaign in Turin. 

For Deschamps, it is less about radical overhaul or tactical innovation, and more about matching personalities and getting the unique individual talents out of this deeply gifted side. 

Which manager’s unique ploy will come out on top will be one of the most exciting storylines to watch out for across the opening days of the tournament!

Prediction: Draw 

Turkey v Georgia

Turkey v Georgia may not lend itself to a footballing spectacle, but there may not be a single matchup that features a more electric stadium atmosphere this matchday. That Turkey can argue for having a ‘home soil’ advantage at these championships is not an understatement. 

As of 2020, numerous sources state that there are up to 7 million Turkish immigrants or descendants living in Germany. That is over 12% of the entire German population! While results have been inconsistent from the Turkish national team - in the past 6 months they have beaten Germany 3:2 and lost to Austria 6:1 - there will be a powerful force behind them from the first whistle on Tuesday. 

Furthermore, there is a high level of young talent who will breathe in a new generation of Turkish excellence this summer. 7 players under the age of 23 have been called up to the squad, and with an average age of 25.8, only the Czech Republic have a squad with a younger average age at this year’s tournament.

Georgia, a tiny country on the Asian border, entered the tournament as the only new debutante. Though the country's footballing pinnacle is almost 40 years in the past, the allure of the sport still reigns supreme, and fans will be out in their droves to support their nation on such a monumental occasion. 

With the worst odds of any side in the competition - 450-to-1 - Georgia will likely make due with just the glory of participating, but they do have a substantial x-factor in the form of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Napoli winger had a subdued campaign as his side finished 10th in Serie A, but all of European football will know what he is capable of after claiming 17th place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings. 

Prediction: Draw

Portugal v Czech Republic

The final match of gameweek 1 pits Portugal against the Czech Republic in the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. Portugal may not be amongst the circle of favourites, but they enter the competition with one of the most impressive qualification campaigns in modern history. Roberto Martinez’s side won all 10 of their matches, scoring a competition high 36 goals, and conceding a competition low 2 goals. 

A colossal feature in this success was the ever-young Cristiano Ronaldo. Though 39 years old, the Portuguese forward remains a killer in front of goal. Ronaldo scored 10 goals across 9 qualifying matches and mustered an eye-catching 35 goals in 31 matches in the Saudi Pro League. It’s a conundrum whether Ronaldo’s presence helps or hinders the national side, but without another Portuguese forward firing regularly at club level, he will have a starting position at the upcoming championship. 

Hoping to keep Ronaldo from scoring in the opening match of an international tournament for the first time since 2016 are the Czech Republic. The Nároďák were one of the darlings of the last tournament cycle, upsetting an impressive Dutch side in the round of 16, before narrowly bowing out to Denmark in the quarter-finals. The key man in 2021 was undoubtedly Patrik Schick. He scored 5 goals in 5 matches to end the tournament as the joint-top scorer alongside (of course) Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Schick’s career has slightly stalled with injuries over the past seasons, but the 28-year-old played an important role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic campaign and will be looking to carry this upward trajectory into the national team this summer. 

On the opposite side of the pitch, a talented Czech defender could also play himself into the headlines at this summer’s tournament. Martin Vitik (21 yrs) helped Sparta Prag retain their league title this season with almost 2000 minutes for the famous Czech outfit. Clubs like SSC Napoli and OGC Nice have already put offers on the table, and it doesn’t feel like long before we will see the youngster make the step into one of Europe’s big 5 leagues. 

Prediction: Portugal Win