The Euro 2020 is finally upon us. The marquee event was set to be held last year, but the Covid-19 pandemic led to another major sporting event’s indefinite postponement. However, the showpiece tournament is set to commence on June 12.
For the unversed, England, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, etc. will combine to play hosts for the 24-nation tournament. Before the 16th edition gets underway, which will take place from June 12-July 11, here’s a look at the 5 strongest contenders for the coveted title:
5) England
The Gareth Southgate-led England football team is easily one of the top contenders. They have a good blend of young and experienced attacking players, giving them a perfect balance and depth. With the presence of quality players, such as striker Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, and Raheem Sterling along with young guns in Phil Foden, Mason Mount, and Mason Greenwood, etc.’s respective forms will be decisive to England’s chances.
Southgate, however, will be eager to move ahead from England’s missed chances after their 2018 World Cup semi-final exit.
4) Belgium
Such has been Belgium’s confidence that they announced their final squad for the Euro 2020 much in advance. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne’s presence is enough to cause several headaches in every opposition’s mind before taking them on. Like England, Belgium have enough depth but their coming-together-as-a-unit will be tested.
3) Italy
Roberto Mancini-led Italy can be termed as the underdogs for the tournament. Moving past their 2018 World Cup fiasco — where they failed to qualify for the first time in 60 years — they now have a culmination of the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Moise Kean, Alessandro Bastoni, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, who are enough to challenge other teams and spoil their plans.
Federico Chiesa will be one to look out for. After his dream first season with Juventus, he doesn’t look like one to get bogged down by the big stage atmosphere.
2) Portugal
The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, also the defending champions, surely make the list. Pepe, Jose Fonte, PSG defensive-midfielder Danilo Pereira, Bernardo Silva, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will look to complement Ronaldo, who will certainly be their biggest game-changer if Portugal need to replicate their last edition’s heroics.
Portugal find itself in Group F, comprising Hungary France, Germany. Hence, their journey won’t be tough.
1) France
The likes of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Tanguy Ndombele, Nabil Fekir and Houssem Aouar, etc. make France a certain contender for the tournament. They are the overwhelming favourites, as per many experts and pundits of the game, and will give other teams a certain run for their money. They have a good synchronisation among their defenders and strikers along with great quality at their disposal, with plenty of options to choose from, plus their attacking game will challenge other sides.
