Only two weeks after the conclusion of the European club season, international football takes centre stage with Euro 2024 in Germany.
The hosts and three-time champions get the 17th edition of the tournament underway with a Group A clash against Scotland at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 14.
Before the 24 competing teams – divided into six groups of four – begin bidding for the title, here are the European Championship predictions from The National’s sports desk.
Winners: France. The spine of Les Bleus is as strong as any in Germany, and in Kylian Mbappe, they possess the ultimate attacking weapon. Ably supported by the evergreen Antoine Griezmann, a midfield that boasts an unflappable Eduardo Camavinga and a defence that looks impenetrable with Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba, France look destined to win a third European Championship.
Surprise package: Albania. Turned heads with some wonderful attacking play at Euro 2016 and well placed to ruffle a few feathers again. Much improved under Sylvinho, the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Brazil left-back, and don’t be surprised to see them emerge from a Group B also containing Spain, Italy and Croatia.
Disappointment: Germany. Hard to remember a time when Germany entered a major tournament with such low expectations. Results have been mixed under Julian Nagelsmann and the disconnect between the team and fans is palpable, highlighted by several negative stories including having to change a shirt number design that drew comparisons to a Nazi symbol and a recent poll conducted by a public broadcaster.
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